Strolling through Schlosspark Biesdorf it’s hard to believe this tranquil park has seen so much history. Schlosspark Biesdorf also called Stadtpark Biesdorf is a park in Berlin. This green oasis spans over 14 hectares in the Biesdorf district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf. Its story began in the 18th century as part of a manor.
Let’s step back in time to 1868. Hans-Hermann von Rüxleben built a castle here. He also created the park. The park initially covered about four hectares. Von Rüxleben started by building an ice cellar. This cylindrical structure was 3.80 meters in diameter and 7.50 meters high. Workers gathered ice from the Wuhle River in winter. This ice kept food fresh for almost half the year.
Around 1900, architect Paul Hentschel transformed the ice cellar. He integrated it into a harmonious garden ensemble. A double curved staircase of red Main sandstone was added. Twelve ornamental spheres adorned the structure. A small pond was created in front of the ice cellar. Its ice helped cool the storage rooms.
Later, Günther von Bültzingslöwen acquired the park. Sadly, he neglected its upkeep. Georg Wilhelm von Siemens then expanded the park. In 1889, he commissioned Albert Brodersen to redesign the green space. Further changes occurred in 1898. The park was completely fenced in. It reached a total size of 14 hectares.
Gardeners planted Linden trees from the castle’s portico. These trees formed a straight Linden avenue. An art nouveau gate designed by Paul Hentschel marked the park’s boundary. It faced a path lined with red oaks leading to the Ostbahn railway. West of the Linden avenue, two lawn tennis courts appeared. Elly von Siemens likely requested a rectangular tea pavilion.
Near the tea pavilion, gardeners created a small garden. This garden featured roses, fruits and herbs. Conifers and exotic plants added beauty. Cone-shaped false cypresses framed the ice cellar staircase. Tubs with plants stood on the sides of the stairs. Redthorn trees grew on the sunny southern side. They were shaped into balls. Numerous native trees completed the park. These included beeches, oaks, lindens, chestnut trees and maples.
In 1927, Berlin purchased the park. It opened to the public a year later. A children’s playground replaced the tennis courts. A deer enclosure was added for visitors. The original bowling alley became changing rooms. The tea house vanished during World War II. It was used for fuel. Some older trees were also cut down.
After the war, the park underwent major changes. A cemetery and memorial hall were built. They honored members of the Red Army and civilians who died in the war’s final days. About half the park was enclosed by a brick wall. This division ran from Dorfstraße to the portico. It continued west of the Linden avenue. The northern part of the park remained open. In 1951, garden architect Johannes Mielenz created redesign plans. Restoration of paths continued until 1955.
In 1956, the Biesdorf Park Stage was built. It accommodated 2,000 visitors. A sand playground was added to its north. The cemetery was dissolved in 1958. The remains were moved to Marzahn Park Cemetery. The cemetery wall disappeared a year later. In the 1960s, the park was fenced along Globsower Straße. A children’s swimming pool was added. It closed in 1980 due to hygiene concerns. From 1961, holiday programs took place in the park and castle. In the early 1970s, Schlosspark Biesdorf was redesigned. In 1979, the Schlosspark Biesdorf and the castle were listed as historical monuments.
After German reunification in 1990, Schlosspark Biesdorf saw a fresh start. Concrete surfaces were removed. Historical aspects of the park were restored. This included rejuvenating trees and replanting. In 1998, a copy of Werner von Siemens’ bust was placed on the original sandstone stele. A tea pavilion was rebuilt based on historical designs. By 2000, 165 new trees were planted. In 2012, Schlosspark Biesdorf received the Green Flag Award. In June 2021, a memorial stone was placed at the former grave field for fallen soldiers.
The Schlossteich or castle pond is about 30 by 15 meters. It is nearly one meter deep. A fountain enriches the water with oxygen. It adds a Mediterranean flair. The pond and ice cellar were restored in 1998.
Today, a path leads from the park’s southwest corner past the Rittmeisterhaus to the castle. A circular path surrounds the castle. Two winding paths explore the eastern part of the park. A Linden avenue crosses the park from south to north. Every May, the historical tree blossom festival is held in the park. Schlosspark Biesdorf stands as a testament to time. It blends history, nature and recreation.