Slowly but surely, it’s getting warmer in Berlin and spring is on its way. Not only is the capital itself coming to life, but so are the meadows and forests in the surrounding area. This makes this time of year perfect for a few day trips. The Seddiner See Boulders Garden is an extraordinary place that brings the forces of nature from the last Ice Age to life in an aesthetic way. This garden resembles an open-air geological museum, where hundreds of huge stones—so-called boulders—are arranged like silent witnesses to a bygone era . The site offers you the chance to literally touch Brandenburg’s geological history.
Back to the Ice Age
The history of the Seddiner See Boulders Garden is closely linked to the geological formation of northern Germany. About 20,000 years ago, massive glaciers from Scandinavia not only pushed sand and gravel before them but also transported boulders hundreds of kilometers south. When the ice melted, these “strangers” remained in the soil of the Mark.
Today’s boulder garden was created to preserve these stones, which are often discovered during construction work or in gravel pits in the region. Each exhibit tells its own story about its origins from millions of years ago. The entire site is a 25,000 m² open-air exhibition. In 2006, the exhibition was expanded to include sculptures by contemporary artists
Hands-on science
On site, you’ll experience a blend of educational trail and relaxation spot. On the expansive grounds, winding paths lead past stones of various colors, shapes, and sizes, often accompanied by information panels detailing their age and rock type. You should definitely touch the millennia-old surfaces while you’re there. Having been transported by ice, they are often polished smooth.
The garden is nestled within a park-like setting that invites you to linger and have a picnic. And since the Great Seddiner See is just a short walk away, a visit here can be perfectly combined with a hike along the lake shore. And as soon as it gets a little warmer, you can even take your first dip in the cool water right here!
