Have you heard of the roughly 15.9-hectare silted-up bog in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf? Tucked away between the Olympic Stadium, Murellenschlucht, and the Waldbühne is the Ruhleben Fließwiese. A biotope that has beena protected nature reserve since 1959 and stands up to the big city.
The untouched moor reveals the wild, pristine marshland that once characterized our region before it was drained and developed. If you’re into more water-based adventures (mixed with a spooky atmosphere), then you should definitely check this place out!
Ruhleben Floodplain: From Wet Moor to Floating Carpet
The main attraction of the excursion (the eastern core area of the Ruhleben Fließwiese) changes its appearance depending on the season. In the spring, large parts are completely flooded, and the water pools around the old tree trunks.
In late summer, however, the cool water recedes significantly. Then, the remaining water surface transforms into a bright green carpet thanks to millions of tiny duckweed plants. All around, black alders and ash trees tower overhead, giving the whole scene a primeval forest backdrop.
A paradise for amphibians and rare birds
7 documented amphibian species frolic in the shallow water, including the extremely rare and strictly protected crested newt. Cranes and gray geese also appreciate the seclusion and regularly use the area as a breeding and resting ground.
If you explore the western area further toward Spandau, you’ll come across the foothills of the second Ruhleben Fließwiese. There, dry, warm biotopes with fine sandy dry grasslands break up the forest landscape and reveal another facet of the primeval hill range.
Your Trip to the Countryside
By car, head to the area via Heerstraße (B2/B5) and Glockenturmstraße, where you can usually find plenty of parking spaces at the entrance to the Waldbühne (unless an event is taking place).
By public transit, take the U2 to the Ruhleben terminal or the S-Bahn to the Pichelsberg station. From either stop, it’s a 10- to 15-minute walk into nature.
📍 Ruhleben Floodplain, 14052 Berlin & 13597 Berlin
📆 Open 24 hours a day, accessible year-round
⏳ 1 to 2 hours for a leisurely stroll
💵 Free
ℹ️ More info
