It’s not just colorful flowers that make spring more beautiful; plants with bright berries are also absolute eye-catchers in nature. While tulips, cherry blossoms, and rhododendrons can be seen in full bloom around Berlin, especially from mid- to late April, there are other plants that catch the eye much less frequently. Among them is the sea buckthorn, bright orange and incredibly versatile. It’s used to make numerous products, whether for drinking, eating, or skincare. And that’s exactly why there’s a charming spot near Berlin where you can learn all about this special plant, buy products, and enjoy nature at the same time. We’re talking about the Petzow Sea Buckthorn Garden, one of the most beautiful destinations around Potsdam, especially if you want to combine nature, food, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Unlike traditional parks, the Petzow Sea Buckthorn Garden is an experiential destination centered around the sea buckthorn plant, nestled among lakes, fields, and open countryside. The garden is located in the Petzow district directly on Lake Glindow and is about a 45- to 60-minute drive from Berlin. It is generally open daily from April through October from around 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while opening hours are slightly shorter in winter. This makes it an ideal spot for a half-day or weekend trip.
The Sea Buckthorn Garden was specifically designed around the cultivation of sea buckthorn, a bright orange fruit known for its high nutrient content. Spanning about three hectares is a lovingly designed experiential garden, which is part of a much larger cultivation area with up to 150 hectares of fields around Petzow. The focus is on bringing the entire process—from cultivation to the finished product—to life. As a result, the place feels less like a traditional park and more like a combination of nature, a workshop, and a destination for a day trip.
On site, you’ll find a relaxed, green setting with sea buckthorn plants, wild fruit areas, and a herb and fragrance garden. Quiet paths and plenty of places to sit invite you to explore the grounds at your own pace. The atmosphere feels almost like a little countryside getaway, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
A special highlight of the Petzow Sea Buckthorn Garden is the “Orangerie” café and restaurant, which overlooks the lake. Here you can sample sea buckthorn in a wide variety of forms, such as cakes, juice, ice cream, or liqueur, complemented by hearty snacks and small dishes. It is precisely this combination of nature and culinary delights that makes a visit here particularly varied and well-rounded.
The on-site farm shop offers a wide range of products made in-house, including juices, jams, liqueurs, cosmetics, tea, and sweets. The selection includes a total of about 50 to 70 different sea buckthorn products, making a visit the perfect opportunity to take home some regional specialties.
In addition, the garden offers fascinating insights into the production process. In the so-called “glass production facility,” you can watch how sea buckthorn is processed. The experience is complemented by an educational trail and guided tours available upon request, making the site offer much more than just a classic stroll.
