The park's name translates to 'Rabbit Heath,' referencing the area's history as a royal hunting ground for rabbits in the 17th century.
The Rixdorfer Höhe hill reaches an elevation of approximately 68 meters above sea level and is composed of debris cleared from Berlin after the Second World War.
Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, the 'Turnvater' (Father of Gymnastics), founded the first German 'Turnplatz' here in 1811, introducing equipment like parallel bars.
A bronze statue of Friedrich Ludwig Jahn stands near the park entrance, marking the historical significance of the site to German sports culture.
The park is home to a protected population of European ground squirrels, which are rarely seen in other inner-city parks.
The 'Trümmerfrau' monument honors the women who cleared rubble from the streets of Berlin following the aerial bombardments of 1945.
Hasenheide serves as an important ecological corridor connecting the park with the adjacent Tempelhofer Feld to the south.
Volkspark Hasenheide is a 50-hectare landscape park located on the border of the Neukölln and Kreuzberg districts. The park features a small animal enclosure, known as a mini zoo, which houses deer, goats, and various birds. Historically, the site served as a military parade ground and the location of Germany's first gymnastics field established by Friedrich Ludwig Jahn in 1811. The grounds contain a memorial dedicated to Jahn and several sculptures, including the 'Trümmerfrau' monument. Visitors can access a dedicated open-air cinema, the Freiluftkino Hasenheide, which operates during the summer months. The park terrain includes varied elevation, with the Rixdorfer Höhe hill offering a vantage point formed from World War II rubble. Extensive paths accommodate walkers, joggers, and cyclists traversing the tree-lined avenues. It is a central green space in a densely populated urban area, frequently utilized for community events and seasonal festivals.
The summit of the Rixdorfer Höhe for a panoramic view of the park's canopy and the surrounding cityscape.
Check the Freiluftkino schedule in advance if you plan to visit for an evening film screening.
Bring sturdy footwear, as the trails leading up the Rixdorfer Höhe can be steep and uneven.
The park is popular for weekend picnics, so arrive early to secure a spot in the shaded meadows.
Avoid walking alone in secluded wooded areas of the park after dark.
The Freiluftkino open-air cinema operates only during the summer months; the park itself is open year-round.
Keep dogs on a leash in designated areas and remain on marked paths to protect the local squirrel population.
