In summer, Berlin’s numerous green areas can become overcrowded, and not everyone is lucky enough to be able to spontaneously leave the city. In this case I look to Pankow – well within the reach of the public, but already far away from the sieges of Berlin’s more central parks. The Volkspark Blankenfelde-Pankow, with 34 hectares of greenery, is just a fraction of the natural paradises just outside the city. Directly behind it, the landscape of the Naturpark Barnim stretches to the horizon, providing much more to discover. It’s best to begin your journey at the park’s listed greenhouse and have a bite to eat at Café Mint. The homemade scones with clotted cream and marmalade leave absolutely nothing to be desired. To go with your scone, have an original English Earl Grey in a pretty traditional English teapot. (Text: Stephanie Johne)
Café Mint, Mittleres Gewächshaus, Botanischer Volkspark Blankenfelde-Pankow, Blankenfelder Chaussee 5, 13159 Berlin-Pankow; map
Fri-Sun & holidays 11-17h
