Berlin, January 29 – Berlin is preparing to introduce its first ‘Garden Street’ on Danneckerstraße in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, a project inspired by the successful Rue Jardin in Paris. The initiative, spearheaded by the Greens, aims to convert a section of the street into a fully planted pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancing urban green spaces.
Parisian Inspiration for Berlin’s Urban Greening
The concept for Berlin’s ‘Garden Street’ draws directly from the Rue Jardin in the 13th Arrondissement of Paris, which, since summer 2025, has provided a park-like route lined with perennials and woodland plants. Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg’s district mayor, Clara Herrmann (Greens), was particularly impressed by the Parisian model during her visit last October. “We were very impressed by the Gartenstraße,” she stated, highlighting the inspiration for Berlin’s new urban greening project.
Danneckerstraße: From Road to ‘Garden Street’
Plans are now in motion to transform Danneckerstraße in Friedrichshain’s Rudolfkiez. A budget of €1.6 million has been allocated for the project, which will involve the deconstruction and replanting of the road section between Rudolfstraße and Rotherstraße. This area, known as Rudolfplatz, has already functioned as a pedestrian zone since 2020, featuring trees and shrubs in tubs, an initiative the district refers to as Klimastraße. However, the new ‘Garden Street’ plans signify a more radical and extensive ecological urban conversion.
Controversy and Criticism from the Opposition
Despite the environmental ambitions, the proposal has met with opposition. Marita Fabeck, a CDU district councilor, expressed skepticism regarding the direct applicability of the Parisian model to Berlin. “Paris is often staged by the Greens as a great role model for a car-free city and it is strongly romanticized in the process. However, a short reality check is enough to ground this myth: Berlin is about 8.5 times larger than Paris in terms of area, and has different traffic flows,” Fabeck commented. She further argued that the city should prioritize investing in existing green spaces, which she claims are often neglected and littered, rather than creating new ones.
Berlin’s Green Initiatives in Focus
Despite the criticism, Mayor Herrmann continues to champion Berlin’s green projects. She is currently showcasing climate initiatives in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, such as the traffic-calmed Bergmannstraße and Lausitzer Platz, to employees of the Paris city administration. This suggests that Berlin’s commitment to ecological urban development is robust and potentially on par with the French capital’s efforts.
The Future of Urban Green Spaces in Berlin
The ‘Garden Street’ project on Danneckerstraße represents a significant step in Berlin’s urban planning, aiming to integrate more green infrastructure into the city’s fabric. The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar transformations in other areas, contributing to a more sustainable and pedestrian-friendly urban environment. The debate, however, highlights ongoing challenges in balancing ambitious ecological goals with practical urban realities and diverse political perspectives.
As Berlin progresses with these plans, the implementation and long-term impact of the ‘Garden Street’ will be closely watched, both by proponents of urban greening and by those who advocate for different approaches to city development. The project is expected to be completed by 2026, offering a new model for urban living in the German capital.
Source: https://www.the-berliner.com/english-news-berlin/plans-for-berlins-first-garden-street/
