New outdoor stairs on the Spree: Berlin is becoming a water oasis!

New outdoor stairs on the Spree: Berlin is becoming a water oasis!

There's a lot happening on the water in Berlin! By 2027, new open stairs and waterfront promenades will be built on the Spree, which will enrich the leisure activities in the heart of the capital. How moz.de reported, the palace staircase at the Humboldt Forum is of particular interest. It will be designed to be barrier-free and will have an elevator in the southwest corner to provide access for all visitors.

The new structural measures are no coincidence. The “National Urban Development Projects” program aims to improve the quality of life around water. The outside staircase will be made of robust granite and sandstone and will be built over a stable reinforced concrete structure. Including the necessary building materials, the costs amount to around 7 million euros for the outside staircase and an additional 33.9 million euros for the waterfront promenade, which will also be good for the city structure berlin.de supplemented.

Leisure and relaxation by the water

The waterfront promenade will not only look beautiful, but will also provide space for leisure, sports and games. This makes a stay by the water a real experience. An additional water feature at the base of the new stairs will provide an opportunity to cool off on hot days. Despite these innovations, swimming in the Spree remains prohibited because shipping traffic and environmental regulations play a crucial role here moz.de continues.

The city has seen the number of hot days almost triple in recent decades, further highlighting the need for such development. New trees planted as part of the project are intended not only to enhance the view, but also to improve the microclimate in the area.

Challenges and opportunities

But the plans are not without challenges: the “Flussbad Berlin” project is currently experiencing major difficulties. The technical issues and the water quality are still unclear, which severely affects the implementation of the ideas. As long as fundamental questions about feasibility and hygiene remain unanswered, swimming in the river will remain taboo. The Federal Environment Agency emphasizes that urban water development is confronted with various requirements and that the balance between use and ecological aspects must be maintained.

However, the implementation of projects around the Spree also offers an opportunity to strengthen the urban quality of life. Near-natural rivers not only promote recreation, but also help stabilize the urban climate. Through appropriate planning, the habitat for flora and fauna can be improved while at the same time creating open spaces for the population. A real win-win situation that can help balance the demands of urban development.

The planned construction work on the banks of the Spree, which began in June 2025, will certainly take some time, but the wait will be worth it. One thing is certain: the new staircases and waterfront promenades are a step in the right direction for a livable and environmentally friendly city!