IGA Berlin 2017: Everything You Need to Know About the International Garden Exhibition

In mid-April, the International Garden Exhibition in Berlin finally opened its doors for nature lovers from around the globe. To welcome the first 40,000 visitors, there were hail showers, colorful fields of flowers, and a speech by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Until October 15th, the established gardens and over 5,000 events are expected to attract nearly two million people to Berlin Marzahn. We will show you what to expect when visiting the IGA Berlin and what you shouldn't miss in the expansive 104-hectare site.

Under the promising motto 'A Spectrum of Colors,' the International Garden Exhibition Berlin aims to provide tourists and locals with a diverse incentive to visit the district of Marzahn, known more for its gray panel buildings. The IGA Berlin takes place on nearly 104 hectares. Visitors will find the IGA grounds located where the Gardens of the World have provided a flower-rich oasis away from urban life for decades. Among the themed gardens, the IGA organizers have installed garden cabinets, and visitors can stroll through a tropical hall, admire the Los Angeles Garden by German artist Martin Kaltwasser, or learn about native plants at the newly created Wuhleteich. However, the highlight of the garden exhibition is the ride on the newly opened cable car, which takes you to the 102-meter high Kienberg, to the viewing structure Wolkenhain, and back across the garden landscape.

From April 13, 2017, to October 15, 2017: The ticket counters at the two main entrances of the IGA 'Gardens of the World' at Blumberger Damm and 'Kienbergpark' on Helllersdorfer Straße are open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Entry is allowed daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and visits to the park are permitted until dusk.

The day ticket/evening ticket allows for one-time entry on any day until the end of the IGA on October 15, 2017. Owners of a season pass can use it freely and daily. Adults pay €20 for a day ticket and €90 for a season pass. Students and unemployed people pay €18 for a day ticket and €80 for a season pass. It gets cheaper for those under 17; they pay only €5 for a day ticket and €20 for a season pass. There are additional discounts for groups. You can purchase tickets at sales points or simply online as a self-print.

Find out more here about all ticket options.

You can best reach the IGA site by car or public transportation. The organizers recommend the latter, as there are no parking spaces available near the IGA. So, it's best to switch to the train. Luckily, it runs every 5 to 10 minutes towards 'Gardens of the World.' The IGA Berlin is still within fare zone B, so you only need to spend €2.80 for a single ticket or nearly €6 for a day ticket. The quickest way is using the U5 line towards Hönow, which takes you from Alexanderplatz to Kienberg in half an hour. A ride on the S-Bahn Line 5 or Bus Line 195 is also possible. The tram line M6 also heads towards IGA Berlin. An even more environmentally friendly option is cycling. This way, you can combine your IGA visit with a bike tour through Berlin and along Wuhletal via bike routes TR7 and RR8.

Around 5,000 events await visitors at this year's International Garden Exhibition in Berlin, including classical music concerts, rock and pop performances, musical shows, and a colorful environmental education program. There will also be interactive discovery tours, plant knowledge sessions, and plenty for young visitors. However, you should definitely not miss the ride on the cable car, which is included in the ticket price. From here, you have the best view of the floral diversity and countless themed gardens and floral artworks.

Have fun at the IGA Berlin!