Berlin’s Abandoned Spreepark Rises Again After Decades of Decay
Spreepark, once the only permanent amusement park in East Germany, has seen a long and turbulent history. Opened in 1969, it thrived for decades before financial struggles forced its closure in 2001. Now, after years of neglect, parts of the park are slowly coming back to life through restoration and public involvement.
The park first opened its gates on October 4, 1969, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the GDR. As the country’s sole permanent amusement park, it became a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. After German reunification, the site was taken over by Spreepark GmbH, led by Pia Witte, who poured around 40 million Deutschmarks into upgrades and new attractions.
The reopening of the Eierhäuschen and the Ferris Wheel’s renovation signal steady progress in Spreepark’s revival. With ongoing public engagement and careful restoration, the site continues to reclaim its place as a cultural and recreational landmark in Berlin.