Freiluftkino Friedrichshain

Open-air stage in the middle of Volkspark Friedrichshain

The open-air cinema is located deep within Volkspark Friedrichshain, on the old open-air stage near Ernst-Zinna-Weg. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the Klinikum im Friedrichshain tram stop, and a short stroll through the park from the Landsberger Allee ring-rail station. Those coming from Alexanderplatz should take lines M5, M6, or M8 to Platz der Vereinten Nationen. The approach path leads past meadows, ponds, and old trees; bicycles are left at the racks in front of the entrance. Behind the hedge, a semicircle opens up, framed by lime and maple trees, completely absorbing the traffic noise from Landsberger Allee. The venue is operated by Freiluftkino.Berlin FKR GmbH from Leuschnerdamm, with radioeins as its media partner. For guests using wheelchairs, there is wheelchair-accessible equipment, including a barrier-free restroom with a changing table to the right of the screen, and for those with disability pass ‘B’ (Merkzeichen B), the accompanying person receives a free ticket at the box office. This semicircle is one of the largest venues of its kind in the city, and for many regular guests, the walk through the park to get there is already part of the evening experience.

Benches, Sunbathing Lawn, and Laser Projection

Inside the open-air cinema, there are about 1,500 seats on benches with backrests, plus approximately 300 chairs at bistro tables and a sunbathing lawn for those who prefer to watch lying down. Seating is unassigned, so it’s worth arriving early for the middle rows. Plenty of seat cushions are available, plus about 300 free fleece blankets on a first-come, first-served basis. The screen is large, projected with modern laser technology, and an induction loop transmits sound to hearing aids, best used in the last four rows of the middle block. The program includes current cinema favorites, classics, comedies, and thrillers, predominantly in German dubbed versions, plus a selection in original versions with subtitles. Screenings take place in all weather; disposable rain ponchos cost 1.20 Euros, and blankets and cushions are not distributed if there’s a risk of rain. The kiosk sells food and drinks at moderate prices; strollers and toddlers are explicitly welcome. The wooden benches are sturdy but not padded, so grabbing a cushion from the stack at the entrance is always a good idea. Those who want to sit right at the front should arrive significantly earlier, as these rows are taken first.