Situated on the banks of the River Spree, the Lustgarten is one of the most atmospheric spots in the city. Originaly designed in 1573 as a garden for the Hohzollerern royal family, this was the first place in Germany where potatoes were planted - a great novelty at the time! Later it was used as a military parade ground and in 2000 it was relandscaped according to original plans and is once again full of lawns, fountains and bushes. Since then it has become a popular venue for markets, festivals and open-air concerts.