Marzahn-Hellersdorf

Marzahn-Hellersdorf - Gärten der Welt – © visitBerlin

The character of the district is defined by its contrasting architecture. Here, you'll find modern, multi-faceted buildings alongside unexpected treasures such as listed historical buildings from the 19th century. Examples of this include the Gründerzeit Museum, Biesdorf Palace and the villages of Marzahn and Kaulsdorf. There's also an incredible wealth of green spaces such as Wuhletal valley, the longest green corridor in Berlin.

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Tourist attractions

Gardens of the World' at the recreation park in Marzahn

Eight international show gardens set in 21 hectares for visitors to explore: gardens from China, Japan, Korea, Bali, the Orient, the Karl-Foerster herbaceous garden, the Italianate Renaissance garden and a number of themed gardens. The labyrinth and hedged gardens are especially popular with children. An Oriental Christian garden will open in summer 2010.

Gründerzeit Museum in Mahlsdorf manor house

The Gründerzeit Museum in Mahlsdorf manor house is furnished almost entirely in the neo-Renaissance style and was once part of the private Gründerzeit collection of Lothar Berfelde, also known as 'Charlotte von Mahlsdorf'. She became well-known for her unusual life even outside Europe through book, film and theatre productions. The collection of music machines is particularly impressive.

Old Marzahn with its trestle windmill

The village of Marzahn with its farmhouses stands unchanged amidst the high-rise tower blocks. The best way to learn about the district's agricultural history is by visiting the Vom Korn zum Brot (from corn to bread) trail. This has an educational grain garden, an exhibition of farming machines, an animal farm, the district museum and cultural attractions. However, the highlight is without doubt the fully functional trestle windmill.

Wuhletal valley trail

The well-signposted trail (16km) is a true paradise for keen walkers, cyclists and joggers. Along the marked trail there are a number of parks, gardens and historical ensembles. You can enjoy stunning views of Berlin's city centre and the surrounding region from the hills (112 metres).

Going out, cultural scene

There are a number of restaurants, cafés and bars in the Helle Mitte centre and other places where you can relax. Two large cinemas with several screens, the trendy Kiste cinema, Galerie M, Knieriem cabaret theatre, the Pyramide exhibition centre and a number of other small venues feature large in the district's cultural life. The summer concerts on Biesdorf park stage are an annual highlight. There's also plenty of fun to be had at the Freizeitforum Marzahn entertainment centre with concerts, theatre, dance, bowling, indoor sports and swimming.

Sports/leisure activities

From city golf, bowling at the LeProm and a number of other venues, rock climbing on the Wuhletal valley trail, indoor and outdoor beach volleyball, sunbathing at the Kaulsdorf lakes or strolling in the district's 15 parks, on the five well-signposted trails or in the 'Gardens of the World', the area has a number of attractive wellness, sports and leisure facilities.

Shopping

EASTGATE Berlin – stroll around more than 150 specialist stores across two floors with plenty of fashion boutiques, 1,600 metres of shop windows, numerous cafés and a food lounge. In 2009, the EASTGATE was voted Germany's best shopping centre with the friendliest service by the German Institute for Service Quality.

Events

Cherry blossom festival in the Asian gardens
May: traditional Asian festival during cherry blossom season, music, dance performances

Marzahn harvest festival
September: public festival around the historical village green in Old Marzahn (agricultural produce, arts and crafts, parade)

Biesdorf blossom festival
May: public festival at Biesdorf Palace and Park (concerts, parade, crowing of the Blossom Queen)

Hidden places

Ahrensfelder Terrassen

Dilapidated 11-storey residential blocks were transformed into desirable apartments, often with roof terraces, creating an attractive new feature in the cityscape
Havemannstraße – S 7, Marzahn

Schloss Biesdorf

This late classical country house and tower date from 1868, and once belonged to the Siemens family. Although refurbishment is still on-going, the grounds with their attractive old trees, the park stage and the ice cellar are well worth a visit.

Parkfriedhof Marzahn - Park Cemetery

Hellersdorfer Strasse 179 exhibits a 61m² concrete slab-style GDR flat from the 1980s complete with the original fittings and furnishings.

Museum Apartment

Hellersdorfer Strasse 179 exhibits a 61m² concrete slab-style GDR flat from the 1980s complete with the original fittings and furnishings.

„kulturtour à la Carte“

Hellersdorfer Strasse 179 exhibits a 61m² concrete slab-style GDR flat from the 1980s complete with the original fittings and furnishings.