Architecture

Architecture

Berlin is something of an upstart in the world of European capitals. As a city, it didn’t really get going until the 19th century. But then it took off in style – especially with regard to its architecture. In just a few years, the home of the Hohenzollern family had developed into a major conurbation with more than a million inhabitants. But Berlin is a city in flux. A "new" Berlin has clearly emerged since the fall of the Berlin Wall, but the city is still constantly evolving.

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What began with peaceful squatting in 1979 has grown together into a unique alternative centre today. The international cultural centre ufaFabrik Berlin is located on...

In July 2008 six representative Berlin Modernism housing estates were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The estates, built between 1919 and 1934, are outstanding...

The east part of the city was also hit by devastating war demolitions. The first designs for the reconstruction after 1945 were not yet shaped by the East-West...

After the War’s end, the urban planning’s primary task was the rebuilding of the destroyed city in both halves of the city. In the west, the areas of Kurfürstendamm...

The opening of the Jewish Academy means that the nearby Jewish Museum Berlin now has access to a research centre which connects various educational institutions. The...

Spandau is five years older than Berlin, as long-time residents sometimes like to stress proudly. This is perhaps because, despite all the new buildings, the long...

The Amerika Gedenkbibliothek (AGB) is one of the biggest libraries in Berlin. It is a present from the USA to the people of Berlin after the Soviet blockade (1948/...

The opening of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation's Archaeological Centre in Spring 2012 saw the national museums of Berlin bringing together...

Today, this 7,000 sqm venue at the edge of the Spree River is the site for countless concerts, fairs and parties – but the building complex in Berlin’s Treptow...

With the façade like that of an Italian Renaissance palace, the swimming pool at Baerwaldstraße 64-67 stands in the heart of Kreuzberg. Its glamour sets it apart from...

The shiny blue sculpture is reminiscent of children’s balloons, which can be twisted and knotted to form strange and wonderful shapes. The style of American artist...

The former battery storage plant on Teltowkanalstraße in Steglitz is now home to Berlin Energy Museum. Spread over four floors and 1,800 square...

At any nation's seat of government, countries from around the world obviously maintain a diplomatic presence. Thus, with the move of the Federal Government...

In 1953 as part of the Interbau International Building Exhibition, new types of buildings were designed to eliminate the acute post-war housing shortage....

The "Tuschkastensiedlung" in Treptow is the oldest of six estates of modernist architecture belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage. Architect Bruno...

Due to the growth of population and industrialisation since the middle of the 19th century, new urban quarters arose all around the historic Berlin Mitte; these...

The city of Cölln was first mentioned in documents as part of the twin-cities situated on the Spree island, Berlin-Cölln, in the year of 1237. A further document from...

After the old diplomatic district laid idle for decades following the war, international life moved back in after the fall of the Wall: from A like Austria to C like...

The Hufeisensiedlung (Horseshoe Estate) was built according to the plans by Bruno Taut and Martin Wagner in 1925-1933, on a former manor estate in...

The Humboldt Box, envisaged as the forerunner to the future Humboldt Forum project, is situated between the Berliner Dome, Zeughaus Museum and Museum...

Set on the site of a small 19th century brewery, this is now one of the most attractive sites for multifaceted events in Berlin. The site, under national trust...

The capital of the Federal Republic of Germany is the home to a lot of politics – obviously, the 16 German states would like to exert their influence in the capital....

The capital has numerous entries on the Unesco list of World Heritage Sites. The Museuminsel counts as one of them, as well as the Sanssouci Castle—of course.

Adolf Hitler and his most important architect Albert Speer wanted to pompously convert the capital of the Reich to the world capital of Germania. Berlin, within a few...

Berlin's industry grew rapidly at the end of the 19th century as the Industrial Revolution progressed. Manufacturing districts were moved to the outskirts of the city...

Silently the lift goes up the floors: 21, 22, 23, only at 24 does the digital display stop. Visitors have now arrived at the viewing platform of the dark red, brick...

The Hohenzollern dynasty has given Berlin its very special architectural character. “Prussian’s glory” was also supposed to mirror itself in the urban planning....

Beyond traditional concerts, dance and theatre performances, Radialsystem V is continually developing new and innovative ideas with its creative concept. The vast...

The Rupenhorn colony lies on the rise above Stößensee Lake. This land house colony was founded in the 1920s. The first magnificent villa overlooking the lake was...

The housing estate in the English Quarter was built 1924-1930 by Bruno Taut close to Schillerpark from which the name is derived. Taut follows the example of modern...

Freischwimmer (EN)

Chill out in a restaurant along the water

Located directly on the water, this romantic, relaxed and comfortable restaurant is decorated with wooden furniture, old lamps and ornate picture frames. Simply put, Freischwimmer is a cool location in Kreuzberg’s Flutgraben area. The restaurant is in a very old building that was once used for renting and repairing boats. The entrance is directly next to Berlin’s oldest gas station. You can sit outdoors during the summer and indoors during the winter.