Discover the perfect blend of history, culture and adventure in Marzahn-Hellersdorf. While the eastern borough is a compelling site of socialist urban development, it also offers picturesque nature. From a walk through the sky above the city to captivating museum exhibits, Marzahn-Hellersdorf has it all. Come with us to the easternmost of Berlin's districts.
Tip: Find more information about Marzahn-Hellersdorf and create your own customized tours in our Going local app - the neighbourhood app for Berlin.
Tip 1: Bask in the nostalgic charm of the Gründerzeit era
The Gründerzeit Museum in Mahlsdorf is an ode to the elegance of the 19th century. Rescued from demolition by a remarkable trans woman, Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, the manor house exemplifies the era between 1870 and 1900 – the time of Germany's 19th-century industrial expansion. Each of the 14 rooms is a snapshot of life in the Gründerzeit era, meticulously furnished and decorated with grandfather clocks, linens, lamps and gramophones. Downstairs you'll find Charlotte's restoration of the Mulackritze, a relic of Berlin's Scheunenviertel. The interior of the old pub is fully preserved in the museum's cellar, breathing life into a bygone era.
Where: Hultschiner Damm 333, Mahlsdorf
When: Wednesday and Sunday 10am - 6pm
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Tip 2: Stroll through the lush gardens of Schloss Biesdorf
Step into a realm of art, history and tranquillity at Schloss Biesdorf, a Neoclassical villa dating back to 1868. Recently renovated and expanded, the "palace" sits within an idyllic park, offering a harmonious blend of urban and natural landscapes. Schloss Biesdorf is the municipal gallery of the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district, presenting exhibitions of contemporary art alongside a permanent exhibition on the history of the villa. It narrates a rich history, having survived neglect and war before its restoration. Explore the lush gardens, attend artist talks and savour the unique charm of this local landmark.
Where: Alt-Biesdorf 55, Biesdorf
When: Saturday to Thursday 10am - 6pm, Friday 12pm - 9pm
Tip 3: Step back in time in an original East German flat
Prepare to lose your chronological bearings at Plattenbau-Museumswohnung. The meticulously recreated 3-bedroom flat from 1986 in the museum offers a glimpse into the forward-looking living culture of the GDR. As East Germany sought to address housing needs in the 1970s, Erich Honecker initiated large-scale prefab developments, which gave rise to the slab construction dwellings of the period. Step into this time capsule, where every detail – including familiar household items and the iconic artwork of Walter Womacka – reflects the authentic experience of life in the GDR.
Where: Hellersdorfer Straße 179, Marzahn-Hellersdorf
When: Sunday 2pm - 4pm and by appointment
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Tip 4: Ascend to new heights at BergWerk
Live out your Tarzan fantasies at BergWerk Berlin, Europe's biggest indoor high ropes course. Located inside the CineStar multiplex cinema in Hellersdorf, this expansive climbing park lets you scale heights from 1.3 to 20 metres. With a range of safe yet innovative routes catering to all skill levels, this adventure is popular among visitors of all ages. The special children's obstacle course emphasises play-based coordination improvement and self-confidence. After the climb, refuel with snacks at Langen Schicht, the venue's rustic coffee bar.
Where: Stendaler Straße 25, Hellersdorf
When: Tuesday to Friday 2pm - 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am - 8pm
Tip 5: Learn everything about the distillery at the Deutsche Spirituosen Manufaktur
After this physically demanding tip, it's high time for a breather. The best place for this is the Deutsche Spirituosen Manufaktur in Marzahn-Hellersdorf. It's not just the ambience and furnishings that are inspiring here, the guided tours are also highly interesting. The fine spirits are only produced in small batches. You can look forward to a wealth of information about one hundred per cent handcrafted work with the best ingredients.
Where: Georg-Knorr-Straße 4, Marzahn
When: Guided tour the first Friday of every month at 2pm (booking required)
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Tip 6: Uncover the history of the district at the museum
The Bezirksmuseum Marzahn-Hellersdorf is dedicated to the rich history of the region. The exhibits take a dynamic approach in portraying the multifaceted journey of the local area and its neighbourhoods, from the first human settlement 11,000 years ago to the present day. The institution brings the district's narrative to life through literature, photos, maps and artefacts. Housed in a 1911/12 village school building, the museum offers changing exhibitions, guided tours and educational projects that explore social and everyday history, from mid-19th-century villages to modern suburban living.
Where: Alt-Marzahn 51, Marzahn
When: Monday to Friday 10am - 6pm, Sunday 10am - 5pm
More about the district museum Marzahn-Hellersdorf
Tip 7: Discover treasures in the village ceramics workshop
After you have learnt all about Marzahn-Hellersdorf in the district museum, you should take a nice souvenir from the old Angerdorf with you. Stroll through the beautiful park in front of the district museum to the nearby art and ceramics barn at the KulturGut "Schamottchen". In the studio rooms you will find stylish ceramic products for the home, yard and garden, which are lovingly handmade here by Marzahn women using the free-firing techniques of raku and barrel firing.
When: Monday to Friday, 9 am - 2 pm
Where: Schamottchen art and ceramics barn, Alt-Marzahn
Tip 8: Take a winter walk through the Wuhle Valley
Get out of the city and into nature! Our next tip takes you to one of the most beautiful valleys in the east of Berlin. The Wuhletalweg trail is perfect for a long winter walk where you can really clear your head. Your path takes you 15 kilometres along the small river Wuhle. If you prefer to walk a shorter distance, that's no problem either. Although you are surrounded by nature, the next bus stop is never far away.
Where: Altentreptower Straße via S-Bahn Ahrensfelde, Wuhletal or Köpenick
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Tip 9: Discover a model of socialist urban planning at Helene-Weigel-Platz
Marzahn-Hellersdorf's metamorphosis from tranquil fields to concrete utopia began in March 1975, driven by the SED's resolve to tackle the housing crisis. The Marzahn I residential area, a rapid assembly of eleven-storey prefabricated buildings, saw its first tenants in 1977. By January 1979, 15,000 residents called it home. This original nucleus remains largely as it was in the beginning, crowned by Alfred Bernau's concrete sculpture commemorating the completion of the initial housing development. Helene-Weigel-Platz, once a green field, now hosts 1980s landmarks like the Sojus cinema and the town hall, forming a harmonious complex around the picturesque Springpfuhl ponds.
Where: Helene-Weigel-Platz, Marzahn
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Tip 10: Walk on air at degewo Skywalk Marzahn
The degewo Skywalk Marzahn is not for the faint of heart, so leave your fear of heights on the ground floor. This unique platform offers a breathtaking view of Berlin across the rooftops of the city's high-rises. At 70 metres above the ground on the Marzahner Promenade, the vista includes the TV Tower and Schönefeld airport, and stretches all the way to the Brandenburg countryside. To enter, visitors must book a free guided tour through the degewo customer centre. With just a mesh floor between you and gravity, you're in for a thrilling experience!
Where: Raoul-Wallenberg-Straße 42, Marzahn
When: Hour-long guided tour by appointment only
Tip 11: Get smoked at Blackbeards BBQ Factory
In the city's sea of vegan offerings, BLACKBEARDS BBQ Factory stands out as a meat lover's paradise. This multifaceted establishment, on the site of a former freight station, combines restaurant, event space and smokehouse, exuding rustic charm with dark wood accents. Star dishes include slow-smoked meats like beef brisket, ribs, pulled pork and hearty burgers. The controlled temperature and hours of smoking ensure each bite is succulent and bursting with flavour. The menu also features standard sides like mash and gravy and mac and cheese. Blackbeards is the perfect spot for a memorable meal after an eventful day.
Where: Zur Alten Börse 68, Marzahn
When: Tuesday to Friday 5pm - 10pm, Saturday and Sunday 3pm - 10pm
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