"Actually, everything was against this location." Georg von Siemens
The year 2022 marked a double anniversary for industrial heritage: 175 years of Siemens and 125 years of Siemens in Spandau. This is an incredibly fascinating journey led by Siemensstadt expert Christian Fessel through the history of how an artificial city came to be. Later known as “Siemensstadt,” the cradle of the “Elektropolis.”
Image gallery
Mann mit Hut Touren - Wohnarchitektur Siemensstadt
Mann mit Hut Touren - Impression einer Stadtführung
Mann mit Hut Touren - Industriekultur Siemensstadt
Mann mit Hut Touren - Wohnarchitektur Siemensstadt
Mann mit Hut Touren - Wohnarchitektur Siemensstadt
Mann mit Hut Touren - Wohnarchitektur Siemensstadt
Mann mit Hut Touren - Wohnarchitektur Siemensstadt
Mann mit Hut Touren - Wohnarchitektur Siemensstadt
November 1897. The first land registry entry. Two years later, the heart of the new industrial complex began to beat. But why here? A completely undeveloped area with forest, Markish sandy soil, or marshland.
A difficult building site from the very beginning. And: the neighboring city of Charlottenburg wanted to prevent the settlement by any means necessary. Why?
Just two architects shaped its appearance over decades. One developed the master plan and yet is almost forgotten.
The other created the typical “Siemens style” of architecture. Or rather: two styles. One, ultra-modern, for the industrial buildings, and the other, with plenty of greenery, for the residential and recreational structures. Completely different.
This tour is part of the “Berlin Industrial Heritage Route” and the only tour specifically dedicated to Siemensstadt.
Industrial culture meets residential construction. Architectural monument next to transportation monument next to garden monument next to industrial monument.
A model city for the interplay of work, living, and leisure.
Led by Christian Fessel, the long-time director of the Information Center for the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Berlin Modernist Settlements – Siemensstadt Large-Scale Housing Estate / Siemensstadt Ring Settlement.”
As always with these city tours, both historical and social aspects are explored. Not dry, boring, and crammed with numbers, but relaxed, entertaining, and interesting for everyone.
Additional information
Accessibility
Please ask for specific details.
Generally, participants walk on paved paths with minimal elevation changes. The few exceptions to this can be easily adjusted in the route if necessary.
