Tempelhofer Feld Berlin

Today , you can cycle, skate, jog or fly kites on the former runways. Enjoy the open spaces of the former airfield, go for a walk, have a picnic and explore the natural surroundings. There are also community gardens, sports facilities, dog walking areas, cultural attractions and historic sites that tell the story of Tempelhofer Feld’s eventful history.

Admission is free.

Entrances & opening hours

You can access the site – which lies in the heart of Berlin between the districts of Tempelhof, Neukölln and Schöneberg – via the entrances on Tempelhofer Damm, Columbiadamm and Oderstraße. As Tempelhofer Feld is very large, you should decide before your visit what you’d like to do and which entrance is most convenient for that.

Opening hours: The entrances are open all year round from sunrise to sunset.

Tip: There is very little shade at Tempelhofer Feld. In summer, remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water.

Everything you need to know about Tempelhofer Feld in easy-to-read language and sign language.

Playing sport: From baseball to kitesurfing

Thanks to its open layout, Tempelhofer Feld offers families more than just excellent opportunities for flying kites. Thanks to the many tarmac paths – some of which were once runways – and the complete absence of motorised traffic, sports enthusiasts of all ages can safely practise skateboarding, inline skating, cycling or unicycling here. Kite landboarders are also a common sight here.

Given its sheer size, it’s well worth exploring Tempelhofer Feld on wheels. At the Tempelhofer Damm entrance, you’ll find a hire shop for bicycles, go-karts and pedal go-karts. On selected summer days, Sports2Go lends out trendy sports equipment such as longboards, as well as lacrosse and baseball kit, free of charge.

• On the Columbiadamm side, alongside the baseball pitches , you’ll also find basketball, beach volleyball, boules and a tennis wall.
• Popular skate spots can be found near the community gardens at the Oderstraße entrance and in the Vogelfreiheit skate park on the southern side.
• On the southern side of the field, there is a high-wire arena where daring tightrope walkers – and those who aspire to be – can practise their balance.
• There are regular dance sessions on the dance floor and in the Stadtacker community garden, right next to the Nurture mini-golf course and the Cabuwazi circus tent.
• Outdoor calisthenics equipment is available on the Neukölln side of Tempelhofer Feld.
   

You can hire sports equipment here:

• Free hire of longboards and sports equipment on selected summer weekends
• Rentals of pedal cars, pedal go-karts and bicycles
   

Leisure: Enjoy a picnic and watch the sunset

If you simply want to go for a leisurely stroll, you should allow a good 45 minutes for a walk around the field. The large meadows are perfect for picnics and relaxing. Refreshments are available on site in the Tempelgarten ( Columbiadamm entrance), at the Blaue Stunde kiosk (Oderstraße entrance) or in the beer garden around the Luftschloss ( Tempelhofer Damm entrance); however, these are only available seasonally and subject to weather conditions.

The atmosphere is particularly lovely in the evening, when the sun sets behind the former airport building. Barbecuing is only permitted in the designated areas.

Snacks and drinks are available here:

• Blaue Stunde (Oderstraße entrance)
• Tempelgarten beer garden
• Beer garden at the THF Tower
   

Exploring nature & urban gardening

Visit the sheep and spot skylarks: since flight operations ceased, a diverse range of flora and fauna has developed on Tempelhofer Feld. Some rare plants grow in the meadows, and you can also spot protected species such as the skylark here. During the breeding season, parts of the meadows are cordoned off.

Since 2019, Skudde sheep – a breed threatened with extinction – have been contributing to biodiversity as ‘landscape custodians’. On guided tours organised by Grün Berlin, you can visit the sheep and learn more about the Tempelhofer Feld nature reserve

Several community gardens have sprung up around the field. Here, local residents and other interested people grow lettuce, carrots and tomatoes in raised beds they have built themselves. The best-known urban gardening projects are the Rübezahl Community Garden (entrance on Oderstraße) and the Stadtacker next to the Cabuwazi circus tent. These are also popular spots for dancing and making music.

You’ll also find the Nuture mini-golf course here, whose holes have been designed by artists and explore themes of climate and environmental protection.

Event highlights at Tempelhofer Feld

• Luftschloss
• Festival of Giant Kites in September
• Circus Festival
• many community projects
   

In the footsteps of history

From parade ground to Berlin’s open space: the history of Tempelhof Field dates back to the 13th century. The name Tempelhof refers to a seat of the Knights Templar. From the 18th century onwards, the field was used, amongst other things, as a parade ground and drill ground. At the same time, it was a popular destination for day trips for the people of Berlin.

In 1923, the first airport opened on Tempelhof Field. Between 1936 and 1941, the Nazis had the monumental airport building constructed to plans by Ernst Sagebiel. The site is also associated with persecution and forced labour: on the northern edge of the field stood the Columbiahaus, the only official SS concentration camp within Berlin’s city limits. During the Second World War, forced labourers were made to work on the airport grounds in the production of armaments.

During the Berlin Blockade of 1948 and 1949, Tempelhof Airport became a key hub for the airlift. Aircraft from the Western Allies supplied West Berlin with food, coal and other essential goods.

Airport operations ceased in 2008. Since 2010, the former airfield has been open to the public as a leisure and recreational area. In the 2014 referendum, the majority of Berliners voted in favour of largely preserving Tempelhofer Feld in its current form.

A walk around Tempelhofer Feld combines experiencing nature with 700 years of Berlin’s history. The history trail helps you to contextualise the historical sites, some of which are now barely visible.

Tip: Combine your trip to Tempelhof Field with a guided tour of the former airport building to learn more about the history of this place.

Guided tours from 17.50 euros

Opening hours

Tempelhof Field is open daily from sunrise to sunset , meaning opening times vary depending on the season. Once opening hours have ended, the entrances are closed; however, you can still leave Tempelhof Field via the turnstiles at the main entrances, which are wide enough for a bicycle.

Please note that some entrances may be closed due to building works. You can find the latest information at www.tempelhoferfeld.de/eingang.

There are very few parking spaces around Tempelhofer Feld. We recommend travelling by public transport or by bicycle.

Accessibility

The four main entrances are accessible. Almost all toilet facilities are wheelchair-accessible; the exception, as things stand, is the toilet block at the Columbiadamm main entrance. There are designated parking spaces for people with disabilities at the Columbiadamm and Herrfurthstraße main entrances.

Around Tempelhofer Feld

There is also plenty to discover in the neighbouring neighbourhoods. On the Neukölln side, you can stroll through the Schillerkiez with its many small cafés and restaurants, or continue your walk into the Hasenheide . In Tempelhof, the Fliegerviertel, the former Tempelhof Airport and the Schwerbelastungskörper tell the story of Berlin’s urban and contemporary history.

You can find even more tips for Berlin’s neighbourhoods on our Going Local map.

FAQs about Tempelhof Field