Wondrous Drifter

Discover Berlin’s hidden gems, culinary delights, and cultural landmarks. Explore the unconventional places to visit in Berlin with our expert guide.

Fun Fact

Did you know that Berlin has more bridges than Venice? With over 1,700 bridges, it’s a water-lover’s paradise and one of the many unique places to visit in Berlin.

A Journey through the Past: The Fascinating Story of Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport

Tempelhof Airport in Berlin is a monument to Germany’s aviation history, a pioneer in commercial air travel, and a testimony to its violent past. Technology, politics, and societal change have shaped its history. Both the city and the airport have shaped each other.

Ernst Sagebiel’s 1923 airport connected Berlin to towns across Europe and beyond. During World War II, it was a vital Nazi military outpost. During the Soviet blockade, the Allies exploited it to supply West Berlin. It hosted the 1948 Berlin Airlift, which supplied the city’s residents with food, gasoline, and supplies.

In the 1990s, Tempelhof Airport began to decline, but it remained crucial to the city’s transport system for decades. The airport closed in 2008, leaving its future uncertain. It was preserved from demolition and turned into a public park due to its distinctive architectural and historical significance. Today, visitors can walk on the tarmac, explore the former airport terminal, and learn about the airport’s fascinating history at the onsite museum.

Tempelhof Airport is resilient, adaptable, and changing. From its roots as a symbol of Germany’s ambition and scientific strength to its role in some of the most critical events of the 20th century, it has lasted and developed. It still contributes to the city’s culture and society as a public park.

Artistic Haven: The Creative Enclave of Körnerpark

Körnerpark, in Neukölln, is a refuge for artists and musicians. The park’s abundant foliage, quiet ponds, and magnificent buildings create a peaceful setting for artistic expression and exploration. Körnerpark is more than a place to relax—it’s a place to create, cooperate, and develop.

The Körnerpark Gallery, a beautiful 19th-century home turned modern art gallery, is the park’s centerpiece. The gallery holds a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring established and young artists. Workshops, seminars, and events bring the local artistic community together.

Körnerpark is full of creativity. Performers, dancers, and musicians use the park’s wide spaces to practice and perform. Writers, poets, and thinkers like the park’s many benches and quiet corners. The park’s ambiance is one of artistic freedom and opportunity, where innovation is encouraged.

Körnerpark is a community space for artists. From food festivals and markets to outdoor concerts and film screenings, the park hosts a variety of events. These gatherings create community and belonging by bringing together people from different backgrounds.

An Oasis of Calm: The Beautiful Gardens of Prinzessinnengarten

The Prinzessinnengarten, a lively urban park in Kreuzberg, is a haven for nature lovers and city people. The garden’s brilliant flowers, lush greenery, and prolific vegetable sections provide a nice break from city life. Prinzessinnengarten is more than a garden—it’s a community space, a place to learn, and a sustainable living hub.

The 2009 garden was an abandoned wasteland before volunteers turned it into a thriving urban oasis. The garden now has over 500 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Visitors can stroll the garden’s twisting walks, relax on the wooden seats, or attend one of the various workshops and activities.

Prinzessinnengarten is more than a lovely garden—it’s a place to learn and establish community. From cooking classes to gardening seminars, the garden promotes sustainable living and eco-friendliness. Urban agriculture, composting, and rainwater gathering are taught to visitors.

The garden’s focus on sustainability and community engagement has made it a model for urban gardening and a social innovation hub. Its beauty, liveliness, and devotion to sustainability have made it a popular destination for tourists, students, and locals.

Berlin’s Little Venice: Discovering the Canals of Neukölln

Berlin’s southern neighborhoods are home to Neukölln’s canals, a hidden gem. The canals, known as “Little Venice,” offer a tranquil retreat from the metropolis. They provide visitors and locals with a unique view of the city’s history and architecture.

The city’s industrial economy relied on the canals, built in the 18th and 19th centuries, connecting industries and warehouses to the Spree. They are now a recreational area where tourists can walk the canal walkways, relax on the banks, or take a boat trip.

Modern apartment complexes, cafes, and exquisite 19th-century homes surround the canals. Street art and busy markets reflect the neighborhood’s varied cultures and populations.

Little Venice is a place for community building and social engagement, not merely a tourist attraction. From art exhibitions to cultural festivals, the canals host community initiatives and events that reflect the neighborhood’s rich history and lively present.

A World of Curiosities: The Unconventional Museum of Things

Berlin’s “Museum der Dinge,” or Museum of Things, is unusual. From ordinary products to rare antiques, the museum’s collection provides a fascinating look at modern design history and culture. The museum’s eclectic and unique curation attracts tourists and design aficionados.

The Museum of Things was founded in 1973 by Klaus Klemp as a private collection of industrial design products. Over 40,000 toys, packaging, furniture, and technology are in the museum’s collection. Design shapes our lives and culture, as shown through the museum’s collection.

Rather than chronologically or by country, the museum arranges things thematically. Visitors can discover surprising connections between seemingly unrelated things by exploring the collection at their own time. Visitors’ perceptions and design thinking are challenged by the museum’s curatorial approach.

The Museum of Things inspires, educates, and brings people together. Design, culture, and society are explored through the museum’s seminars, talks, and events. Visitors can explore design techniques, learn about design history, and participate in hands-on activities that foster creativity and innovation.

Conclusion

Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport and Körnerpark are two unique and fascinating places that demonstrate the rich history and vibrant culture of the city. Tempelhof Airport’s story is a testament to Germany’s resilience and adaptability, while Körnerpark represents the city’s commitment to creativity and artistic expression. These two places are not just monuments of the past or present; they are windows into the city’s future. They offer a glimpse of what is possible when innovation, resilience, and creativity are nurtured and celebrated.

The Prinzessinnengarten and the canals of Neukölln are two unique and captivating destinations that showcase the diverse culture and rich history of Berlin. The garden is a vibrant hub of sustainable living and community engagement, while the canals offer a tranquil retreat and a window into the city’s industrial past. Together, they represent the vitality and innovation that defines the city, and offer a glimpse of what is possible when nature, culture, and community come together.

The Museum of Things is a captivating and unconventional museum that offers a unique perspective on the history and culture of modern design. Its eclectic collection of objects, unconventional approach to curation, and commitment to community building and innovation make it a valuable destination for tourists and locals alike. The museum is a testament to the power of design to shape our lives and our culture, and a reminder of the importance of creativity and innovation in a rapidly changing world.