Berlin is famous for its vibrant and irreverent street art scene, and there's no better example of this in the city than at Teufelsberg. Located in Grunewald, this peculiar site is recognizable by its tall towers topped with large, golf ball-like domes. A pleasant 30-minute hike through the forest will bring you to the entrance of what was once a U.S. listening station used to monitor Soviet communications during the Cold War.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the station became obsolete. Like other abandoned buildings from that time, it was occupied by groups of artists who, after years of repression, repurposed it as a space for gatherings and artistic freedom.
Since then, street artists from around the world have used the site as a canvas for their graffiti, often conveying anti-war and anti-establishment messages through their artwork. The result is an explosion of color, creativity, and non-conformity on what was once a military facility.
Nowadays, it's officially open as an art gallery, and everyone is welcome to visit and admire the works while exploring the peculiar buildings and surroundings. Teufelsberg is one of my favorite places in Berlin and one of the few that still captures the spirit of the city’s post-wall era.
When visiting, don’t miss the sunset from Drachenberg, the hill across from Teufelsberg. From there, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the iconic towers and the Berlin skyline in the distance.
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