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.
Find your way with 215 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"PalaisPopulaire" in Berlin hosts the art collection of Deutsche Bank, often in cooperation with intern. museums. Check out the "I like Mondays" tours.
by
"Maxim Gorki Theater" in Berlin is one of a kind. It's the smallest one but its plays are always thoughtful and I love eating leisurely at the cafeteria...
by
"Shakespeare and Sons Bookstore" in Berlin is one of my favorites for Sunday morning. I love their jazz music and Jewish pastries, such as the Rugelach...
by
"Rises Delicacies" is a homey Greek restaurant in Berlin that gives you the sensation that you're in Greece sharing a table w/ a family! Amazing moussaka.
by
"Neuzwei Vintage Store" is a very refreshing escape from ordinary second-hand vintage shops in Berlin-Neukölln. It's like a small, unobtrusive boutique...
by
"Bikini Berlin" is not your typical mall. Looking over the Zoo and the memorial church, with just some carefully chosen shops, it's in the right direction.
by
The decorated "Mosaic Seats" in Berlin's Neukölln are located in a beautiful residential area. I like coming to rest my feet here if I'm in the area...
by
"Geist im Glas" Berlin really is the best of both worlds: a bar at night and a fabulous brunch place on the weekends! I always ask about the new cocktails.
by
Steglitz-Zehlendorf in Berlin is full with "Tree Stumps with Faces"! It's a great specimen of street art, and there are more than 500 in the neighborhood!
by
"Andraschko" in Berlin and their 'Wiener Kaffeehaus Mischung' Espresso blend is the roastery/shop that actually made me like coffee in the first place...
by
"Kranoldplatz Market": a small market in Berlin. What I love about it, apart from the potato stall, is the flatbread and cream cheese for a quick lunch!
by
215 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 215 Insider Tips