Starting point: U-Bahn station Rohrdamm (exit Schaltwerk Hochhaus)
End of the tour: U-Bahn station Halemweg
Stefan Kröger works as a course supervisor at Siemens in Siemensstadt. He has lived here with his family for over a decade and is very fond of his neighbourhood. Stefan takes us on a tour through Siemensstadt from the perspective of a local resident, showing us all his favourite places.
The tour is nearly five kilometers long and begins at the Siemens main complex. Here we learn exciting facts about the new Smart Campus due to be built here by 2035. Ending in the Kulturbiergarten in the Jungfernheide park, where we can enjoy a home-made Buletten, Berlin’s answer to the meatball.
Stefan gives us an exciting insight into industrial history, pioneering architecture and local building culture, juxtaposed against the idyllic green of the parks and village atmosphere, entertaining leisure activities and authentic gastronomy.
Starting point: U-Bahn station Rohrdamm (exit Schaltwerk Hochhaus)
End of the tour: U-Bahn station Halemweg
By 2035, Siemens plans to open a previously disused region of Siemensstadt covering over 70 Hectares. This will become the smart campus and district of the future. In the first episode of the video tour Stefan gives us some insights into the exciting construction project planned for Siemensstadt.
The tour starts in the heart of Siemensstadt at a true icon of industrial history - Europe's first multi-storey factory, the Schaltwerk high-rise. Just a few steps away is the administration building, of equal importance in terms of architecture and history. Architectural tradition and modernity meet on the right side of the administration building entrance. Here we find the architect and artist Daniel Libeskind’s 10 metre high aluminium sculpture, The Wings.
Described by video tour guide Stefan Kröger as a long-standing tradition amongst Siemensstadt residents, the Restaurant Stammhaus offers warmth and a good meal for everyone. A big family highlight is the private bowling alley below the restaurant which offers a fun trip down memory-lane.
The disused railroad line seems to belong to another time, and it indeed does. Built in the late 1920’s, this railroad line offered Siemens employees the fastest possible way to and from work. Today the railroad line appears almost enchanted, but the spell is destined to be broken. As part of the new Siemensstadt development the railroad line will be revitalized to provide a fast connection for local and long-distance public transportation.
Only a few Berliners know the so-called Ringsiedlung or Ring Estate. Built around Goebelplatz between 1929 and 1931 and now a UNESCO world heritage site, this housing estate is considered a flagship of Bauhaus architecture. There are information boards attached to almost every apartment block offering interesting information and exciting background knowledge.
The influence of the Siemens Architect Hans Hertlein can be seen in numerous industrial buildings throughout Germany during the early 20th century, Siemensstadt included. His brick church design corresponds to the architectural style of many of his other Siemens buildings ..except for one special feature.
Built in 1931, the Christopherus Church was also built on designs by Hans Hertlein. Though its appearance differs from that of the Catholic Church, there are some distinct similarities..
The Wilhelm von Siemens Park is a green and quiet gem in the centre of Siemensstadt. A popular recreational destination in the summer but equally charming in winter.
Are we still in Berlin? A common question for those who walk amongst the green, picturesque and cozy Siemensstadt settlement, Siedlung Siemensstadt. One popular meeting place is Tanja’s Backparadies (Tanja's baking paradise), which not only offers home-made cakes, but also all the latest neighborhood gossip. Our insider tip: visit Siedlung Siemensstadt around christmas.
Strictly speaking, the Jungfernheide no longer belongs to Siemensstadt. But because it is an integral part of the neighborhood, an episode of the video tour will be dedicated towards it. It has its own lake and beach, volleyball courts, a playground, a petting zoo and much more, all set in idyllic nature. And last but not least, home-made Buletten (meatballs) in the garden of the Kulturbiergarten Jungfernheide, a real neighborhood highlight.
Built in 1925, the open-air stage Gustav Böß is also located in Volkspark Jungfernheide. Built according to Greek theatrical tradition, this open-air theatre in nature can hold up to 2000 spectators. It is currently still in deep slumber, but that will soon change..