Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free

The Mystery of Teufelsberg: Berlin’s Hidden Gem

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Original Berlin

Introduction

Hello and welcome to Berlin, an exciting and world’s history city, that is the capital of Germany. Although many individuals do not recognize this name, those familiar with this city might have heard about the Brandenburg Gate or Berlin Wall, but Teufelsberg is one of Germany’s hidden treasures situated in the Grunewald Forest. This artificial hill was constructed from debris collected after the Second World War and affords intriguing historical information as well as the panoramic views of the city from the top. Welcome to Teufelsberg! Follow us to explore more about Teufelsberg!

The Origins of Teufelsberg

Teufelsberg is German word which means Devil’s Mountain, which is actually an artificial hill on the Western outskirts of Berlin. It has height around 120 meters and is considered one of the symbols of the history of the city and its violent period. The hill was created out of piles of concrete and construction material dumped there after the second world war. The formation of this tower has cost around 26 million cubic meters of the ruins left after the bombings.

But, as it will be seen, the narrative of Teufelsberg does not come to an end here. During the Cold war, it developed a listening post on the slopes of the hill to spy on the Soviet Union and all the countries that formed the Eastern Bloc. This in turn fuelled the interest in Teufelsberg making it even more attractive for practicing historians and all heart fond lovers of mystery.

The Wonders of Teufelsberg

Today however the hill of Teufelsberg has become an open air museum where tourists can visit, and marvell at a number of sights and view spectacular sceneries of Berlin. Let’s delve into some of the highlights:

1. The Abandoned Radar Domes

Arriving at the top sort of hill, you can see several enormous domes painted white which in fact used to be the shelter of intelligence equipment. These buildings look like something right out of the future and have turned into the recognizable landmark associated with the hill and the sight provides just the creepy ambiance to become the legendary place. A portion of these domes can be explored and some features of the site’s prior use can still be observed.

2. Street Art Galore

The Teufelsberg is famous for graffiti and murals. These buildings and walls have thus turned into walls of art for the artists from local and even international artists. Graffiti and mural paintings are seen on surfaces of the artifacts and this makes the view impressive. Each time I visit Teufelsberg is an opportunity to see more on how the art scene in Berlin is growing and seeing the immense talent in young artists.

3. The Echo Chamber

Some of the most fascinatings things about Teufelsberg is the large and incredible echo chamber for voices inside one of the radar domes. This design makes it difficult to control sound reflection in the chamber because it has such an architecture that it actually enhances sound. Staring inside and listening to the echoes of your own voice as fun feature that should not be overlooked at the time of the visit.

Teufelsberg Tourist Guide: How to Visit the Hill of the Devil

1. Dress Appropriately

Teufelsberg can be found in the territory of freedom, so it is better to dress freely and wear comfortable sports shoes. The trails are for the most part smooth and they go up to the hill a bit by bit; thus the terrain can sometimes be a bit rough in some places.

2. Guided Tours

It will be more advisable to participate in a guided tour to get the most out of it in Teufelsberg. Professional tour guides are employed to accompany you round the site and give a brief history on the same as well as other aspects that they suppose you would not have noticed on your own. Besides, it offers a great chance to make questions and, thus, comprehend something new with the help of professional’s explanations.

3. Capture the Memories

, it will be wise to carry along your camera or Smartphone in case you capture the beautiful scenery and attractive graffiti at a location. Teufelsberg contains numerous picture spots that are too interesting not to capture in a photo and share with friends and family later.

In Conclusion

Teufelsberg is without a doubt a place of great interest which brings together history, artwork and nature. No matter whether you are interested in history, art, or just trying to find out more about secret Berlin, this location will become the most exciting story you will ever hear. Bear in mind that Teufelsberg should be definitely included on your list of places to be visited and explore the secrets of this hill.

Thank you for reading. If you're inspired by the stories of Berlin and want to delve deeper, why not join us on our Free Berlin Walking Tour? It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • 3.5 hours walking tour
  • Berlin’s major highlights
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Reichstag and Berlin Wall
  • Historical sites

Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free