Nature Park Südgelände

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  A squirrel jumps over a footbridge in the nature park Schöneberger Südgelände in Berlin.

• Walkers walk through a tunnel in the Schöneberger Südgelände nature park in Berlin in the sunshine.

In the Nature Park Schöneberger Südgelände wild nature, modern art and forgotten technology are in symbiosis.

Between railway tracks, on the area of the former Tempelhof marshalling yard, lies a wild natural area with relics from the steam locomotive era - the Natur-Park Südgelände. After the station was finally closed down in 1952, nature gradually reclaimed the former tracks and station areas. Without human intervention, a primeval forest and valuable dry grasslands developed over time. In this environment, a great variety of species has been created for which there is no room elsewhere. For this reason, large parts of the site were declared a landscape and nature reserve in 1999.

Visible railway history

The history of the southern area remains visible through remnants from the steam engine era. Tracks, water cranes, light poles and switches were left in the park. Hidden among the trees is an old class 50 steam locomotive, one of the oldest turntables and a 50-meter-high steel water tower. An approximately 100-year-old locomotive hall impresses with its size of 4,000 square metres. The former bridge master's office houses a café with event room, the upper floor serves as exhibition space.

Nature inspires creativity

There are many works of art scattered throughout the park grounds. The steel works of art by the sculptor group Odius are integrated into the southern area as lookout points, tree houses, tubes and footbridges, allowing views and insights. A 600 meter long steel footbridge leads through the nature reserve. Close to the Bridge Master's workshop is the Giardino Segreto, an artificial garden with steel cubes and sculptures, lawn beds bordered by steel edges and surprises that contrast with the wild nature of the natural park.

Information

• Address:
  Prellerweg 47-49
  12157 Berlin
  City map
• Internet: gruen-berlin.de
• Opening hours: daily from 9 am until dusk
• Accessibility: two handicapped accessible circular paths
• Admission Fee:
  1 Euro per person (from 14 years), automatic pay stations at the entrances
• Note: Animals and bicycles are not allowed in the park.