In the heyday of railway transport, Berlin was a crucial transport hub, with railway lines intersecting from all directions. To manage the flow of goods, sorting stations became necessary, and in 1889, the Tempelhof sorting station was opened where the Anhalt and Dresden railways crossed. By the 1930s, it had expanded to become Berlin’s primary sorting yard, bustling with activity as countless trains maneuvered along its 60 tracks. Carriages were detached and attached, rotated on turntables, and sent off again in new directions, all amid the clatter, screeching, and hissing of trains.
Today, it’s hard to imagine all that, since the former rail yard is now the tranquil Nature Park Südgelände, where visitors can enjoy serene walks. After WWII and the construction of the Berlin Wall, the station lost its significance, and nature took over. Now, overgrown tracks are surrounded by lush forest, home to numerous plant and animal species.
Artists have also embraced the area, and as you wander through the park, you’ll find intriguing art installations alongside the remnants of the railway industry’s glory days.
During the first and second Advent weekends, the park will acquire a special festive atmosphere thanks to light and sound installations. If you’re looking for an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the ordinary Christmas markets, go there and bring a glass-encased candle and help build a labyrinth of light.
The entrance fee is rather symbolic – just 1€.
How to get there: Located at S-Bahnhof Priesterweg (south entrance/exit). Easily accessible via lines S2, S25, and S26.
Opening Hours Daily from 09:00 to:
16:00 (Nov to Feb) 18:00 (Mar and Oct) 20:00 (Apr and Sep) 21:00 (May to Aug)
Café Paresüd: Open from April to October on weekends and public holidays from 11:00 to 18:00.