Steglitz-Zehlendorf covers the whole of Berlin's green southwest and is home to some of the city's largest and most popular lakes. Once you're done swimming, boating or visiting palaces, you can explore some of the art galleries and museums hidden among the swanky villas dotted around the lake shore. It's then only a skip and a jump from the lakes to the elegant shopping and dining areas that lend Steglitz-Zehlendorf its reputation as the city's luxurious borough. Take a look at the 11 highlights we've selected for you as you explore Steglitz-Zehlendorf.
Tip: Find more information about Steglitz-Zehlendorf and create your own customized tours in our Going local app - the neighbourhood app for Berlin.
Tip 1: Contemporary art and performances in a classic countryside manor
Experience modern art, seminars, discussions and performances by leading international and local artists at the Haus am Waldsee. Set in a gorgeous English-style country manor not far from the lakes and forests of Zehlendorf, the Haus am Waldsee has established itself as one of the most important contemporary galleries in the city.
The large garden features constantly changing sculptures which you can enjoy with some refreshments from the café. Visit the museum website to look for upcoming events or evenings where you can get the opportunity to meet some of the artists who are part of the 5 annual exhibitions hosted here.
Where: Argentinische Allee 30, Steglitz-Zehlendorf
When: Tuesday to Sunday 11am - 6pm
Haus am Waldsee
Tip 2: Immerse yourself in the history of the Western Allies in Berlin
The Allied Museum is located in what was once the city's American sector. The museum is a treasure trove of objects, military equipment and pieces detailing the history of the French, British and American allies in Berlin from the end of the war until control was handed back to Germany.
Learn about how the Allies supplied West Berlin with food using "Raisin Bombers" during the blockade or get a sneak peek into a real spy tunnel that was used to hack into the Soviet communication systems. The Allied Museum is an authentic historical building with fascinating exhibitions and entertainment programmes for both young and old.
Where: Clayallee 135, Zehlendorf
When: Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 6pm
Alliierten-Museum
Tip 3: Lose yourself in the expressionist art collection
The German Brücke movement was the most influential and colourful European artist collective to emerge at the beginning of the 20th century. The Brücke-Museum houses the largest collection of artworks, sculptures and documents from these expressionist artists.
Also featuring exhibitions by contemporary artists, the museum is located in a stylish bungalow at the edge of the Grunewald Forest and is just a five-minute walk from the sculpture garden at Kunsthaus Dahlem.
Where: Bussardsteig 9, Zehlendorf
When: Wednesday to Monday 11am - 5pm
Tip 4: Laugh, cry, and contemplate at Berlin West's premier theatre
With a varied programme including comedies, drama, solo shows, readings and cabaret shows, the Schlosspark Theater has established itself as a firm cultural favourite for locals and visitors alike. Some of the best-known actors from Germany's stage and screen perform in original plays and performances in this historical theatre where Samuel Beckett once directed, and Hildegard Kneff sang.
Where: Schloßstraße 48, Steglitz
When: Box office open Monday to Saturday 10am - 7pm, Sunday 12pm - 7pm
Tip 5: Quality German cuisine in Dahlem's oldest tavern
For nearly 200 years, West-Berliners have been flocking to the Alter Krug for seasonal regional specialities. Taste the best of German cuisine prepared by top chefs in this historical tavern located in the leafy suburb of Dahlem. Get cosy Gluhwein and goose beside the fire in winter.
Where: Königin-Luise-Straße 52, Zehlendorf
When: Monday to Saturday 11am - 11pm, Sunday 10am - 11pm
Alter Krug dahlem
Tip 6: Follow the trail of Berlin's noble ruler
The former royal hunting estate Jagdschloss Grunewald is located in the middle of dense woodland and has been a much-loved destination for walkers and day trippers from the city for over 100 years.
The hunting lodge is the oldest palace built by the Prussian royal family and it was still in use up until the royals fled Germany after the First World War. Converted to a museum in 1932, the palace became home to paintings by Lucas Cranach and his son, who were strong favourites of the Hohenzollern rulers through the centuries. True to the painters, the interiors were maintained in their original Renaissance style.
Where: Hüttenweg 100, am Grunewaldsee, Zehlendorf
When: Winter – Weekends 10am - 4pm, Summer – Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5:30pm
Jagdschloss Grunewald
Tip 7: Step back into the golden days of cinema
Nowhere else in Germany can you find as many old cinemas as in Berlin. Here you can step back in time and get a taste of the golden era of cinema in Europe and Hollywood. The Adria Filmtheater in Steglitz may show all the latest blockbusters, but the movie theatre lobby and stairs have all been lovingly restored to its 1950s splendour.
Stock up on popcorn and refreshments as you relax in one of the luscious old-school seats and enjoy the latest international releases
Where: Schloßstraße 48, Steglitz
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Tip 8: Ethical shopping at Germany's largest sustainable department store
Take some time out from your visit to shop at one of the largest sustainable shopping centres in Europe. If you're looking for all the latest trends made from natural and organic textiles such as organic cotton, silk, bamboo viscose, hemp fibres or alpaca wool, the Naturkaufhaus Steglitz has it all. With over 4,000 square metres of retail outlets, you won't just be shopping for ethical fashion items. The store is also home to cosmetics, toys, food and home furnishings retailers. Shop while making a difference in this unique department store.
Where: Schloßstraße 101, Steglitz
When: Monday to Saturday 10am - 7pm
Tip 9: Savour traditional food at a lively restaurant
The Luise Dahlem Beer Garden with its endless kegs of freshly tapped beer is a huge hit with the thousands of students from the nearby FU university and the whole area. The lively beer garden offers a stark contrast to the traditional, rustic restaurant that serves up German classics alongside continental cuisine all year round in a cosy atmospheric restaurant.
Where: Königin-Luise-Straße 40-42, Steglitz-Zehlendorf
When: Tuesday to Sunday 11am - 11:30pm
Tip 10: Lose yourself in the city's most prominent sculpture garden
Together with the Liebermann Villa and The Brücke Museum, the Kunsthaus Dahlem completes the art trinity which houses some of the most significant German art collections in Berlin.
Housed in a Nazi-era building, the new museum was opened in 2015 to host post-war sculptures from artists living in East and West Germany. The museum changes its temporary exhibitions four times a year and several works by Bernhard Heiliger are on display in the garden.
Where: Käuzchensteig 12, Zehlendorf
When: Wednesday to Monday 11am - 5pm
Tip 11: Return to the Belle Epoque in this unforgettable cafe
Round off your shopping at Steglitz's boutiques or the famous Natural Kaufhaus with a trip back in time to the resplendent Belle Epoque at Café Baier. With a bakery, bistro, fine wines and even chichi breakfast options, Café Baier will satisfy all tastes and mealtimes.
Enjoy the incredible pastries and cakes or just sample some of the daily menus featuring international and German cuisine while you lounge in the stunning art nouveau-style rooms.
Where: Schloßstraße 26, Steglitz
When: Monday to Friday 9am - 8pm, Saturday 10am - 8pm, Sunday 10am - 6pm
