Treptow-Köpenick exudes the charm of old Berlin like no other borough. With its traditional restaurants, nostalgic theatres, historical museums and monuments, a tour through this district is a veritable journey back in time. Simultaneously, it embraces modernity with fascinating exhibits on industry, technology and astronomical wonders. This southeastern district promises a day filled with cultural richness, historical insights and family-friendly adventures.
Tip 1: Venture into the cosmos at the Archenhold Observatory
Located in Treptower Park, the Archenhold Observatory is the oldest and largest public observatory in Germany. One of the main draws is the 130-tonne sky cannon, the longest moveable refracting telescope on Earth at 21 metres. Additional instruments, such as astrographs and a 500-millimetre reflecting telescope, reveal planets, binary stars, the moon and other celestial wonders. Guided tours, lectures and telescope sessions provide insight into the captivating realm of the skies. The accompanying Museum of Celestial Science showcases the history of astronomy, while the Zeiss planetarium offers immersive stargazing experiences.
Where: Alt-Treptow 1, Treptow
When: Friday 5pm - 10pm, Saturday 12:30pm - 10pm and Sunday 12:30pm - 5pm
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Tip 2: Discover the industrial heritage of 19th-century Schöneweide
The well-preserved Schöneweide Industrial Museum keeps Berlin's local industrial culture alive with this exhibition space and visitor centre. Housed in a historic transformer factory, the museum offers a glimpse into Berlin's industrial past through permanent exhibitions and guided tours. From Cold War-era jamming transmitters to machinery and tools, it showcases a unique collection of industrial artefacts. Jazz concerts, readings and special exhibitions add a contemporary flair to the museum's programme, bridging the past, present and future of Schöneweide's industrial legacy.
Where: Reinbeckstraße 9, Treptow-Köpenick
When: Wednesday to Sunday 2pm - 6pm
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Tip 3: Experience the nostalgic charm of Altstadttheater Köpenick
The past comes alive at Altstadttheater Köpenick in the heart of Köpenick's old town. The venue has two stages, the Altstadtbühne and the cosy Zilles Stubentheater. The latter is dedicated to artist Heinrich Rudolf Zille, fondly known in Berlin as Pinselheinrich. The theatre emanates the Gründerzeit charm of old Berlin through various works, cabaret and concerts. Enjoy a nostalgic journey back in time as you explore Pinselheinrich's world and relish the authentic Berlin of bygone days.
Where: Jägerstraße 4, Köpenick
When: Check listings for showtimes
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Tip 4: Hunt for vintage treasures in Alt-Treptow's indoor flea market
The indoor flea market in Alt-Treptow is a massive treasure trove spanning 3,000 square metres. This sheltered hall displays a diverse array of second-hand finds, from stylish furniture to quirky curiosities. Rain or shine, visitors come to this eclectic marketplace by the river Spree every Saturday and Sunday to search for bargains in furniture, electronics, clothing and more. The fair prices and negotiable sellers make this indoor flea market a worthwhile stop, whatever the weather.
Where: Eichenstraße 4a, Alt-Treptow
When: Every Saturday and Sunday 10pm - 6pm
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Tip 5: Explore prisoners' stories at the Nazi Forced Labour Documentation Centre
The former Nazi labour camp in Niederschöneweide is now the site of the Nazi Forced Labour Documentation Centre, a memorial to the people once imprisoned there. Inscriptions, letters and biographies transform faceless numbers into personal narratives, revealing the harsh realities faced by forced labourers. Guided tours explore the preserved Barrack 13, which features an intact air-raid shelter with poignant inscriptions. The permanent exhibition, "Caught Between Two Worlds", highlights the stories of 650,000 Italians deported during the Nazi regime, uncovering the intricate layers of fear, oppression and resilience.
Where: Britzer Straße 5, Treptow-Köpenick
When: Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 6pm
More about the documentation centre ns zwangsarbeit
Tip 6: Go green at Späth‘sche Baumschulen
Founded in 1720, Späth'sche Baumschulen in Treptow is Berlin's oldest company. A vibrant hub of horticulture and creativity, the tree nursery centre is dedicated to plant and garden care and green concepts. The extensive grounds offer diverse attractions such as a kitchen herb garden, a prefabricated hedge garden, a grass garden and more. Cultural events and weddings are also hosted here, while a farm shop sells regional specialities. It's a true haven for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Where: Späthstraße 80-81, Treptow
When: Monday to Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am - 8pm
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Tip 7: Indulge in traditional German fare at Ratskeller Köpenick
Ratskeller Köpenick serves hearty, traditional cuisine in a charming, vaulted cellar space with candle-lit tables. As a restaurant, theatre and jazz venue, it entices food and music enthusiasts alike with great performances and contemporary twists on classic German dishes. Chef Matthias Starke and his team craft authentic flavours with the freshest local ingredients. From braised goose to pike-perch fillet, Ratskeller Köpenick promises an authentic taste of the city.
Where: Alt-Köpenick 21, Treptow-Köpenick
When: Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday 12pm - 10pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm - 11pm
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Tip 8: Awaken your inner child at FEZ Wuhlheide
Discover the family-friendly side of Berlin in Treptow-Köpenick. Sprawling across 100,000 qm of wooded parkland and another 13,000 qm, of indoor space, FEZ Wuhlheide is Europe's largest family and children's centre. It invites visitors of all ages to take part in a wide range of recreational and educational activities. The Astrid Lindgren Stage at FEZ brings classics like Pippi Longstocking to life, while an indoor pool, a cinema, children's museum and the Orbitall Space Centre offer a whole range of opportunities for family fun.
Where: Straße zum FEZ 2, Treptow-Köpenick
When: Monday to Friday till 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am - 6pm
Tip 9: Visit the Captain of Köpenick at the town hall
Back in 1906, a destitute cobbler, Wilhelm Voigt, concocted a clever ruse at Rathaus Köpenick, turning this Brick Gothic town hall into a symbol of an audacious hoax. Donning a captain's uniform, Voigt impersonated a Prussian Guards officer, imprisoned the mayor and absconded with the town's coffers. The infamous caper inspired Carl Zuckermeyer's comedy and is now the town hall's claim to fame. Exhibitions showcase this historic incident, complete with Voigt's uniform and the legendary safe. The outrageous tale of the Captain of Köpenick is now immortalised in theatre, film and a bronze statue.
Where: Alt-Köpenick 21, Köpenick
When: Monday 7:30am - 2pm, Tuesday 10am - 6pm, Wednesday 7:30am - 2pm, Thursday 10am - 6pm, Friday 7:30am - 1pm
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Tip 10: Browse the shops along Bölschestraße
Bölschestraße in Friedrichshagen is a beautiful promenade extending from the Friedrichshagen S-Bahn to Müggelsee, Berlin's largest lake. Named after author Wilhelm Bölsche, the tree-lined street boasts a 1.3-kilometre stretch of shops, services and eateries. Over 100 of the buildings here are listed, dating back to the Gründerzeit and Art Nouveau eras. The well-preserved architecture gives the street its distinctive charm and historic ambience. Once you've had your fill of shopping, a lakeside stroll and boat trip are just a stone's throw away.
Where: Bölschestraße, Friedrichshagen
When: Daily – check shops for opening hours
Bölschestrasse in Friedrichshagen
Tip 11: Witness the solemn grandeur of the Soviet Memorial in Treptower Park
The vast and imposing Soviet War Memorial in Treptower Park stands as a solemn remembrance of the 80,000 Red Army soldiers who lost their lives in the fight for Berlin. Constructed between 1946 and 1949, it is Germany's largest memorial, covering nine hectares. The design is based on a symmetrical layout, with avenues of weeping willows, lawns symbolising communal graves and a central mausoleum crowned by a colossal statue of a Soviet soldier. Each year, wreaths are laid in honour of the fallen, creating a reverent atmosphere in this historic city park.
Where: Puschkinallee, Treptow
When: All hours daily
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