New Zealand. Do you like walking in ancient forests? Then you've come to the right place. This forest is, believe it or not, over 170 million years old. Dinosaurs lived here and probably ate the leaves off the trees: the fossilized forest of Curio Bay. Dating back to the Jurassic period, this subtropical forest is the geological treasure of the Catlins Coast in the south of New Zealand's South Island and offers a unique journey into the past.

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Why is the Curio Bay Petrified Forest unique?

• These are not fossil fragments, but clearly recognizable tree structures.
• The fossils date back to the Jurassic period, when dinosaurs ruled the earth.
• The forest is one of the best preserved fossil forests in the world and offers a rare insight into the subtropical ecosystem of Gondwana.

A subtropical petrified Forest

First things first: the petrified forest can only be seen up to two hours before/after low tide. Click here for the tide table.. If you stand at the viewing platform at the right time, you will first see a large area of rocky seabed. I only saw the petrified tree trunks and stumps when I went down the stairs and stood right in front of them. But then my eyes got bigger and bigger. I recognized several lying tree trunks as well as tree stumps and roots. I could even see the wood fibers and sometimes annual rings.

Around 170 million years ago during the Jurassic period, the region around Curio Bay was part of a subtropical, warm climate. At that time, the current location was close to Antarctica and the continents were still part of the supercontinent Gondwana. The forest consisted of primeval conifers, ferns and palm-like plants. These plants grew in a swampy, volcanically active area. Grass and flowering plants did not exist at that time.

Destruction of the Forest by volcanic Eruptions and the Fossilization Process

A series of volcanic eruptions in the region buried the forest under volcanic ash and sediment. This process happened several times, with each new eruption depositing fresh ash and lava over the vegetation. The trees and plants were thus preserved.

The actual process of fossilization took place over millions of years:

• Deposition of minerals: water seeping through the volcanic deposits was rich in silica and other minerals.
• Replacement of organic matter: Minerals were deposited in the cells of the trees and gradually replaced the organic materials.
• Preserving the structure: This process preserved fine details such as annual rings, bark and roots - but in a stony form.

Over millions of years, the overlying rock layer was removed by erosion, finally exposing the petrified forest on the coast.

“Forest Creatures" - Yellow-eyed Penguins in Curio Bay

In Curio Bay, where the petrified forest is located, you have a good chance of spotting yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho). These rare penguins come ashore in the late afternoon or evening. Be quiet and keep at least 50 meters away so as not to disturb the penguins. Seals and sea lions can also often be observed on the rocks.

Practical Information for your Visit

The nearby Tumu Toka Curioscape Visitor Centre offers an interactive exhibition about the petrified forest of Curio Bay and the history of the Catlins. You can also find information about the wildlife and nature conservation in the region. There is a café and a souvenir store. There is a campsite right next to the visitor center.

A short, paved path leads from the parking lot to a viewing platform with a view of the fossilized remains of the ancient forest. Information boards at the viewing point explain the history and significance of the petrified forest. At low tide, access to the petrified forest is via the steps of the viewing platform.

Book Recommendations for New Zealand

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the books with a click on the pictures on Amazon. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

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Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love forests - whether petrified or alive - as much as I do? Then you'll definitely be interested in the Fanal laurel forest, which you can find out more about in my article Photographing Madeira – the best Photo Locations for Nature Lovers and my article Leave No Trace! Principles for Nature-friendly Outdoor Life.

Der Beitrag Versteinerter Wald von Curio Bay: Spaziergang durch die Jurazeit erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Finland. What's the story behind the lonely church in the wilderness on Lake Pielpajärvi? Well, it wasn't quite as lonely here as it is today. The church was located in the middle of the winter settlement of the Inari Sámi. The Sámi gathered here and spent the cold, dark winter months. They were joined by traders and tax collectors...and occasionally a priest. The Wilderness Church on Lake Pielpajärvi near Inari is one of the oldest buildings in northern Lapland, beautifully situated and accessible via a 9 km hike.

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A small Church with a long History

After the Christian faith spread in the Inari region in the 16th century, a church was built in the winter village of the Inari Sami in the middle of the 17th century. The church was completed in 1647, but with a floor plan of 6.8 m x 5.5 m, it was too small from the start. It was also difficult to find a priest who wanted to preach in this remote location. As a result, the priest only appeared once or twice a year and the service lasted one to one and a half weeks in winter. In summer, on the other hand, it was only two to three days. During this time, judgments were also pronounced and children were taught. Many old traditions disappeared with the Christian mission. Some shamans were executed for witchcraft.

One of the oldest Buildings in Northern Lapland

Due to its infrequent use, the small church was neglected and fell into disrepair. A new church was built. The current church was completed in 1760, making it one of the oldest buildings in northern Lapland. In the first half of the 19th century, there was also a rectory and a bailiff's house as well as several market stalls and church parlors. In 1837, the church was even given its own priest by decree of the Tsar. He was obliged to hold a service every second Sunday and to use the Sami language.

From the middle of the 19th century, however, the buildings were barely maintained and repaired. In 1888, a new church was finally completed in the newly developed settlement of Inari and the Wildmark Church on Lake Pielpajärvi was no longer used. It was only after the new church in Inari was destroyed during the Winter War in 1940 that the wilderness church was visited again. Since then, services have been held here every year at Midsummer and Easter. The Wilderness Church near Inari is also a popular venue for weddings.

Hike from Inari to the old Wilderness Church

In summer, the church can be reached via a 9 km hike (there and back). The starting point is the Sarviniementie parking lot, which is about 3 km northeast of the famous Siida Museum Inari.

The trail first leads through pine forest and later past birch-lined lakes. There are no gradients worth mentioning. However, the path is crisscrossed with stones and roots, making progress a little slower. Swampy areas are bridged by boardwalks. The trail is marked throughout and easy to find.

The church is always open to visitors. Please make sure to close the doors after your visit to minimize the effects of the weather. There is a barbecue area, picnic shelters, a dry toilet and a small hut in the square by the lake in front of the church.

In contrast to most other Sámi groups, the Inari Sámi did not historically engage in large-scale reindeer husbandry. Instead, the Inari-Sámi culture was characterized by fishing and hunting. Fishing became less important because Lake Inari was overfished in the 20th century. Finnish forest reindeer were the most important game for hunting, but their numbers declined in the 18th century. Nevertheless, I encountered a reindeer on the road on my way to the parking lot and there are two reindeer fences to cross during the hike.

There are information boards along the way. On the way there, spiritual texts adapted to the eight seasons are intended to encourage you to reflect. On the way back, there is information about the surrounding nature on the back of the boards.

The hike to Wilderness Church Inari can be shortened to 2.6 km (one way) by boat. The excursion boats on Lake Inari will drop you off at Pielpavuono Bay on request. In winter, the church can be reached by ski and snowmobile.

Book recommendations for Finland

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the travel guides on Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I am also very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love Scandinavia as much as I do? Do you fancy Norway? Then you might be interested in my articles about a Winter in Tromsø - the Gateway to the Arctic or about the Lofoten and Vesterålen - Winter Highlights.

Der Beitrag Wilderness Church Pielpajärvi – Wanderung zur Sámi Kirche bei Inari erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Iceland. Vestmannaeyjar was once the scene of a devastating volcanic eruption. On the night of January 23, 1973, on the outskirts of the town of Vestmannaeyjabær, the earth cracked open and lava fountains shot into the black night sky. Eruptions followed for almost six months. Lava and ash destroyed 30% of the city. But new land was also created. Today you can walk on the cooled lava and even climb the volcano Eldfell in the south of Iceland. A museum worth seeing also informs about the devastating eruption.

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What to expect in this Article

Fire Mountain and Fire World - On the Traces of the 1973 volcanic Eruption
Climbing Eldfell Volcano in Iceland
Visit of the Museum Eldheimar "World of Fire"
Walk through the "Lava Forest" Hraunskógur
What happened? The Eruption of Eldfell in 1973 on Heimaey

Fire Mountain and Fire World - On the Traces of the 1973 volcanic Eruption

Climbing Eldfell Volcano in Iceland

The approximately 200 meter high lava cone that was formed during the 1973 eruption has been appropriately named "Eldfell" . Translated, it means "mountain of fire". The currently dormant volcano is located just a few hundred meters outside the town of Vestmannaeyjabær and is one of the islands' most popular attractions. Many visitors to the Westman Islands hike the 1.7 kilometer Eldfell Hike to the summit. From there you have a fantastic view over the lava landscape, the town with the harbor and the surrounding mountains. It is also possible to walk around the crater. Most of the trails are marked with wooden stakes, but there are also unmarked trails.

When I started to climb the volcano Eldfell, the summit was hidden in low clouds - typical for Iceland. This gave the area an especially mystical atmosphere. But it cleared up every now and then and I could finally enjoy the view over the lava field and the city from the summit. But even without a view the summit is impressive, because the rock shines in bright rust red and sulfur yellow even on cloudy days.

You can find trekking boots, hiking poles, gloves and everything else you might need for your tour on the Eldfell volcano in Iceland at Bergzeit.

Visit of the Museum Eldheimar "World of Fire"

In the modern museum Eldheimar - the Pompeii of the North you can learn everything about the volcanic eruption of 1973. Eldheimar means "World of Fire". The heart of the museum is an excavated house that was previously completely buried under the lava of the volcanic eruption. The museum was built around the historic house, so to speak. It opened in 2014.

The historic house inside the museum was located in the former street Gerðisbraut 10, where Gerður Sigurðardóttir and Guðni Ólafsson lived with their three sons. They had to flee headlong from their home on the night of January 23, leaving their belongings behind. Some of them are still scattered around the ruins.

Using the audio guide, I continue through the exhibition. What is remarkable about the museum is that there are no overly long and tedious text panels to read. The museum is very visually oriented with many large-scale pictures, models and films about the dramatic events in 1973, and the audio guide conveys the content. Through the combination of seeing and hearing, I experienced the exhibition very intensively. Especially the sight of the destroyed house and the section about the evacuation touched me very much.

On the upper floor the museum continues with an interesting exhibition about the island of Surtsey. This was created during an earlier volcanic eruption in 1963-1967. From the beginning it has been protected and the natural development and colonization of the island by fauna and flora is documented. It is even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The tour through the exhibition finally ends in a small museum café.

Walk through the "Lava Forest" Hraunskógur

Hiking trails now lead across a bizarre lava landscape where there was still sea before 1973. In another 10 years, a forest may grow here. Hraunskógur is a 28-hectare reforestation area. Every year, volunteers and employees of the municipality plant about 4,000 tree cuttings (willows, spruces, poplars, elms). Numerous walking paths have also been created in the lava forest, leading over the rugged block lava covered with moss and lupines. It's a little bit like a labyrinth, but you can't seriously get lost here. On the contrary - it's really fun to get lost here.

I didn't get to see quite as much of the forest on my walk. But even without tall trees, this rugged lava landscape quickly became my favorite place on Heimaey. Even if it feels a bit strange to walk here. Because houses and streets are buried under the lava layer, which is on average 40 meters thick.

Finally, a bit of history:

What happened? The Eruption of Eldfell in 1973 on Heimaey

Lava Fountains and Ash Fall

The eruption was unexpected. At night, at 1:55 a.m. on January 23, 1973, the earth cracked open on the outskirts of the town. The fissure, about 300 meters long, quickly grew to about 1,600 meters. Lava fountains shot up to 150 meters into the night sky from 30 to 40 craters. Lava flows overflowed the eastern end of the city and ash fell on the entire island. The event shook not only the Icelanders. It was broadcast on television all over the world.

Why did no one foresee the eruption? There had been a series of weak earthquakes in the days before. Shortly before the eruption, they even reached 2.7 on the Richter scale, but that's probably not unusual at the edges of lithospheric plates. Besides, there has been no volcanic activity here for 5,000 years.

Evacuation of the Inhabitants

Thanks to a storm the day before, the entire fishing fleet of Heimaey was in port. Thus, the evacuation of the islanders could start immediately. Already half an hour after the beginning of the eruption, the first boat left the harbor. Within six hours, all 5,300 inhabitants were safe. Only a few stayed behind to perform urgent tasks or rescue valuables from their homes. One of these tasks was to slaughter the cattle. Because the grass was covered with ash, there was nothing left to eat on the island.

Volcanic eruptions also produce toxic fumes. These are heavier than air and collect in dips. A man died after inhaling such fumes in the basement of the pharmacy. Several people were injured by the gases.

Cooling the Lava

The Westman Islands live from fishing. The port of Vestmannaeyjabær is even the most important fishing port in all of Iceland and, so to speak, the lifeline of the Westman Islands. Now the lava flow was flowing incessantly towards the harbor and threatened to close it. This would have been a disaster. Firefighters began to cool the edges of the glowing lava with seawater, thus slowing it down. When the first attempts already showed positive results, bigger guns were brought in: The ship Sandey pumped 400 l/s onto the lava. In addition, water pipes were laid on the lava crust in daring actions. In the end, 32 converted oil pumps from America were used, capable of pumping 1,000 l/s. In total, about 6.2 million tons of seawater were pumped onto the lava for cooling. With success: the harbor entrance remained free and is now even better protected by the new lava walls, which are up to 40 m high.

Destruction and Formation of new Land

At the beginning of the eruptions, houses near the fissure were destroyed by lava or pyroclastics. Despite the efforts of many helpers to shovel the fallen ash from the roofs of houses, many collapsed under the weight. Others were buried beneath the advancing lava or ignited by lava bombs. It was not until early February that the precipitation of pyroclastics subsided. However, persistent lava flows continued to cause destruction. In the end, an average 40-meter-thick layer of lava covered parts of the city. In some places, the layer was even up to 100 meters thick.

Only after about six months, on July 3, 1973, the eruptions were over. In total, 60% of the houses on Heimaey were damaged in the eruption. A little more than half could be saved. But about 400 houses were completely destroyed. In addition, the power plant and a fish processing factory were destroyed, as well as submarine supply lines from the main island.

The volcanic eruption created the Eldfell cinder cone, which is about 200 meters high. In addition, the area of the island grew by about 2.0 square kilometers.

Cleanup

Cleanup began immediately after the end of the eruption in July 1973. It was a mammoth task to clear the houses and roads and make the island habitable again. After a year, about 50% of the former inhabitants had returned to the island, and by March 1975, 80%. Today, about 4,500 people live on Heimaey, 800 fewer than before the Eldfell eruption.

The heat stored under the lava is used for energy and hot water production, and the pyroclastics are used as building material. Land was filled up with it in the sea, on which 200 houses were built.

Book Recommendations for Iceland

Do you want to know where the journey is going? Then I can recommend this travel guides* to you.

You can order the travel guides on Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. This does not make the product more expensive for you.

Guided Tours in Iceland

You don't feel like wandering around on your own and would rather join a guided tour in Iceland? Nothing could be easier. If you book an excursion via the following affiliate links, you will support Wanderlust Motifs with a small commission. The tour will not be more expensive for you. Merci!

Do you know the volcano Eldfell on the Westman Islands in Iceland? How did you like it there? Do you have any questions or suggestions to my article? If yes, then write me a comment! Eldfell auf den Westmännerinseln in Island? Wie hat es euch dort gefallen? Habt ihr noch Fragen oder Anregungen zu meinem Artikel? Wenn ja, dann schreibt mir doch einen Kommentar!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love the Scandinavian countries as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about the Kayak Tour in the Swedish Archipelago or a Trekking Tour to the Greenlandic Ice Sheet.

Der Beitrag Pompeji von Island – Ausflug zum Vulkan Eldfell der Westmännerinseln erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Galapagos. West of Puerto Villamil, in the south of Isla Isabela, a dirt road of about six kilometers leads to the historic site of "Muro de las Lagrimas". The "Wall of Tears" is a reminder of Isla Isabela's history as a former penal colony. The way there leads through the "Humedales" – the wetlands – with several worthwhile stops, such as beaches, mangroves and viewpoints. Maybe the one or other giant tortoise will cross your path.

Find out what there is to discover on the way to Muro de Las Lagrimas on Isabela and why you should definitely go by bike. Moreover, you will find many practical tips for your bike tour on your own.

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At a Glance

• Length: about 6 kilometers (one way)
• Duration: at least 5 hours (with bike)
• Cost: about $10 for a rental bike for 5 hours
• Highlights: Muro de las Lagrimas, viewpoints, tortoises, mangroves, iguanas, birds, beaches.
• Take along: Drinking water, provisions, sunscreen, swimwear.

The Way to Los Humedales and to the Muro de las Lagrimas

To get to the gravel road to the Muro de las Lagrimas, follow the road that runs parallel to the beach to the west. Keep left at the turnoff and you will reach an area called Los Humedales. Here, a large sign with the inscription "Complejo de Humedales y Muro de las Lágrimas" (Wetlands Complex & the Wall of Tears) informs you about the route. You can take a picture of the map to keep track of the route. The path is easy to follow and each stop worth seeing is signposted.

At first, the path is rather flat, but some sections with loose sand force you to push your bike. Later, the path is better to cycle, but then it's also constantly slightly uphill.

Tip: Start your tour to the Muro de Las Lagrimas as early as possible and cycle to the end of the route without stopping. It can get very hot on the way. On the way back you will have several stops where you can even swim.

Memorial Place "Muro de Las Lagrimas

Isla Isabela was not always the paradise we see today. In the years 1949 to 1959 there was a penal camp here. The inmates of the camp were forced to build a 25 meter high wall made of lava stones. I hardly dare to imagine the conditions under which they did this. Touch the lava stones, how sharp-edged they are!

A section of the wall, about 100 meters long, is preserved to this day and commemorates the inmates of the penal colony who died here. The wall is said to have received its name from the locals who could hear the crying of the convicts.

Behind the wall, a shady picnic area invites you to spend some contemplative time. Take some time here and let this place of Isla Isabela's darker history sink in.

Viewpoint at the old Radar Station and Mirador Cerro Orchilla

Next to the Muro de Las Lagrimas begins the climb to a lookout point. Here the Americans once operated a radar station. Today only the foundation can be seen and a panel informs about the place.

From the top you have a fantastic view over the Humedales and the beach to Puerto Villamil. The path is lined with Galápagos prickly pear cactus and bare trees with Spanish moss hanging from their branches. These give the path something mystical and are just beautiful to look at.

Another viewpoint that is not quite as high is the Mirador Cerro Orchilla. It is located about 900 meters before the Muro de las Lagrimas. We didn't climb it for time reasons, because we still had to catch our boat to Santa Cruz after noon.

You are still looking for an accommodation in Puerto Villamil? I can highly recommend Hospedaje Mother Fanny*. It is simple, centrally located, quiet and very inexpensive.

Ruta de las Tortugas

With a little luck you will see giant tortoises on the way to Muro de las Lagrimas. We saw a total of nine pretty big animals on the way there and back. Sometimes closer to the path, sometimes more hidden. One tortoise was even right at a picnic spot.

Many of the tortoises here are from a reintroduction projectto stabilize the population on Isabella. You can even visit the breeding center. It is only a few minutes walk from the center of Puerto Villamil.

More about giant tortoises:

Tortoises in Galapagos - Where is the best place to see them?

The Giants of Galapagos – Visit to the Tortoises of San Christóbal

Tip: There is no water on the way. Take at least 1.5 liters per person. Don't forget sunscreen and head cover.

El Estero - picturesque Bay with Mangroves

At "El Estero" a longer stopover is worthwhile. From the bicycle parking lot a small path leads through a tunnel of mangrove trees. It ends at a picturesque little bay, which is surrounded by mangroves. Along the path you will see all four types of mangroves found in Galapagos. Mangroves play an extremely important role in Galapagos, as they are the nursery for many marine animals as well as nesting sites for many birds. The sand in the bay is super fine, the water turquoise and pleasantly warm. A great shady spot for a cool down or a picnic.

A bit before the mangrove tunnel, another path branches off towards the sea. At low tide you will come to a beautiful coastal section of lava rocks, sand and mangroves. Also the iguanas seem to like this place. Next to it you can see crabs and various seabirds.

Sandals, outdoor towels, sun hats and everything else you might need for your bike tour to Muro de las Lagrimas on Isla Isabela can be found at Bergzeit.

Lava Tunnel "Tunel de Estero"

Only a few meters from the bicycle parking lot, you will come to a small lava tunnel. While hot lava was flowing here towards the sea, the surface of the lava flow cooled down and became hard. The hot lava inside continued to flow and a tunnel was formed. At the bottom there is some water, depending on the tide. On the ceiling you can see how the cooling lava has formed small drop-shaped stalactites.

Playa del Amor (Love Beach)

Really a beach to fall in love with. The sand is not as fine as in front of Puerto Villamil, but the beach is especially beautiful. The black lava rocks form a protected bay, mangroves grow in the background and cacti and succulents grow on the wide golden sandy area. But it is better not to walk over it, because the area is also the nesting area of the iguanas. By the way, these are to be seen here quite numerously on the rocks, among them many of the big, colorful males.

Humedales – Wetlands and Bird Paradise

On the inland side of the bike path there are other worthwhile stops, such as the Pozas Verde or the viewpoint. From here you have a good view of the ponds of the Humedales and with a little luck you can observe different birds. The most prominent are the pink flamingos. But also smaller birds, like the curlew, the plover or various ducks can be observed here.

TIP: A trip to the Humedales is especially beautiful if you also see birds. It is best to take binoculars with you, such as the handy and even waterproof Zeiss Terra ED 8×42**.

Why by Bike?

In Puerto Villamil you can rent a bike at almost every corner. Mostly they are mountain bikes. We paid 10 US dollars for five hours. Make sure that the brakes work well, because on the way back it goes downhill.

I recommend renting the bike for at least five hours. That sounds a lot at first, but there is also a lot to see on the route. I would have loved to stay longer

Why you should definitely go by bike? The route is quite long, about twelve kilometers round trip, and can be a bit monotonous between stops. You'll get from one stop to the next much faster by bike. And on the way back, when it's approaching the hot noon time, you can enjoy the downhill wind.

Book Recommendations for Galapagos

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the travel guides on Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Have you ever been to the Galapagos Island Isabela, maybe even to the Muro de las Lagrimas? How did you like it? Do you have any questions about my article? If yes, then write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love wildlife as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about the King Penguins of Tierra del Fuego or Diving with Sea Lions near La Paz, Mexico.

Der Beitrag Muro de las Lagrimas – Guide für eine Radtour auf Isla Isabela erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Georgia. During the Soviet times, many impressive buildings were built in the former Soviet Union. Especially the bizarre, futuristic-looking buildings in the style of Soviet Modernism and Brutalism attract attention. And if you look closely, you can even discover large-scale mosaics or reliefs on some of the buildings. Also in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, unique icons of Soviet architecture and Brutalism were created during this time.

Non-solicited, unpaid advertising. This article contains affiliate links*, marked with an asterisk.

If you are interested in Soviet architecture, you will love Tbilisi!

We took a guided tour of Tbilisi's Soviet architecture and Brutalism with expert Nini Palavandishvili. This was comfortably by car through the city center as well as to the outskirts of Tbilisi. If you have a little more time, it is also possible to visit the buildings by public transport.

Other worthwhile day trips from Tbilisi include a visit to the Vardsia Cave Monastery*or a tour of the legendary Cable Cars of Chiatura*.

Yesterday's Visions of the Future: Soviet Architecture in Tbilisi

When one hears the term "Soviet architecture", one has in mind either the monumental buildings in the Zuckerbäcker style or the futuristic buildings of Soviet Modernism. Both architectural styles are very different. Here is a brief overview:

Soviet Realism (Classicism) 1950-55

In Stalin's time, architecture was not only a question of functionality and aesthetics, but rather a question of attitude. The general happiness promised by the communist worldview included people living in magnificent palaces. Urban planning was subject to certain rules and development plans, and architects planned according to strict specifications. Public buildings in particular were supposed to impress with their architecture and were seen as signposts to the future. Soviet Realism is also often called Zuckerbäckerstil "wedding cake style". This is because the often monumental buildings with their lavish decorations quickly make one think of the form and decoration of wedding cakes. The death of Stalin was also the end of this architectural style.

By the way, you can also see beautiful examples of the Zuckerbäckerstil during a walk along Karl-Marx-Allee (formerly Stalinallee) in Berlin .

Soviet Modernism from 1955 to 1991 and Brutalism

While Soviet Realism can still be seen as a signpost to the future, Soviet Modernism has arrived in the future. The buildings seem futuristic, stand out and somehow fall out of concept.

Soviet Modernism and Brutalism, unlike Soviet Realism, seem to dispense with any guidelines. Each building is different and unique. Sometimes the beauty of the buildings is only apparent at second glance, often they are scorned as an ugly legacy from the Soviet era. But those who take a closer look are quickly taken in by the architecture, which seems to follow no rules whatsoever. Unfortunately, many of these buildings were abandoned after the collapse of the Soviet Union, fell into disrepair and were demolished.

The roots of Soviet Modernism were laid by the French architect Le Corbusier. Particularly impressive are the buildings created in the late Soviet phase from the 1960s to the beginning of the 1980s. They are classified as "Soviet Brutalism". The term brutalism does not stand for brutality but for "béton brut". This is French and means "raw concrete" in German. This architectural style was significantly influenced by the architect Le Corbusier. Characteristic features are simple geometric shapes, emphasis on the construction itself and the use of exposed concrete.

In the buildings in the style of Soviet Modernism, instead of the raw concrete also often used cladding materials, such as marble, sandstone, shell limestone or cheaper substitute material.

Mosaics and reliefs of the Soviet period

As early as the 1930s, art was used to spread communist propaganda. Numerous large-scale mosaics were created, decorating the facades of buildings or even bus stops. They depicted scenes from the world of work, science, technology, as well as family and sports. In the Soviet republics further away from Moscow, national and folkloric motifs were also mixed in.

The commissions for the mosaics were given centrally to mosaic workshops. As a result, the artists who created the mosaics are often not even known. Only since the last years a systematic documentation of the still existing mosaics takes place. Just like many buildings of Soviet architecture and Brutalism, many of the works of art in Tbilisi are unfortunately already lost, dilapidated or built over.

Bank of Georgia (former Ministry of Road Construction)

The former Ministry of Road Construction is a timeless appearance of floating blocks stacked on top of each other à la Tetris. It is one of the most important buildings of Soviet architecture in Tbilisi and even in all of Georgia. Even today, the building is a real eye-catcher.

When planning the building, the architects followed the concept of the "space city", which is patented in Georgia. The idea is to use less floor space by building a house on columns. Nature should be less affected and light open spaces should be created, as between the tree trunk (the supports of the house) and the tree crown (the building's beams). In the end, everything should benefit the psychological well-being of the residents.

Since 2006, the building has belonged to the Bank of Georgia, which has used it as its headquarters since 2010. In 2007, the complex was listed as a National Monument.

Architects: Giorgi Chakhava, Zurab Jalagonia
Completion date: 1975
Address: 29a Iuri Gagarini St, Tbilisi, Gruzja

Tbilisi Skybridge

The skyscrapers on the outskirts of Tbilisi were among the most impressive pieces of Soviet architecture we visited. These three tall apartment buildings were built on the slopes in Nutsubidze Street. All three are connected by a skybridge. You can reach the bridge by taking the elevator to the 14th floor in the first block. For this you need a 20 Tetri coin, which you put into a slot machine in the elevator. I would not recommend the staircase, because it is mostly locked at the top. From the elevator you can walk over the bridge through the buildings. You will pass a small bench and a tiny store on the 14th floor. From the skybridge you also have a great view of the surrounding living quarters. At the end of the bridge you come out at the top of the slope on the street.

Architect: Otar Kalandarishvili, Gizo Potskhishvili
Construction period: 1974-1976
Address: Shalva Nutsubidze St, Tbilisi, Gruzja

You are planning a road trip?

Travel Guide Book – Georgia – Caucasus*

This book by OunTravela invites you to explore the wildest corners of Georgia. Along 24 routes you will discover picturesque landscapes, rugged mountains, monasteries, fortresses, and centuries-old fortified towers. In addition to detailed descriptions of the 4x4 routes, you will find a wealth of additional information about the country and its people as well as tips for your planning. The latter range from suggestions for overnight campsites to rental companies of expedition-ready 4x4 vehicles and worthwhile photo spots. You can also purchase a map and GPS tracks for navigation.

Museum of Archaeology

The Museum of Archaeology is reminiscent of an Egyptian temple. It is perched on a hill right next to the Saint Nino Monument. Unfortunately, the museum has never been opened. Nevertheless, it houses an archaeological collection inside and is therefore locked and closely guarded.

Architects: Sh. Kavlashvili and Sh. Gwantseladze
Completion date: 1988
Address: 9, Motsikulta Stsori Nino St

Mosaic at Saburtalo Fire Station

The huge mosaic on the facade of the fire station focuses on a fireman. Around him, several well-known buildings of Tbilisi can be seen. Among them is the medieval Metekhi Church, the Circus, as well as the Sports Palace and the former Iveria Hotel in the style of Soviet Modernism. In addition, the mosaic depicts buildings with Persian and Byzantine architecture. This juxtaposition is intended to illustrate that in Tbilisi East and West meet.

Artist: Givi Kervalishvili
Completion date: 1979
Address: Gorgasali St 34, behind Ortachala Bus Station

Ortachala Central Bus Station

Between 1964 and 1973, a new central bus station was built in Ortachala. This was designed to handle around 18,500 passengers per day. In addition to the actual bus stops, the station also includes restaurants, cafes, stores and a hotel. The facades of the building are clad with natural stone and in large part also glazed. Next to the staircase, the mosaic "History of Transport" by Zurab Tsereteli is placed on the facade.

Architects: Ramaz Kiknadze, Vladimir Kurtishvili and Shota Kavlashvili
Artist: Zurab Tsereteli
Completion date: 1973
Address: Ortachala Bus Station

Book recommendations for architecture fans

Can't get enough of Soviet architecture and mosaics either? Then take a closer look at these three books*. You will love them.

Technical Library

Completed in 1986, the Technical Library is another prestigious object of Soviet Modernism and Brutalism in Tbilisi. The structure is an elongated bar surrounded by a dark concrete ring. The windows are framed by a seemingly endless repetition of fan-like concrete swords.

Architect: G. Bichiashvili
Completion date: 1986
Address: 47 Merab Kostava St

Laguna Vere Water and Sports Complex

The swimming complex with three pools, slide, a sports hall and a tribune for 5,500 spectators was completed in 1978. It hosted not only national but also international events. However, the complex became less and less profitable over time and finally closed in 2014. Today, the facility serves car dealers as a workshop and warehouse. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to enter the complex. However, we were able to sneak onto the grandstand from the back and look down on the now overgrown pool from above.

There is also a monumental mosaic preserved above the entrance area on the street. It is one of the longest mosaics in all of Georgia.

Architects and artists: Shota Kavlashvili, Guram Abuladze, Ramaz Kiknadze, Koka Ignatov
Completion date : 1978
Address: M. Kostava St 34

Mother Georgia

Twenty meters high "Mother Georgia" was erected to celebrate the 1500th anniversary of Tbilisi. In one hand she holds a bowl of wine with which she welcomes guests. But in the other hand she carries a sword with which she fights off enemies. The statue, originally made of wood and later covered with aluminum, was replaced by a new one in 1997.

Sculptor: Elguja Amashukeli
Completion date: 1958
Address: Sololaki St

Radio Computing Centre

The Radio Computing Centre belongs to the Radio Fortuna Holding. It was formerly also known as Transcaucasia Power Control Centre or Managing Computing Centre of the United Board of Energy System of Transcaucasia.

Architects:: S. Kavlashvili, G. Djanebirdze and S. Katsitadze
Completion date: 1973

Other Buildings

Unfortunately, our time in Tbilisi was very limited. But since I immediately took the city into my heart, I hope to return soon. Because there are many more impressive buildings of Soviet architecture and in the style of Brutalism waiting, such as the campus of the University of Tbilisi.

Book Recommendations for Georgia

Do you want to know where the journey is going? Then I can recommend this travel guides* to you.

You can order the travel guides on Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Did you like the Soviet Architecture and Brutalism in Tbilisi? Do you have any questions about my article? If yes, then write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

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Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love Soviet architecture and lost places as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about Eisenhüttenstadt or about the GDR Architecture in Berlin.

Der Beitrag Zukunftsvisionen von Gestern: Sowjetische Architektur in Tiflis erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Georgia. For more than 60 years, the "hanging coffins" transported the inhabitants of the industrial city of Chiatura to windy heights. But since summer 2019, the legendary cable cars of Chiatura have been at a standstill. In the end, the gondolas were a bit too rusty and the technology too outdated. But the cable car stations from the 1950s and 60s are still there and are witnesses to the history and the former glory of the city. And usually one or the other gondola still hangs in the air very close to the stations.

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

When we visited Chiatura in July 2021, we were overwhelmed by the impressions. However, we were also a bit disoriented. There are indeed numerous blog articles on the Internet with great photos when the cable cars of Chiatura were still in operation. But where the photos were taken remained unclear. To make your search for Tschiatura's treasures a little easier, I have therefore compiled my favorite photo motifs in a map. So you can explore the city on your own and know immediately what awaits you where.

But first, let's go back to a time when Chiatura still looked into a rosy future.

In this Article you will find

Short History of Chiatura and the Cable Cars
Cable Cars, Buildings, Pioneer Palace and more
What's next for Chiatura?
How to get to Chiatura
What is the best way to get around the City?
What else is there in the Area?
Book Recommendations for Georgia

Short History of Tschiatura and the Cable Cars

Tschiatura was founded at the end of the 19th century and before the First World War possessed the largest manganese ore deposit in the world. Manganese mining at that time amounted to 60% of the world production. Even during the Soviet era, the city remained an important center of manganese mining. Investments were made, including the construction of ropeways.

Chiatura is located in a deeply cut, long valley of the Kvirila River. The main means of transportation were cable cars with a total length of more than 6,000 meters. The first cableway was built in Chiatura in 1953. More lines followed in the 1950s and 1960s. In total, there were 70 ropeways for transporting people, materials and manganese ore. This made Chiatura the city with the most ropeways in the world. For a long time, the hand-operated gondolas were the only means of public transportation in the city.

The cable cars operated almost without interruption until the summer of 2019. But eventually, the last two remaining passenger cable cars stopped operating due to official orders. During our stay we could only see one cargo line for the transport of ore in operation.

Cable Cars, Buildings, Pioneer Palace and more

Map with Photo Motifs

In the following map I marked most of the motives I describe in this chapter with a camera pin. For each pin there is also a small photo. So you can orientate yourselves more easily. The map should be a little help for your own explorations. However, there is so much more to discover in Chiatura and I could have easily spent two or three days here.

Tip: In the free app Maps.me you can download an offline map of Georgia. The map shows the cable car stations and lines. So you can explore even more stations.

Monumental Welcome

We entered the city on the main road coming from the west. Shortly after the town entrance sign, Chiatura greets us with an overwhelming monument commemorating World War II. Next to it, several prefabricated buildings provide a great background.

In the City Center

We wind our way down the road into the Kvirila Valley. Soon we reach the center of town with a small market, numerous stores, and typical chaotic city traffic. After parking our Lada, we are off. We don't know exactly where to go and stroll through the city for the time being. Every few meters we discover something new that fascinates us. Soon we come to the first cable car station. Shortly before the station a red-yellow gondola is still hanging. Remnants of the advertising signage are still visible.

From the underpass under the railroad tracks we come to the bridge over the Kvirila. To the right and left are architectural gems such as City Hall and the Registry Office, as well as whimsical structures on the riverbank housing stores.

In the center of the city, the elongated row of stores on the main street is a real eye-catcher. We follow the main street to the traffic circle on Ninoshvili Street. Here we find a large mosaic on the facade of the school.

Back on the main road we go a little further uphill and come to a market. There is also an old cable car station here.

Highlight of Chiatura: the Stalin Ropeway and Peace Ropeway

From here we walk along the bank of the Kvirila back towards the car. Very close to our parking place one of the highlights of Chiatura is waiting for us: the station of the Peace Ropeway and the Stalin Ropeway. The station itself is meanwhile firmly closed, but also from the outside it is a great motive and one can peek in at several places. I quickly spotted the black and white graffiti on the wall. Unfortunately only a part of it is visible, but I recognize it from photos on the internet: it shows a kneeling miner with a shovel. On both lines there are still two gondolas hanging in the air.

From the station, the yellow gondolas of the Stalin Ropeway across the river to the opposite mountain. This line was the first cable car in the Soviet Union in 1953. Accordingly, the gondolas are now rusty and the windows are cloudy from dirt and scratches. One gondola could carry six passengers. In addition, a gondola lady rode in each gondola. Her job was to ensure safe operation and report any abnormalities in the gondola to the mechanic.

The Peace Line goes north from the station. It is the line with the blue gondolas and dates back to 1964. This line is also the steepest cable car in Chiatura with a 48 degree incline and is even one of the steepest in the world. In the small gondolas fit just 4 people. There are also no more windows, as in the Stalin cable car, but only small barred portholes.

Detour to the Pioneer Palace

South of the Kvirila River, high up on the slope, is the former Pioneer Palace. You can reach it either by cable car or by your own car. The palace still shows its former splendor. The wide entrance staircase is lined with a large semicircle of columns. Some of them have already collapsed. The entire building is badly dilapidated and it appears that it will collapse like a house of cards at the next slight breeze. I myself did not go inside. Cows are less fearful and use the empty building as a shelter.

Cargo Ropeway in Action

We leave the city along the river in the direction of Tbilisi. After a short ride we finally see one of Chiatura's cable cars in action. It is a freight line for transporting the mined ore. Several gondolas cross the track, which is covered with nets in places. The nets are a damn good idea, because there are actually several chunks of rock in them that have fallen out of the ore gondolas.

Not far behind the freight gondolas is another disused passenger ropeway. Here, too, a gondola hangs in the air just before the station. You will also find an adventurous narrow pedestrian bridge leading to an industrial building.

Photo Motifs at the Exit of Chiatura

At the town exit we see a large Tschiatura sign and a green stele with a wreath. To the right of the road there are tracks and behind a fence there is a railroad wagon. All four give each of them again great photo motifs to say goodbye.

You are planning a road trip?

Travel Guide Book – Georgia – Caucasus*

This book by OunTravela invites you to explore the wildest corners of Georgia. Along 24 routes you will discover picturesque landscapes, rugged mountains, monasteries, fortresses, and centuries-old fortified towers. In addition to detailed descriptions of the 4x4 routes, you will find a wealth of additional information about the country and its people as well as tips for your planning. The latter range from suggestions for overnight campsites to rental companies of expedition-ready 4x4 vehicles and worthwhile photo spots. You can also purchase a map and GPS tracks for navigation.

What's next for Chiatura?

The legendary "hanging coffins" of Chiatura are now hanging in the air. So is the town's application to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The rusty gondolas and Soviet-style cable car stations have long been the heartbeat of the city. So much of the city's history and individual stories are linked to the cable cars that, in my view, it would be unthinkable to abandon or even demolish the gondolas and stations. I wish so much for the city to be included in the industrial heritage list and would be happy if the shuttered sites were preserved and prepared for tourist visits. However, it is unclear whether this will succeed. After all, the new cable cars of Chiatura may be an obstacle for inclusion in the UNESCO list.

A little tourism would certainly do the city good. After all, the manganese reserves will not last forever. In about 15 years, the deposits in the area are expected to be exhausted. What will happen to the jobs and the inhabitants of the mining town then? The population has already shrunk by almost half since the early 1990s. The reason for this at the time was problems with electricity, water and gas supplies, as well as declining manganese mining. Today, around 13,000 people live in the city. How many of them then still see their future in a mining town without mining?

How to get to Chiatura

Chiatura is located about 60 kilometers from Kutaisi. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the city by rental car or marshrutka. From Tbilisi it takes about 2-3 hours.

The city can also be reached by train. There are also guided tours from Tbilisi at GetYourGuide.

What is the best way to get around the City?

The center and some of the cable car stations in the valley can be explored very well on foot. Since the old cable cars of Tschiatura are no longer running, it is not so easy to reach the upper stations.

A new, modern cable car with four stations is currently under construction. Everything looked ready in July 2021. However, none was in operation yet. Possibly, the launch, like many other things, has been delayed by Covid-19. The main station of the new cable car is located in the center next to the river and near the stores.

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Click on the image to go to Amazon. If you buy a product through this affiliate link, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting content. The product will not be more expensive for you and you do me a huge favor.

What else is there in the Area?

Only about 10 kilometers west of Chiatura is Kazchi Pillar. This is a freestanding rock about 40 meters high, on which there is a tiny monastery.

About halfway in the direction of Tbilisi is the town of Gori, where Stalin was born. The Stalin Museum was opened here in 1957 in his honor. Don't expect a detailed rehash of the atrocities the dictator committed during his reign here. It's more like a big cult palace, even souvenirs like coffee mugs, fridge magnets, baseball caps or backgammon games with Stalin's portrait are available here. was opened here in 1957 in his honor. Don't expect a detailed rehash of the atrocities the dictator committed during his reign here. It's more like a big cult palace, even souvenirs like coffee mugs, fridge magnets, baseball caps or backgammon games with Stalin's portrait are available here.

Book Recommendations for Georgia

Do you want to know where the journey is going? Then I can recommend this travel guides* to you.

You can order the travel guides on Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Have you ever been to Chiatura and maybe even used one of the cable cars? How did you like it? Do you have any questions about my article? If yes, then write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love Soviet architecture and lost places as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about Eisenhüttenstadt or about the GDR Architecture in Berlin.

Der Beitrag Tschiatura – Legendäre Seilbahnen, Lost Places, Sowjetarchitektur und mehr erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Nairobi, Kenya. "I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Mountains." This is the beginning of one of the most beautiful Africa films ever produced. The basis for the film " Out of Africa" is the novel "The African Farm", which Karen Blixen wrote in Denmark in 1937. The farmhouse where Karen Blixen lived for 17 years and where parts of the film were shot is now a museum. When you visit, you feel transported to another time and could almost think that you are suddenly in the middle of this fantastic film yourself. An absolute "must" for all fans. On a guided tour through the museum you will learn many interesting things about the life of Karen Blixen on the coffee farm on the edge of the Ngong Mountains.

Advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

Who was Karen Blixen?

Karen Blixen was born in 1885 and grew up in Rungsted on the coast of Denmark. At 29, she married her Swedish half-cousin, Baron Bror von Blixen-Finecke. They both had a great love of adventure in common. They soon left Denmark to start a new life in Kenya. The couple bought the Mbogani farmhouse near the Ngong Mountains in 1917. This became the heart of their 4500 hectare farm with the approximately 600 hectare coffee plantation. Karen ran the farm almost alone, while her spouse preferred to enjoy big game hunting. More than 1000 people worked for her, there was medical care and even a school.

Travel tip:
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But the coffee farm was not doing very well. It was located at about 2,000 meters, too high for coffee cultivation, and the soil was also too acidic. Drought, plagues of locusts, floods, epidemics and a fire repeatedly presented Karen Blixen with new challenges. The marriage did not go well either, and they finally divorced in 1925.

Karen continued to run the financially struggling farm on her own. Finally, Karen found new happiness in her relationship with the Englishman Denys Finch Hatton. But the happiness was short-lived: in 1931 Denys crashed his plane in Tsavo West National Park and died. In the same year, Karen finally had to sell her coffee farm at a forced auction. She then left Kenya and returned to the family estate in Rungsted. There she devoted herself to writing and published several major works. In 1937, she finally published her book "The African Farm." In 1962, Karen Blixen died in Denmark at the age of 77. More than 20 years later, in 1985, her novel was made into a film starring Meryl Streep, Robert Redford and Klaus Maria Brandauer. The film "Out of Africa" won several Oscars and made the Danish author world famous.

Karen Blixen's pseudonym on the German book market is usually Tania Blixen. Her English-language books, on the other hand, mostly appeared under the pseudonym Isak Dinesen.

The Karen Blixen Museum

In 1964, the Danish government purchased the farmhouse where Karen Blixen lived from 1917 to 1931 and donated it to Kenya to celebrate its independence from Great Britain. The property was initially used as a home economics school. In 1985, filming for "Out of Africa" began here. Subsequently, the National Museums of Kenya acquired the property to open a museum here.

With the help of a donation from the film production company Universal Films, the house was renovated and furnished in the style of the time. For this purpose, it was even possible to buy back many pieces of furniture that Karen Blixen had sold before she left Africa. In addition to furniture, furnishings and hunting trophies, old photos and books are on display. Furthermore, the bronze bust of Karen Blixen, made by the artist Harald Isenstein, can be admired. Today, the house offers a unique insight into the everyday life of the coffee farmer.

The museum consists of the old Mbogani main house, a separate kitchen building, a coffee drying area and a large park-like garden. Between tall eucalyptus trees and palms, old carts and individual farm implements from long ago are on display. The flat bungalow with its verandas, however, is smaller than I expected. It was built in 1912 according to plans by Swedish architect Ake Sjogren. At that time, the capital Nairobi was still about 10 kilometers away. Today, the city's suburbs have grown up around the former farm. Now, mainly ministers and government officials live in the upscale suburb of Karen.

From the property you have a good view of the peaks of the Ngong Mountains, where Karen Blixen had her lover Dennis Finch Hatton buried in 1931.

The museum is open daily from 9:30 to 18:00.
Guided tours are offered continuously.
Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the museum.
More information on the website of National Museums of Kenya.

Tip: After the Karen Blixen Museum, visit the Giraffe Centre Nairobi.It is also located in the suburb of Karen and is known for the conservation breeding of the endangered Rothschild giraffes.

Book recommendations for Kenya

Do you want to know where the journey is going? Then I can recommend this travel guides* to you.

You can order the travel guides on Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Do you know the Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi? How did you like it? Do you have any questions or suggestions regarding my article? If so, please write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love historic buildings that tell stories as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about a Visit to the Bradbury Building in Los Angeles or Haus Schwarzenberg, a Street Art Hotspot in Berlin.

Der Beitrag „Ich hatte eine Farm in Afrika…“ Besuch im Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Berlin. Monumental propaganda buildings, boulevards and prefabricated buildings. A walk from Alexanderplatz along Karl-Marx-Allee to Frankfurter Tor is a discovery tour in the footsteps of the GDR. In addition to the magnificent showpieces of socialism, you will find old advertising signs, fountains, mosaics or small hidden details on the facades of the houses. In the following article I take you on a tour through Berlin and show you a few impressive examples of GDR architecture.

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

TV Tower at Alexanderplatz

I don't think there are as many different souvenirs of any building in Berlin as there are of the TV Tower at the Alex: magnets, pencil sharpeners, cuddly TV towers, liquor bottles, cookie cutters and much more. Nothing that does not exist. It's hard to imagine the city without Berlin's tallest landmark, the 368 meter tower. You can see it from so many corners towering through the rows of houses, pointing the way. And when planes could still land at the inner-city Tegel Airport, it welcomed incoming passengers from afar.

Photo tip: From the roof terrace of the Park Inn Hotel opposite you have a great view of the tower.

TIP: How about breakfast in the restaurant at 203 meters above sea level*? The restaurant rotates once an hour and you have a fantastic view of the city. Or perhaps you'd prefer the three-course menu in the evening*?

Address: Panoramastrasse 1A

World Time Clock

The world time clock at the Alex is not only a popular meeting place, but also a great photo motif. Either in its entirety or just a section of the hour ring with the planetary system as a crown. There are no limits to your creativity here. For example, the TV tower can be used as a background. And since there are always a lot of people around the clock, street photographers also get their chance here. 

Address: Alexanderplatz 1

"Nuttenbrosche" - Fountain of Friendship between Peoples

There are always so many people sitting on the wall around the fountain that you usually don't see the beautiful enamel work by Walter Womacka in the middle of the fountain. Therefore my tip: go to the Alex on a Sunday morning to take pictures. Then the light is the most beautiful and you can choose your motifs in peace.

By the way, the fountain of friendship built in 1970 is also affectionately called "hooker brooch" which means as much as brooch of prostitutes.

Address: Alexanderplatz 9

Berlin Congress Center

The Berlin Congress Center (BCC), together with the neighboring Haus des Lehrers (House of Teacher), forms a listed ensemble on Alexanderplatz. Both buildings were constructed in the early 1960s during the complete reconstruction of Alexanderplatz, which was destroyed during World War II. The nearby Haus des Reisens (House of Travel) and the Haus der Statistik (House of Statistics) were also part of the redevelopment plan at the time and were built around the same time.

After about three years of construction, the Haus des Lehrers and the Congress Center opened on September 9, 1964. At that time, the People's Chamber of the GDR met in the center, which was equipped with state-of-the-art technology and seating for over 1,000 people. But when the Palace of the Republic opened in 1976, the People's Chamber moved to the even more modern and prestigious building next to Berlin Cathedral.

After reunification, the building ensemble was finally sold and renovated for around 15 million euros. In the process, the entire technology was renewed and 23 event rooms with up to 2,500 seats were created.

Address: Alexanderstraße 11

House of the Teacher with Walter Womacka Mosaic

Around the House of the Teacher stretches the wide mosaic "Our Life" by the famous artist Walter Womacka. It represents the achievements of science in a Mexican style. The House of the Teacher is a superlative building not only because of the mosaic of millions of little stones: at that time, in 1964, it was the first high-rise building on Alexanderplatz.

TIP: The mosaic is difficult to photograph. Either you have falling lines or only a small section of the artwork in the picture. It is best to try to photograph it from further away with a telephoto lens.

Address: Alexanderstraße 9

House of Travel

The Haus des Reisens was opened in 1971. Today, the building with its extraordinary architectural details is listed as an example of international architecture of the 1970s. These beautiful details include the wave-shaped canopy and the copper relief "Man Overcomes Time and Space" by the artist Walter Womacka.

The 18-story House of Travel was home to the headquarters of the Travel Agency of the German Democratic Republic and offices of Interflug until German reunification. It also housed counters for air and train traffic, the central foreigners' service of the travel agency with the foreigners' registration service, and an exchange office of the Industrie- und Handelsbank.

TIP: On the 12th floor as well as on the roof terrace on the 15th floor, the Week End Club invites you to chill out and party.

Address: Alexanderstraße 7

House of Statistics

The House of Statistics was opened in 1970 as the headquarters of the GDR's State Central Administration for Statistics. It was built according to socialist ideals as part of the redevelopment of the war-damaged Alexanderplatz.

After German reunification, the Federal Statistical Office and the Federal Commissioner for Stasi Documents used the buildings. Since 2008, the buildings have stood empty. The Federal Republic of Germany, as the owner, already intended to demolish and sell the property. But in 2017, the Berlin Senate bought the ensemble of buildings at a price of 50 million euros.

Extensive refurbishment and conversion measures for mixed use for administration, culture, education, social services and housing are planned.

Address: Otto-Braun-Strasse 70-72

Café Moscow

Café Moskau is located directly opposite the Cinema International. At the time of the GDR, it was a nationality restaurant serving food from different peoples of the Soviet Union. It opened in 1964 and had more than 600 seats inside.

An eye-catcher to this day is the full-size model of the Sputnik satellite on the roof above the entrance. Below it, the large mosaic "From the Life of the Peoples of the Soviet Union" by the painter Bert Heller decorates the entrance area.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Treuhand took over the building, which was listed as a historical monument in 1990. After it stood empty for about ten years, various events were again held in the café from 2000. In 2007, the popular meeting place was then renovated in accordance with the preservation order and a new room concept, new building technology and a new glass facade were implemented.

The mosaic painting takes up the entire wall height in the entrance area. The detailed work of natural stone contains golden accents in some places. In the upper left corner of the mosaic you can also spot the Sputnik satellite.

Address: Karl-Marx-Allee 34

Cinema International

The large-capacity Cinema International opened in 1963 and hosted film premieres until 1990. The three-story reinforced concrete skeleton building appears light and airy. This impression is reinforced because the cinema hall cantilevers nine meters above the first floor without a single support and appears to float above it. With its large glass surface, the entrance area appears open and inviting.

In addition to the cinema hall, there were also other rooms, including a representation room. This is where the party leadership met after the premieres, which is why the room is called the "Honecker Lounge" today. There was also a library and even a small nuclear bunker in the basement.

Address: Karl-Marx-Allee 33

Former Mocha Milk Ice Cream Bar

The Mokka-Milch ice cream bar was planned as one of eleven analog pavilions. However, only five of these were actually realized in the early 1960s. In addition to the Mokka-Milch-Eisbar, these were the Madeleine fashion salon with the Interflor flower shop, the Babette beauty salon, Kunst im Heim and the Centrum shoe store. The flat hall buildings are all clad with yellow ceramic tiles on the outer facades and have an open gallery floor inside.

Together with the Kino International and Café Moskau, the five pavilions form an ensemble that blends into the surrounding residential complex. The ensemble originally included the Hotel Berolina behind the cinema. But this was demolished in 1996. A similar-looking high-rise building was built on the same site, which eventually housed the Mitte City Hall. All the buildings together are an extremely worth seeing example of GDR architecture in Berlin.

The Mocha Milk Ice Cream Bar soon achieved cult status and was especially popular with young people. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, however, the bar had to close. It was not until 1993 that the building reopened with the Alberts restaurant and the A-Lounge nightclub. At Alberts, you could even try classic eastern dishes, such as ragout fin of veal, cold dog, sausage goulash or steak au four. But in 2019, Alberts, and with it the last restaurant in the pavilions, closed its doors.

In May 2018, plans were presented according to which the five built pavilions will be completed in the future.

Address A-Lounge: Karl-Marx-Allee 35

Long tested and much loved: my three companions on photo tours: the lightweight carbon tripod CT-5C I from Rollei*, the cleaning kit from Rollei*and my indestructible camera backpack, the Flipside from Lowepro*.

"Floating Ring" at Strausberger Platz

In the middle of Strausberger Platz, which was redesigned at the end of the 1960s, stands the "Schwebender Ring" fountain designed by Fritz Kühn. Built in 1966, the fountain takes its name from the monumental decorative ring that is held in suspension by several posts in the center of the fountain. The ring consists of 16 rectangular relief panels showing combinations of diamond and pyramid shapes. Each relief also shows a different combination. The water fountain in the center of the ring reaches a height of up to 18 meters. In addition, the ring is surrounded by smaller water fountains. Due to the spray of water, the pillars supporting the ring are barely visible, making it appear as if the ring is floating.

Address: Strausberger Platz center island

Karl Marx Bust

The southeastern edge of Strausberger Platz has been adorned since 1983 by a bronze Karl Marx bust about one meter tall.

Address: Strausberger Platz

Workers' Palaces and GDR Architecture of Karl-Marx-Allee

As part of the National Reconstruction Program, a boulevard was to be built as a showpiece of the capital. The plan was to create a prestigious avenue with magnificent "workers' palaces". The buildings were to be a symbol of the GDR's strength and engineering skills. From my point of view this was completely successful, the buildings are great examples of GDR architecture in Berlin.

The boulevard is wider than average over a length of two kilometers. This provided enough space for parades and marches. The street is lined with five large-scale workers' palaces with up to 13 floors.

The architectural style is based on Socialist Classicism as well as Berlin Classicism. Thus, antique forms can be found in many places, such as Doric or Ionic columns or ornamental gables with friezes. The tower buildings at Strausberger Platz and Frankfurter Tor are the architectural highlights of Karl-Marx-Allee and are reminiscent of a city gate.

The western end of the square is formed by the two 14-story high-rise buildings "Haus des Kindes" (House of Children) and "Haus Berlin". At the time, Haus des Kindes housed apartments, a puppet theater, a kindergarten, a children's department store and a children's café. Haus Berlin housed restaurants, cafés and also a bar on the lower and upper floors.

Name salad
The new boulevard was renamed Stalinallee to celebrate Stalin's 70th birthday on December 21, 1949. After Stalin's death, it was given the name Karl-Marx-Alleein the course of de-Stalinization on November 13, 1961. The section of Stalinallee to the east of the Frankfurter Tor was renamed Frankfurter Allee.

Address: Karl-Marx-Allee

Cinema Kosmos

The large-capacity Kosmos cinema was opened on October 5, 1962. It was the largest cinema in the GDR with 1001 seats and was used as a premiere cinema. After the German reunification, the cinema was finally taken over by UFA and converted into a multiplex cinema with 3400 seats in 1996. In 2005, however, cinema operations were discontinued. Since March 2006, Kosmos has been used for conferences, evening events, special cinema screenings and as a theater.

While the surrounding buildings of the Karl-Marx-Alle are built in the "Zuckerbäcker" style, the Kosmos cinema with its smooth facade and curved surfaces resembles more the congress hall built at the same time in West Berlin. The façade of the foyer with its colorful stones made of glazed ceramics is particularly striking.

Address: Karl-Marx-Allee 131A

Café Sybille

Café Sibylle opened in 1953 under the name Milchtrinkhalle and was renamed Milchbar a short time later. In the 1960s, the Milchbar was renamed again to Café Sybille. The name was taken from the women's magazine Sybille, which was popular in the GDR at the time. The café developed into a showpiece and popular meeting place. But when the fall of the Berlin Wall came, it was closed, like so many other establishments.

In the early 2000s, Café Sybille reopened under the same name. It is still much more than just a café, however. For it also houses an exhibition about the history of the former Stalin and later Karl Marx Allee.

Also on display are numerous everyday objects from the GDR of the 1950s and 1960s, as well as an ear and a piece of beard from the Stalin monument that stood on Stalinallee in the 1960s.

Address: Karl-Marx-Allee 72

Paulick Candelabra

Architect Richard Paulick designed the two- and four-armed Paulick candelabras especially for Stalinallee in the early 1950s. A total of 215 Paulick candelabras adorn today's Karl-Marx-Allee. Due to severe damage caused by corrosion of the steel reinforcements and concrete spalling, the candelabras were replaced by replicas of the same shape in 2008 and 2009.

Book Recommendations for GDR Architecture

Want to know even more about GDR architecture and discover new photo locations in Berlin and the former GDR? Then I have a lot of inspiration for trips and photo tours for you. You can order the books easily at Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a book or another article via an affiliate link, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you.

Did you like the photo tour DDR architecture in Berlin? Do you have any questions or suggestions about my article? If yes, then write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

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More Architecture Articles to read

You want to discover more architectural gems? How about a Photo Tour in "Elektropolis" - Industrial Architecture in Berlin Schöneweide or a Journey through Time to the socialist planned city of Eisenhüttenstadt??

Der Beitrag DDR Architektur in Berlin: Fototour vom Alexanderplatz zum Frankfurter Tor erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

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Highlights of the Photo Tour of Industrial Architecture in Berlin Schöneweide

• Brick romanticism and "Oberschöneweider Klinker" in neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance style
• Morbid charm of the vacant buildings
• Large window fronts and steep views
• Many details, old signs, writings, doors and reliefs
• Crane runway and crane house

Route to the Industrial Architecture in Berlin Oberschöneweide

Getting there

The best way to get there is to take the S-Bahn to Schöneweide. The station building is already a nice introduction to the photowalk, because it is also built of bricks and currently also exudes a slightly morbid charm (construction work is being carried out).

At the end of the tour, you can take the streetcar line 60 or 67 in Wilhelminenhofstraße and be back at the Schöneweide S-Bahn station in a few minutes.

Here you can jump directly to the individual industrial sites:

#1 Bärenquell Brewery
#2 Treskow Bridge
#3 Spreehöfe
#4 Rathenau Halls
#5 Reinbeckhallen and Industrial Salon
#6 Oberspree Power Station and Transformer Station
#7 Oberspree Cable Plant (KWO) and University Campus
#8 Crane Runway and Crane Cafe
#9 Peter Behres Building
#10 Batteries and Accumulators Factory

When is the best Time for a Photo Tour?

A Sunday is the best time for a tour of Berlin's industrial architecture. That's when there's the least traffic and you have peace and quiet for a relaxed search for motifs. The tour is interesting after an extensive rain, because then the buildings are reflected in the water surfaces. In addition, a rather soft light with cloudy sky is suitable for the old brick buildings. This gives your photos a "moody look". When I was on the street, however, the sun came through and the sky was blue. I therefore helped a bit in the later post-processing of the photos and desaturated the blue. So the buildings come much better into their own.

Brief History of the Industrial Location Berlin Schöneweide

At the end of the 19th century, Berlin-Oberschöneweide became one of the most important urban factory districts in Germany. Under the leadership of the Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft (AEG), Europe's first three-phase power plant, a modern cable factory and other electrical and automotive industry plants opened here. The waterfront location on the banks of the Spree, the proximity to the railroad, and the resident three-phase power plant made the area a perfect location. In addition, there was something here that was no longer available in the Berlin city center: space. Factories and production halls line up along the banks of the Spree River for about three kilometers like a string of pearls. The architects Peter Behrens, Osmar Klemm and Ernst Ziesel created a uniform-looking factory town here from the yellow Oberschöneweide clinker. "Elektropolis" was born.

Most of the factory buildings survived the two world wars unscathed. In GDR times, production continued here in Volkseigene Betriebe (VEB). With about 30,000 employees, Oberschöneweide was an important center of the energy industry at that time. With the fall of the Berlin Wall, however, most of the jobs were lost and the cathedrals of labor lost their significance. Today, some of the buildings are still empty. Of the long-established companies, only the Kabelwerk still produces in part of the halls originally used, as well as BAE Batterien GmbH. They are joined by a number of start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises as well as artists and creative people. Since 2009, parts of the old cable factory have been used by the Berlin University of Applied Sciences. For other factory halls, such as the Rathenau Hallen, development for a new use is also planned in the near future.

Tip: However, the history of Berlin's industrial companies also has its dark sides. The Documentation Center for Nazi Forced Labor in Niederschöneweide is a reminder of these. Address: Britzer Strasse 5.

#1 Bärenquell Brewery

The first stop on the photo tour of industrial architecture in Berlin Schöneweide is the former Bärenquell Brewery. Beer was brewed here as early as 1882 at the Borussia Brewery. In 1898, the Borussia brewery was then bought by Schultheiss-Brauerei AG. During the GDR era, the six East Berlin breweries continued to operate as VEB Berliner Brauereien from 1959. The former Borussia brewery was then given the new name Bärenquell-Brauerei. After reunification, the Treuhand took over the company in 1990 and privatized it. Production continued for another four years and finally ceased on April 1, 1994. Since its closure, the site has changed hands several times. So far, there are no concrete plans for a new use and development. Instead, vandalism, theft and decay characterize the historic buildings.

The oldest buildings on the brewery grounds are the officials' residence (1882) and the administration building (1888). Both date back to the time of the Borussia brewery. Most of the other buildings were only erected between 1901 and 1928. The newest building is the New Brewhouse from 1969. All buildings are made of red brick, but in different architectural styles. One can find elements of Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Gothic with castle-like construction, Expressionism as well as Modernism. The old brewery has been a listed building since the 1980s.

Unfortunately, the area is not accessible, fenced with barbed wire and also video monitored. But there are some nice photo opportunities from the outside as well.

Address: Schnellerstraße 136 - 137

#2 Treskow Bridge

The Treskow Bridge is not an industrial building in itself, but you have a good view of the Spreehöfe and the Rathenau Hallen. Here you can live out your creativity and discover many interesting perspectives (see cover picture).

The first Treskow Bridge was opened in 1904. But already a few years later the bridge was no longer able to cope with the increasing traffic in the new industrial area Oberschöneweide. It was therefore replaced by a wider new bridge in 1934. Before the invasion of the Soviet troops, the German army finally blew up the Treskow Bridge and the neighboring Kaisersteg. It was not until 1954 that the sunken bridge parts were recovered from the Spree, processed and used for the construction of a new bridge.

#3 Spreehöfe / Lamp Factory

The industrial monument Spreehöfe combines the buildings of the old lamp factory R. Frister and the former gasworks.

The lamp factory was built from 1897 to 1900 and structurally expanded until 1920. However, in 1934 the lamp factory had to stop its production. Since then, the buildings have been used by a number of other companies, such as Metals Processing Schöneweide, the Society for Aviation Supplies, the VEB RFT Funkwerk Köpenick and, most recently, the Institute for Communications Engineering.

In 1898, the Oberspree gas works was built on the land next to the lamp factory. For a time there was even a telescopic gas tank of the Gasag here. In 1909 and 1937, the land became partly the property of Allgemeine Deutsche Metallwerke Oberschöneweide (ADMOS) and was completely taken over by ADMOS in 1998. In addition to the gasworks, which was located here until 1993, various other factories also used the site on the banks of the Spree.

After the reunification of Germany, the Spreehöfe industrial park was created here after numerous conversions under the new owner ADMOS Immobilien. The courtyards comprise 32 buildings, some of which are listed as historic monuments.

Address: 63 Edisonstrasse at the corner of 87-90 Wilhelminenhofstrasse.

#4 Rathenau Hallen - the Entrance to Elektropolis

Together with the lamp factory, the Rathenau Halls form the entrance portal to "Elektropolis". Here you can also see one of the most striking buildings: the large transformer hall with the big red AEG letters on the gable. With a span of 35 m and a height of 22 m, the factory halls were once among the largest in Berlin.

There are endless photo motifs on the extensive property. In addition to the facades made of the yellow "Oberschöneweider Klinker" and glass fronts, it is the many small details that want to be discovered. Doors, windows, rusty grilles, lamps, switches, fire escapes as well as signs and inscriptions are great motifs.

As early as 1899, the tool and machine factory German Niles-Werke AG was established here on the banks of the Spree. In the 1920s, AEG bought the site and moved the transformer factory from Berlin's Wedding district to Oberschöneweide. Already in the same year, construction of the large transformer hall began according to plans by the architect Ernst Ziesel. Until the 1940s, AEG constructed numerous other buildings here, creating around 4,000 jobs. During World War II, searchlights and ammunition casings were manufactured here. About a third of the workers were forced laborers at the time. After the war, operations were then resumed as VEB Transformatorenwerk. Until reunification, 4,000 employees were employed here, producing transformers, high-voltage switches and fuses. After reunification, AEG leased the site. However, due to declining orders, the plant had to close in 1996.

The factory buildings are still rented out to artists, crafts businesses and retailers for interim use. But in 2019, the heritage-protected halls were purchased by Basecamp. The plan is now to develop them into a cultural and office location with accommodation, co-working, gastronomy and more. Work is expected to begin as early as 2021 and be completed in 2025.

Address: Wilhelminenhofstrasse 83

#5 Reinbeckhallen and Oberschöneweide Industrial Salon

From the Rathenau Halls, the tour continues to the neighboring Reinbeck Halls. The former AEG halls are now an art and cultural center with an exhibition hall, event hall, project space, and a woodworking and printing workshop. Artists and creative people have moved into studios on the site. In addition to an informative exhibition on industrial architecture in Berlin, the Industriesalon Schöneweide also offers guided tours of Oberschöneweide. At Café Schöneweile you can also enjoy drinks and snacks, either on site or directly on the banks of the Spree. From there you have the best view of the Kaisersteg, the halls of the Kabelwerk and the former Oberspree power plant.

Industrial Salon Schöneweide
Elektropolis Tour Fri. 14:00, Sun. 12:00
www.industriesalon.de/fuehrungen

#6 Oberspree Power Station and Transformer Station

The Oberspree Power Station was commissioned in 1897 as the first three-phase power station in Germany. Due to a higher current voltage, the electricity generated here could be efficiently transported over longer distances. This enabled AEG to bring electricity to households in Berlin as well as to the surrounding suburbs on a large scale. The power plant was a technical milestone at the time and also significantly promoted the development of the industrial location. The rapidly growing demand soon led to the expansion of the power plant.

The power plant was decommissioned in 1933 and the halls continued to be used by Kabelwerke Oberspree. The buildings, which like the neighboring industrial buildings are constructed of yellow clinker bricks, are now listed as historic monuments.

#7 Oberspree Cable Plant (KWO) and University Campus

Right next to the three-phase power plant, the Kabelwerk Oberspree (KWO) was opened in 1897. Here, cables, overseas lines as well as wires and insulation were manufactured. It was possible to dispense with the operation of steam power plants in the cable plant, because next door there was enough electricity for the use of new types of electric motors. At the time, the Oberspree cable plant was the most modern factory in Europe.But the factory was not only a highlight in technical terms. The yellow brick ensemble in neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance stylewas also visually impressive. Today, the still preserved administrative and production buildings are listed as one of the most important ensembles of German industrial history.

Due to the good order situation, the factory premises were expanded by 62,000 m² in 1913 and new production halls were built. At the same time, the number of employees had risen to around 8,000 workers.

Fortunately, only parts of the cable plant were destroyed during the Second World War and production was subsequently resumed. In 1952, the plant became a state-owned enterprise (VEB) and was henceforth called VEB Kabelwerk Oberspree. After German reunification in 1990, the Treuhand took over the cable plant, followed two years later by a British company. But the demand was not sufficient and in 1995 cable production in Oberschöneweide ended. Today, cables are only produced in a small part of the factory. The largest part of the former factory, on the other hand, is used as a campus by the Berlin University of Applied Sciences.

Tip: Audio guides can be rented at the info point of the Wilhelminenhof campus, which present the grounds on a tour lasting about one hour. The MP3 files as well as the transcripts are also available for download here auch als Download.

Address: Wilhelminenhofstrasse 75 A

#8 Crane Runway and Crane House

Two special highlights of the Oberspree cable plant are the crane runway and the crane house on the banks of the Spree.

The old crane runway runs vertically between Wilhelminenhofstraße and the square at the Kaisersteg. Where the crane railroad ends at Wilhelminenhofstraße, the crane hook and the driver's cabin offer interesting motifs. The crane bar invites you next to the promenade under the old crane railroad for coffee, breakfast as well as snacks and cakes.

An equally interesting motif and cozy place to linger is the Crane House Café on the shore. Here you can find coffee specialties, cakes as well as delicious food in a cozy industrial style.

Addresses: Kranbar Wilhelminenhofstraße 80; Kranhauscafe Paul-Tropp-Straße 11

#9 Peter Behrens Building

The Peter Behrens Building was completed during World War I in 1917 after only two years of construction. The architect Peter Behrens set new standards with his modern multi-storey factory. For here, the separation of production, administration and public life was eliminated. Today, the building is considered a "monument to modern 20th century industrial culture in Berlin" and is therefore a listed building.

In 1901, the industrialist and founder of AEG, Emil Rathenau, founded the Neue Automobil-Gesellschaft AG (NAG). Not only cars and trucks were manufactured here, but also sports and luxury cars and the Berlin double-decker. During World War I, however, production was switched to war-related goods and the company was renamed the Nationale Automobil-Gesellschaft. In 1917, NAG finally moved into the new factory. The vehicles were produced here from top to bottom on the floors of the modern multi-storey factory. A total of 18 elevators with a load capacity of up to 6,000 kg were in use.

After automobile production ceased in 1934, the AEG subsidiary Telefunken moved in and produced radio tubes. During the GDR era, the Oberspreewerk manufactured television electronics here. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Samsung initially bought the building. Later, the next owner leased the space to various smaller businesses. In May 2019, Deutsche Immobilien Entwicklungs AG (DIE AG) finally purchased the site and plans to develop it.

Did you know? The Peter Behrens Building was a film location in the series Babylon Berlin.

The square tower is reminiscent of a town hall tower, which is why some call the building the "Town Hall of Oberschöneweide." Inside the tower, you enter a light-flooded staircase hall encircled by four-story arcades and surrounding galleries.

Tip: The Schöneweide industrial salon offers guided tours. This includes climbing the 70-meter-high tower with panoramic terrace, tower café and breathtaking views.

Address: Ostendstrasse 1-4

#10 Batteries and Accumulators Factory

In 1899, the Gesellschaft für elektrische Unternehmungen built the first factory buildings for the Akkumulatorenwerke Oberspree AG. Here, portable lead accumulators and batteries were produced on behalf of AEG.

Aktiengesellschaft (AFA) took over the factory and produced, among other things, vehicles with electric drives and charging stations. During the GDR period and also after German reunification, production continued at the plant, but now under the name BAE GmbH. Today, BAE Batterien GmbH still produces batteries and accumulators. And not only at the site in Oberschöneweide but in over 80 countries.

Part of the accumulator plant from the first construction phase in the 1890s is even still preserved and can be visited from the outside. This includes the administration building and the main entrance to the factory premises, as well as a single hall. Here you can discover beautiful details, such as an old clock, tracks, old inscriptions or even rusty rollers of a sliding gate. In Ostendstraße, you can also see a 125-meter-long, single-story factory building made of clinker bricks from the 1920s. Other preserved structures are administrative and social buildings, which were built only at the time of the German division.

Address: Wilhelminenhofstrasse 68 and 69 to Ostendstrasse 30-33.

Book Recommendations for more Industrial Architecture in Berlin and Germany

You want to know even more about industrial architecture in Berlin and all over Germany and discover new photo locations? Then I have a lot of inspiration for trips and photo tours in Berlin for you. You can order the books easily at Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a book or another article via an affiliate link, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you.

Did you like the photo tour through the industrial architecture in Berlin Schöneweide? Do you have any questions or suggestions regarding my article? If yes, then write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

More Berlin articles to read on

You want to discover more of Berlin? How about Berlin's Lost Places or a trip to the Graffiti-Hochhäusern im Art Park Berlin-Tegel?

Der Beitrag Fototour in “Elektropolis” – Industriearchitektur in Berlin Schöneweide erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

An industrial Wasteland becomes a Hotspot for Urban Art

Dilapidated brick buildings, railroad tracks running nowhere and empty factory halls give lost place a romantic come to life. Anyone entering the RAW site in the trendy Friedrichhain neighborhood for the first time will be overwhelmed. It is colorful, anarchic and always new and different. A world of its own. Between ivy-covered walls and broken windows, graffiti, paste-ups and stickers have the RAW site firmly in their grip - urban art wherever you look.It almost seems as if all the paint is holding the ramshackle buildings together in the first place.

The "Urban Spree", a 1,700 square meter hotspot for urban art in Berlin, has been created on the RAW site. Urban Spree organizes exhibitions, workshops and concerts. There is also an art market and a small beer garden for refreshments. Urban Spree also includes the 400 sqm Urban Spree Gallery with independent exhibitions of contemporary urban art. The flagship of Urban Spree is the so-called Artist Wall,a 15-meter long and 8-meter high wall facing Warschauer Straße. Here you can see ever-changing paintings. Please klick on the placeholder to see the pictures:

History of the RAW Site

RAW stands for Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk. It opened in 1867 under the name "Königlich Preußische Eisenbahnwerkstatt Berlin II" and belonged to the Prussian Eastern Railway. After the end of the monarchy in 1918, it was then renamed "Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk". During World War II, almost 80% of the site was destroyed in air raids in 1944. After the end of the war, the plant was finally rebuilt and given the name "Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk (RAW) Franz Stenzer" in 1967. Stenzer was a communist Reichstag deputy and Bavarian railroad worker who was murdered in the Dachau concentration camp. After German reunification, however, there were too many railroad repair shops. Therefore, the workshops on the RAW site were gradually shut down. Between 1995 and 1999, everything finally stood still on the site. But in the summer of 1999, the RAW-Tempel e.V. association began leasing the site and adapting it for interim use. Art, culture, clubs and gastronomy found a place here on the old industrial wasteland where they could realize themselves.

And what's next for the RAW Site?

Since April 1, 2015, the Kurth company has been the owner of the 52,000 square meter site. According to the Kurth company, the future orientation of the site is to tie in with its decades-long function as a central, mixed-use neighborhood. We shall see. As is often the case in Berlin, everything here revolves around one topic: the threat of gentrification of entire city neighborhoods.

How to get there:
Revalerstrasse 99, Friedrichshain
S-/U-Bahn station Warschauer Straße

Tip: The East Side Gallery is not far from the RAW area. You can combine the visit of these two urban art hotspots in Berlin.

Do you want to discover the street art scene in Berlin together with like-minded people on a guided tour? Then I can recommend this three-hour Street Art Tour* or the half-day Tour through the Alternative Berlin* . Both tours are in English. Do you love lost places as much as street art? Then the Tour to the former Listening Station at Teufelsberg* (in German) is made for you.

Book Recommendations for Street Art Fans

You like to browse through illustrated books for new murals or artists you don't know yet? You love to discover the street art scene of other cities? Then I can recommend these books. Click on the picture to get to Amazon, where you can order the books. If you buy something through one of these affiliate links, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you.

Did you like my article about the urban art at the RAW site? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends. Do you have any questions or suggestions? If so, please write me a comment!

Here you can find more Urban Art

You want to see more street art in Berlin? Then continue here with a visit to Haus Schwarzenberg in Berlin Mitte and to the Graffiti Skyscrapers in Art Park Tegel.

Der Beitrag RAW-Gelände – Urban Art und Lost Place Romantik erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.