Berlin. You want to discover the street art of Berlin on your own? Walk through the city at your own pace? Then you are right here. Because I have compiled for you a street art map for Berlin Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. You will see a total of 32 murals on a route of about 14 kilometers. Some of them belong to the most famous of all Berlin, such as the Astronaut / Cosmonaut by Victor Ash or The Pink Man by the artist BLU.

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Street Art Map for Berlin Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg with 32 Murals

Length of the tour: about 14 kilometers
Duration: on foot about 4-5 hours
Start: Ostkreuz S-Bahn station
End: Underground station Gleisdreieck

Practical: In the Street Art Map you can see not only where the mural is located in Berlin. You can also see a small preview image and the exact address by clicking on it with the mouse. The tour starts on the far right. The tour ends at the bottom left.

Tip: The street art tour with the map through Berlin Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg can be perfectly combined with a visit to the RAW area and / or the East Side Gallery. And if you want to see more street art, you can continue from the end point at the subway station Gleisdreieck to the URBAN NATION Museum in Schöneberg.

Take a look from time to time. Because there are always new murals in Berlin, which I will then add to my street art map and here on the blog. Have fun with your tour, browsing and discovering.

Michelle Tombolini: Butterfly

The first mural in my Street Art Map Berlin is by Michelle Tombolini. The Venetian has pasted a butterfly child with big light blue wings as a paste-up on the wall. The girl's mouth is closed with a black cross. In a state of no self-expression, it triggers strong emotions in the viewer. The mural should be seen as a memorial against child pornography and human trafficking.

Butterfly is part of Tombolini's Indelible Marks project, which is dedicated to abused children. In his project, he combines art and technology to create a work of art that is both physical and virtual. On the sign at the bottom right there is also a reference to the free app "EXPERENTI". This allows you to interact directly with the artwork and the artist, the artwork transforms and there are also video messages on the subject. I haven't tried the app myself, so I can't tell you more at this point.

The silent cry of the butterfly girl is meant to challenge the indifference of adults. Child abuse calls for strong prevention and everyone should therefore feel responsible. The Italian branch of the international network ECPACT International has been working with Tombini since 2014. ECPACT works to protect children from exploitation.

Address: Krossener Strasse 36

Community Project – unknown Artist

The building in Kreutzigerstraße is one of the most colorful I have seen during my street art tour. It was created as a community project by the people who live here. That is, the pictures are not painted by a famous artist at all, but by the residents themselves.

Address: Kreutzigerstraße 19

Hall of Fame at the cinema Intimes

Small but nice. This applies both to the "Intimes" neighborhood cinema and to the Hall of Fame on the façade in Niederbarnimstraße. The artists use paste-ups, stickers and stencils to spread their political and socially critical messages. Some of them are very up-to-date, such as a red heart with a gold-colored mouth guard or a Corona Virus to cuddle with.

Address: Boxhagener Str. 107 / corner Niederbarnimstraße

By the way: The small cinema, founded in 1909, is the oldest continuously screened cinema in Berlin. It presents arthouse films and documentaries. The cinema was rebuilt in 2019/20 and reopened under a new operator after the lockdown in spring 2021.

Arsek Erase, HRVB the Weird: The Berlin Bomber

Since the beginning of 2000, Arsek and Erase have been on the road as a graffiti artist duo. Their works are mostly illustrative and surreal in nature. Typical for their murals are bright colors, fun as well as comic-like scenes influenced by nature and their surroundings. The Bulgarian artists realized "The Berlin Bomber" during the Berlin Mural Fest 2018. The bear riding on a yellow Berlin subway was additionally tattooed on the arm by the artist HRVB the Weird at the end.

Address: Warschauer Strasse 9

MTO: There's No Such Thing As Bad Publicity

The French artist Mateo Lepeintre aka MTO thematizes with his mural the use of street art for commercial purposes. But first a story: until 2015 there was a very famous mural on the Cuvry wasteland in Kreuzberg. It was three huge white figures with masks and golden watch handcuffs. Maybe you still know it. Painted by the famous Italian artist BLU in 2007, the mural was an extremely popular photo motif as well as a landmark of the embattled Cuvry wasteland. Because from 2015 apartments were to be built here. It is said that BLU had his work painted over with black paint. He wanted to make sure the system couldn't use his mural to sell apartments.

When MTO got its wall during the 2018 Mural Fest, a large scoreboard was already in place here. It's almost hard to tell, but the lowest of the yellow-framed panels is "real" and even lit with two lamps. He finally took this opportunity to denounce the use of street art murals for commercial purposes. It is well known that large-scale murals are attracting increasing interest from city councils and investors. That's because city- or brand-sponsored facade murals make lower-cost residential areas more attractive. Rents go up, street art tourists come, galleries open, and so on. MTO refuses this process and wants to fight against it. For this he shows openly political and contextual content in his murals.

Address: Warschauer Str. 58

One Truth: Swiss Knife

One Truth brothers Pase and Dr. Drax have painted a huge 25-meter-high wall near the East Side Gallery. The mural shows a large Swiss Army Knife with its feet covered in graffiti by local artists. One Truth plays on the stereotype of Switzerland in his painting.

Address: Revaler Street 1

Alice Pasquini: Suspended

The mural "Suspended" is located in a backyard opposite the East Side Gallery. Italian artist Alice Pasquini painted six portraits of a young woman here in six days. Her style - the watercolor technique - is unmistakable. Also typical of Pasqiuni is that her art focuses on depicting people and relationships. Her six portraits show the same young woman in six different poses, each with a different facial expression. Her mural is meant to show the strength and independence of women.

Address: Warschauer Strasse 47

BLU: The Pink Man

You can already see the artwork of BLU from the Oberbaumbrücke. It shows a pink human figure with big white eyes. On closer inspection, you will see that this figure consists of hundreds of small people. These cling to each other in fear and finally form an indefinable mass. Only one person is highlighted as an individual. He is stuck between the fingers of the monster and is probably about to be eaten by it. The artist BLU thematizes fascism with his mural.

Address: Falckensteinstraße 49

Fin Dac: Engeika

"Engeika" is the first mural by street art icon Fin Dac in Berlin. It is a beautiful example of how art can be integrated into a building - and vice versa. Because at first glance you can't see what is painted and what is part of the building. Fin Dac has perfectly integrated the two balconies into his painting. The geisha dressed in a red kimono leans against the lower balcony as if it were a small table. The mural in the Berlin backyard is part of Fin Dac's series "Hidden Beauty".

Address: Köpenicker Street 9

BLU: tear down this wall

The wall of banknotes is one of few murals of the artist BLU, which have survived to this day. Like each of his works, this one carries a profound message to the viewer's eyes. The artwork shows on the left side a gray wall that falls to the ground piece by piece. But after it was already on the ground, a new wall is created - only this time from green 100 euro bills. The mural stands for Berlin. And it raises the question of what actually happened after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Address: Köpenicker Street 10 A

Os Gêmeos: Yellow Man

The mural "Yellow Man" by the Brazilian artist duo Os Gêmeos was created in 2007 as part of the graffiti festival Backjumps. The motto was "Turn the city into a magazine". The twins are among the most internationally known representatives in the street art scene. But despite their notoriety and high-paying commissions, their works are examples of socially critical street art, often with references to indigenous people. To the left of Yellow Man, the Berlin Kidz have also left their mark. The filigree, arabesque-looking tags are frequently seen in the Berlin cityscape. They are always in red, blue and black and stretch up the walls of the buildings like a sky ladder.

Address: Oppelner Strasse 3

Roa: Nature Morte

Admittedly, the mural does look a bit morbid: here a hare, a stork and a deer hang upside down on ropes from the roof. Among the hanging animals also lie a dead bull and a wild boar with severed head. The dead, injured or dismembered animals are a trademark of Belgian artist Roa. They are always sprayed in black and white and therefore have a high recognition value. You can see another of his paintings at Schönhauser Allee 116 in Prenzlauer-Berg.

Address: Oranienstrasse 2

Victor Ash: Astronaut/Cosmonaut

The mural in black and white stencil style shows a spaceman floating above the city or other graffiti. The Portuguese artist Victor Ash was inspired by the East-West conflict between the USA and the Soviet Union. For both states tried to be ahead in armament and space travel. However, Ash's spaceman is faceless and has no obvious nationality. Therefore, the mural also bears both the American and Russian designations for a spaceman in its title: "Astronaut/Cosmonaut." When Victor Ash created the mural in 2007 as part of the Backjump Festival, it was the largest stencil in the world, measuring 22 meters by 14 meters. And even today it is among the largest of its kind.

Address: Oranienstrasse 195

Millo: My Head is a Jungle

The Italian artist Millo has created a fire wall in Luckauer Straße as part of the Urban Nation Fest 2018. On display is a monotonous cityscape with skyscrapers and airplanes. But in the middle, a woman sits on a hairdresser's chair and has her hair washed. In the process, exotic animals fall out of her hair and the wash water slowly floods the city. Millo is known for his black and white line drawings, in which childlike figures, however, form a colorful contrast. His paintings represent childlike joy and playfulness.

Address: Luckauer Street 12

Herakut: My home might be no palace, but we can share it if you like

The Italian artist Millo has created a fire wall in Luckauer Straße as part of the Urban Nation Fest 2018. On display is a monotonous cityscape with skyscrapers and airplanes. But in the middle, a woman sits on a hairdresser's chair and has her hair washed. In the process, exotic animals fall out of her hair and the wash water slowly floods the city. Millo is known for his black and white line drawings, in which childlike figures, however, form a colorful contrast. His paintings represent childlike joy and playfulness.

Address: Luckauer Street 12

Guided Street Art Tours in Berlin

You don't feel like wandering the streets on your own and would rather join a guided street art tour in Berlin? Nothing could be easier. If you book a tour via the following affiliate links, you will support Fernweh-Motive with a small commission. The tour will not be more expensive for you. Merci!

Cryptik: Graphics

Just around the corner, on Bergfried Street, Southern California artist Cryptik created a graphic mural using the stencil technique. His works are an expression of spirituality and consciousness. Thus, this mural also features mandala-like patterns as representations of deities and spiritual guides. For Cryptik, his art is spiritual in nature. His "Mantradalas" are to be used for meditation, contemplation and also for trance. So it is about new perspectives, pausing in everyday life as well as positive karma.

Address: Bergfriedstraße 20

Emily Eldridge: The Thread that tied us together

The colorful mural was painted on April 8, 2020 - when just the lockdown because of the Corona virus has paralyzed Berlin. It is probably the newest artwork in my street art map and is titled "The red thread that holds us together". But what exactly is it that holds us together? The artist explored this question: For Emily, it is the city, the neighborhood as well as the home that binds us together. All those who live here ultimately make Berlin what it is. No matter where the individual comes from.

Address: Wassertorstraße 64

Bosoletti, Young Jarus: Daphne and Apollo

Argentine artist Francisco Bosoletti and Canadian artist Young Jarus have painted a joint mural here for Urban Nation 2018 under the motto "United". And it sets standards! Because it covers an area of 45 x 15 meters and shows the tragic love story of Daphne and Apollo. And it goes like this: Apollo has angered Eros. As a result, he shoots two arrows, one golden at Apollo and one made of lead at Daphne. With the effect that Apollo falls madly in love with Daphnie, but Daphnie feels rather the opposite. To escape Apollo, Daphne finally allows herself to be transformed into a laurel bush. As an expression of his grief over unrequited love, Apollo has worn a laurel wreath on his head ever since.

Address: Gitschiner Str. 65

Berlin Kidz - various graffiti

They are crazy, fearless and brazen. Nobody knows who they are, but their graffiti is unmistakable: filigree, arabesque-looking characters in the colors red, blue and black. There are also always little messages hidden between the tags. Their graffiti spans the facades of the highest buildings and the most inaccessible places. From the very top to the very bottom. To do this, the Berlin Kidz abseil down building roofs in spectacular actions and film themselves doing it. Tip: You can see many of their videos on You Tube.

The style of the Berlin Kidz is influenced by the beginnings of US-American graffiti. Because in the past, graffiti spraying was also considered a kind of extreme sport, was political and rebellious. Without a lot of frills around it. Their graffiti is a fight for freedom, against gentrification and surveillance. Their goal? "Fuck the system." At least that's the title of the film Thomas von Wittich made about the Berlin Kidz. You can also watch it in full length on You Tube. Here you can see the video.

You can also see more graffiti of the Berlin Kidz on the following murals: BLU: tear down this wall; Os Gêmeos: Yellow Man; Roa: Nature Morte; Victor Ash: Astronaut/Cosmonaut

Axel Void: Man is a Wolf to Man

At first, you only see the bright white lettering on the dark background. But at second glance, you recognize structures in the black surface. Then, at the third glance, the structure becomes a human being. However, only his head, his upper body bent forward and his right hand, with which he holds something, can be seen. Above this is the Latin sentence: "Homo Homini Lupus", translated "Man is a wolf to man" from the comedy "Eseleien" by the Roman poet Titus Maccius Plautus. The English philosopher Hobbes later used this phrase in his philosophical work "Leviathan." He used it to describe the human quest for power and the phrase subsequently became famous.

Address: Bergfried Street 11

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.

Jadore Tong: No Comment

The mural by Jadore Tong shows the three (partly former) heads of state Barack Obama, Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin. They hold their hands in front of their eyes, ears or mouths. With this, the artist alludes to the well-known Buddhist wisdom: "See nothing (evil), hear nothing (evil), say nothing (evil)."

Address: Knight Street 12

Shepard Fairey: Make Art Not War

The mural "Make Art Not War" was created in 2014 as part of Urban Nation's "One Wall" project. Above the mural is the slogan "Make Art Not War", which is an allusion to "Make Love Not War". The latter slogan stood in the 1960s as a protest against the Cold War and the Vietnam War. Also, in the center of the painting is a rose. The stem first has rose thorns, but further down the thorns have turned into spikes of a barbed wire fence. Around the stem closes a handcuff with the inscription "Rise Above". To the left and right of the handcuff is "Eyes Open" and "Mind Open." The mural thus sends a message of peace and asks viewers to be open, tolerant as well as respectful. The handcuffed rose can be interpreted as a symbol that it is possible to rise above societal constraints.

Address: Mehringplatz 28

Don John: Hoodie

As part of Urban Nation's "One Wall" project, a mural by Danish street artist Don John was created on a house wall at Mehringplatz in 2014. The mural shows on the right side a torso in a black hoodie with his hands buried in his pockets. A head, however, does not appear to be present. A flock of colorful birds pours out of the empty hood. They fly away over the rest of the wall. Later, someone threw red paint bags at the birds, making it look as if they had been shot. However, Don John's original version had a different, friendlier character.

Address: Mehringplatz 12

Pichi Avo: Janus

This mural by Pichi Avo was also created during the second Berlin Mural Fest in 2019. The French artist is known for urban mythology. Namely, in his murals he combines street art and Greek and Roman mythology. This mural in Friedrichstraße depicts the Roman two-faced god Janus, the god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time as well as duality. And what makes the painting so special is that Janus is covered in graffiti from top to bottom.

Address: Friedrichstraße 7

Mr. Aryz: Wrestlers

Spanish artist Mr. Aryz is known for his large-scale murals. He painted this mural with the fighting wrestlers during the second Berlin Mural Fest in 2019. He often paints dynamic scenes in bold colors, leaving the brushwork largely visible. He also filled the free areas with clearly visible brushstrokes. In his painting, the struggling people are representative of our society.

Address: Friedrichstraße 7

Jadore Tong: Peace Unity Love Wisdom

Next to the streetball court in Theodor-Wolff-Park an elephant plays with a balloon. He almost looks like he wants to play ball with the kids. However, the colorful elephant not only brings color to the gray wall. He also brings a message: "Peace - Unity - Love - Wisdom" is written at the bottom of the artwork. That makes it even more meaningful. Beautiful, isn't it?

The huge painting is certainly one of the most photographed murals in Berlin. It was realized in 2016 by Jadore Tong aka S.Y.R.U.S. (Save Your Rich Intouchable Soul) as a privately organized project. It took a whole 4 weeks to complete the 750 square meter painting. It covers the entire back of a typical Berlin old building with six floors. First, the outlines were painted with a paint roller and spray cans, which were then filled with wall paint. In the end, the details were finally applied with spray cans.

Address: Franz-Klühs-Straße / corner building Wilhelmstraße 7

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.

Jadore Tong: Mountain Ama Dablam

The sight gives one wanderlust. Especially as long as the borders are still closed because of the Corona Pandemic. The mural shows the mountain Ama Dablam in the Himalayan mountains in eastern Nepal. The main peak is 6,812 meters high, the lower west peak is 6,170 meters high. Ama Dablam means "necklace of the mother".

Address: Franz-Klühs-Straße / corner building Wilhelmstraße 7

Various artists: Tommy-Weisbecker-Haus

In 1971, the Thommy Weisbecker Haus was the first successful squat in West Berlin. In the early 1980s, it was finally recognized as a youth housing community. Today, it offers around 40 teenagers and young adults the opportunity for self-determined living and working. With its numerous projects and solo events, it is also an important meeting place for the left-wing youth scene. It is named after the anarchist Tommy Weisbecker, who was shot by the police in the 1970s.

The artist and former social worker Andreas Dornbusch was in charge of the facade paintings. Completed in 1989, the paintings are thoroughly political and also reminiscent of left-wing protest slogans and symbols. They take up the themes of war, nuclear power, capitalism, the dumbing down of people by the mass media, and liberation through a return to nature. The left side of the house is also open to various graffiti artists today as a Hall of Fame.

Address: Wilhelmstraße 9

James Bullough, Telmo Miel: unified

Berlin-based artist James Bullough and Dutch artist duo TelmoMiel completed their mural "unified" in May 2018 as part of Urban Nation's "One Wall" project. It shows one person, but composed of body parts of different people of different nationalities. James Bullough is known for large-scale works with strong contrasts. In this artwork, he combines realistic portraiture and stylized distortions.

Address: Bernburger Str. 35

CBS Crew and Kripoe: Yellow Fists

The CBS Crew (CBS stands for Cowboys) and the artist Kripoe have distributed their Yellow Fists in Berlin between 1995 and 2005. And they did so in the most impossible and inaccessible places in the city. Their bright yellow fists stand as a symbol of anarchy and rebellion. Even though the last of them were created in 2005, many of them are still well preserved.

Address: At the elevated railroad at Tempelhofer Ufer / corner of Anhalter Steg.

Interbrigadas e.V.: Revolt of the Colors

Now you have arrived at the last mural of my street art map. It was created as part of the project "Uprising of Colors" by Interbrigadas e.V. in the summer of 2009 and is one of the largest murals in Berlin. It measures 600 square meters and is located on the side of the Mercure Hotel in Berlin Mitte. A total of eight artists from South America and Berlin were involved. The picture is therefore also a colorful mix of motifs and connects the different cultures. You can see figures of different origins, for example Karl Marx or a sexy Indian woman. Her arm turns into a branch holding a spray can in her hand. Besides the jungle and exotic animals, a city with skyscrapers is also growing. On the other side there are charming little houses and a bodega. And of course, the Berlin TV tower can't be missing either. Finally, hovering above it all is a red-and-white striped zeppelin trailing a banner that reads "Interbrigadas."

Address: Luckenwalder Str. 11

Here your street art tour in Berlin continues:

So, here at Gleisdreieck is the last mural in my street art map for Berlin Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. I hope you enjoyed the tour. Do you want to see more Berlin street art? Then continue here to the Graffiti Skyscrapers in Art Park Tegel and to another Street Art Walk in Berlin-Bülowstraße.

Did you like the street art tour with the map through Berlin Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg? 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!

Der Beitrag Street Art Guide & Map Berlin Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg 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.

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

Smallest and most popular Street Art Hotspot in Berlin - Haus Schwarzenberg.

The inconspicuous archway, right next to Café Cinema, is easy to miss. And as soon as you've taken three steps into the passageway, you'll only continue at a snail's pace. Because already here in the archway graffiti, paste-ups and stickers fight for your attention. After a few meters, a long courtyard opens up. To the left and right, the walls are painted or pasted up all over. You'll find artwork in all styles and sizes. New ones are added all the time, old ones are painted or pasted over. So the walls show you a different face with every visit. Take your time to explore the smallest and probably most popular street art hotspot in Berlin!

And when you're done with the passage and the inner courtyard, then continue in the legendary staircase of Haus Schwarzenberg: This is the door on the right in the first courtyard. I have never seen so many stickers! After that, there is a second courtyard to discover. This one is just like the first one painted all over with graffiti and co.

Haus Schwarzenberg is more than "just" Street Art

But Haus Schwarzenberg is more than "just" a street art hotspot. It is a unique microcosm in the middle of the "mainstream chic" of the Scheunenviertel at Hackescher Markt. The building, which has been a listed building since 1995, is a place for culture and independent art.It stands as a symbol for freedom, against mainstream and gentrification.And probably exactly because of that it is a tourist magnet and a pilgrimage site for all street art fans.

In the Schwarzenberg House there is the Neurotitan Gallery and Shop.Since 1996, the gallery has been organizing new exhibitions on a monthly basis. Here lovers of street art, illustration, urban art and comics get their money's worth. The Neurotitan Shop offers a wide selection of art, books, curios and gift ideas.

The portrait of Anne Frank by Jimmy C. in his distinctive drop style also invites you to visit the exhibition "All about Anne" in the Anne Frank Center. You can also get to it via the right staircase in the first courtyard.

In the second backyard is the club Eschschloraque Rümschrümp.It is one of the last bastions of Berlin's underground and sees itself as a refuge for free (life) art and alternative club culture. Don't miss it!

Finally, another highlight is hidden in the basement of the building: the monster cabinet of the Berlin artist group Dead Chickens. It is a whimsical collection of mechanical and computer-controlled monster robots. The cabinet opened in 2010. Previously, the monsters lived in an old factory building in Berlin Schöneweide.

What does the Name "Schwarzenberg" mean?

A bizarre story gave Schwarzenberg its name: In the Erzgebirge, there is a town and a district called Schwarzenberg. At the end of the Second World War, due to a misunderstanding, the Allies advanced from both directions only to the borders of Schwarzenberg. Schwarzenberg thus remained unoccupied for six weeks and called itself the "Free Republic of Schwarzenberg". But in the end it was occupied by Soviet troops. Can there be a more fitting name for this little microcosm at Hackescher Markt?

Tip: You need a break after all these impressions? Then I recommend the traditional Café Cinema in the front building. It was founded on October 2, 1990, a few hours before the German reunification. In summer it also has benches in the courtyard of Haus Schwarzenberg.

How to get there

Address: Rosenthaler Straße 39 in Berlin Mitte.
Directions to get there: S-Bahn station Hackescher Markt or U-Bahn station Weinmeister Straße. The Tram line 1 stops almost directly in front of the entrance.

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 street art at Haus Schwarzenberg? 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!

Tips for further reading & viewing

You love street art? Then take a look at my articles about Street Art in Kiev and in La Paz. Both cities have very different murals - but both are equally impressive.

Der Beitrag Haus Schwarzenberg – Street Art Highlight in Berlin erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

"Poor but sexy!" Who said that? That was Berlin's mayor Wowereit in November 2003, when the phrase became the city's leitmotif and was often quoted.

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

The Street Art walk around Bülowstraße at a Glance

Start and end point: Nollendorfplatz underground station
Length: about 3.2 kilometers
Duration of the walk: about 1,5 hours
Tip: Combine your walk with a visit to the Urban Art Museum for Contemporary Art,, one of Berlin's Street Art hotspots.

Urban Art Museum for Contemporary Art,

What is street art doing in a museum? Street art belongs on the street...

Actually, yes, but. The international network of URBAN NATION promotes artists and the acceptance of street art. Because everyone who is involved with street art knows: art polarizes. And art that is visible to everyone on the street, all the more so. Workshops, Street Art Festivals, das “One Wall” Projekt und natürlich das Museum selbst schaffen eine communication platform. A basis for the exchange and growing together of artists, artworks and the inhabitants behind the painted walls. The museum on Bülowstraße documents the history of a subculture and explores the question of what makes street art so fascinating and successful. A total of 100 works by well-known artists and newcomersawait you. And for those who can't make it to Berlin, the museum also offers a digital tour. .

On the outer facade of the museum is a modular interchangeable facade with fibre cement panels. It was redesigned in June 2020 by Dave the Chimp & Friends . Dave is known for his orange "Human Beans". Together with Mina, Señor Schnu, Lunartik and Humble Writerz he designed the façade of the museum. The result is a picture in which so much is to be discovered that one can hardly make the jump into the actual museum. But for all the diversity, there is also an overriding theme: solidarity.

How to get there:
Bülowstraße 7; underground station Bülowstraße (U2) or Nollendorfplatz (U1, U2, U3, U4).
Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Die “East Side Gallery” des Westens – Street Art rund um die Bülowstraße

Now it's off to the street, or rather to my little gallery. Some pictures have come together. But you can discover many more on your walk around the Bülowstraße. With a click on the pictureyou can see the photos in full size. The title of the picture is also shown. In the best case, you will find out the artist, the title of the work of art and the address.

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 Street Art walk around Bülowstraße? 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!

Tips for further reading & viewing

You love street art? Then take a look at my articles about Street Art in Kiev and in La Paz. Both cities have very different murals - but both are equally impressive.

Der Beitrag Street Art Spaziergang Bülowstraße – Kunst für alle! erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

Concrete Slab Buildings become Art - the Art Park Tegel develops

Prefabricated housing is usually grey and anything but beautiful. But with chronic housing shortages, the so called "Platte" has its justification. With its purpose-optimised building style and effective construction method, it offers many people affordable living space. In addition, the large facades of the buildings offer room for new ideas.

The Gewobag housing association and the URBAN NATION artist network also saw this. As part of the "One Wall" project, URBAN NATION regularly invites international street art artists to decorate Berlin wall by wall. In the summer of 2016, it was the turn of six walls from the prefabricated apartment buildings in Nehringer Strasse. Art Park Tegel was born - one of the largest outdoor galleries in Berlin. There are now eight gigantic murals measuring 42 x 16 meters. That is Street Art in large format!

URBAN NATION is a network for artists, projects and neighbourhood of the Berliner Leben Foundation. Motto: "Connect. Create. Care." Berliner Leben, on the other hand, is a foundation of the municipal housing association Gewobag and was founded in 2013. Its aim is the continuous and sustainable development of Berlin's neighbourhood.

Tankpetrol und Queen Kong: 2268 miles & Luchadora Pachamama

Within seven days Tankpetrol and Queen Kong painted a significant statement on the wall at Neheimer Strasse 4: The Pilot Girl (left side, painted by Tankpetrol) watches over everything and fights for space and freedom. Later she returns transformed and shows her second face: Luchadora Pachamama (right side, painted by Queen Kong). She is now fighting for the preservation of nature, for justice, security and a home for all people. Regardless of their origin, gender or generation.

And what do the 2268 miles mean? Some people who live on Neheimer Strasse travelled 2268 miles to find a new home and peace. A big mural - not only in terms of its dimensions!

Nuno Viegas, Hera & Akut: Real Recognize Real

The mural with the woman in the hoodie with the crowned animals in her hand is my favourite picture in Art Park Tegel. "Ick lass dir nicht hängen" is in Berlin language and English ("I will never let you down") all over the place in the background. It refers to nature - represented by the bear, the fox and the deer.

The intention of the duo Herakut is to anchor positive signs of life and thinking in a city. With the mural, the artists want to remind Berliners what really makes Berlin special. Because it is not the clubs & Co., but the proximity to nature. The woman in the hoodie has recognized it and enjoys the beauty of nature.

The gigantic work of art with a surface area of 42×16 metres was created in the summer of 2019 over a period of two weeks.

Tip: If you also want to enjoy the nature right away, I recommend a walk along the Tegeler See. If it is warm enough you can go swimming here. Otherwise you can watch ducks and swans, rent a rowing boat, take a trip on a sightseeing steamer or just chill with a coffee and a piece of cake on the shore.

London Police: Untitled

Bold Colours and Iconic Characters are the trademarks of the London Police team of artists. Their art is colourful and positive. With their works they want to make people laugh or cry and stimulate their own creativity. Their mural with the oversized smileys stands for teamwork and cohesion. In a world of individualism and social differences, it should make the viewer think.

Collin van der Sluijs & Super A: The Starling

Who doesn't know them? The fantastic formation flights of huge starling swarms in the sky. They gather by the thousands and then fly south like one large individual. They do not follow a leader but are united in a community that protects each other. Impressive, isn't it?

The starling in this mural stands as a symbol of community and migration. The plumage of the 30 meter high animal shimmers blue-violet. His chest is also fantasyfully covered with flower tendrils and precious stones. The starling with its typical behaviour is supposed to be a metaphor for the culture in Berlin.

Fintan Magee: Circle of Life

The 41.5 meter high mural by Fintan Magee is based on the children's book 'A Childs Garden' by Michael Foreman. The book is about the human spirit, its indestructibility and its ability to start again after a destruction. His painting shows a woman with a baby in her arms and a man. Both are standing on rubble and turned away from each other, looking and walking in different directions. I don't think that was a happy ending. Nevertheless, both look confidently into their future with their heads held high.

Guided Street Art Tours in Berlin

You don't feel like wandering the streets on your own and would rather join a guided street art tour in Berlin? Nothing could be easier. If you book a tour via the following affiliate links, you will support Fernweh-Motive with a small commission. The tour will not be more expensive for you. Merci!

Pixel Pancho: Playing Card

Pixel Pancho from Turin is known as the guy with the robots. Because robots are the perfect symbol for the human urge to be godlike and to control life. Pixel Pancho's pictures are about flowers, machines and nature. In the end, nature defeats the machine and blossoms. His pictures often stand for irritating themes of our society, among other things that everyone wears a mask and is no longer himself.

Pixel Pancho always uses earthy colors in his paintings. With this he wants to create a reference to history and also create an antique atmosphere. His 17-storey painting "Playing Card" shows the portrait of a robot man, with brass-coloured metal emerging from his cheeks and the back of his head. Colourful flowers grow on the back of his head and back. I would say that the painting is clearly inspired by the flower beds surrounding the prefabricated buildings.

Hownosm: Tiptoes

The trademark of the twins How and Nosm are huge murals with intertwined motifs in red, white and black. Their mural in Neheimer Straße shows a surreal being standing on his tiptoes and reaching for the stars.

Jim Avignon: Balloon

Here something new is created. The street art artist Jim Avignon is designing another mural here as part of the "One Wall" program. The Berliner is known for his humorous paintings. The globe with the big eyes and the nicely curved lips looks very friendly in any case.

I am curious about the finished mural. Because it replaces another mural, which was very controversial after its completion. It was said to be too gloomy and depressing - the earlier painting stood for the refugee theme.

And this is how it looked: A refugee girl stood at a window in a white shirt covered with blood. She was looking at a forest. At the back of the forest a naked man was tied to a tree and pierced by arrows. What did the artist Borondo want to tell us with his painting? Something positive. The man was wounded but still he stood upright and was strong. In his painting the artist referred to the legend of Saint Sebastian, the most revered saint in the Catholic Church. St. Sebastian was supposed to be executed by archers. But he survived. So there is hope for the world. Borondo wanted to motivate us to look at the world like a child, with curiosity, open and unbiased. Too bad it didn't work and the picture is painted over. Well, maybe it wasn't the right place next to a kindergarten.

Fancy more street art in Berlin?
Then come along for a
Street Art Walk in Bülowstraße - Art for Everyone!

How to get to Art Park Tegel

The Art Park Tegel with its eight murals is located between Neheimer Straße, Bernauer Straße and Emstaler Platz. The best way to get there is to take the U6 underground line to Holzhauser Straße. From there you can walk for about 20 minutes or take the bus line 133 (direction U-Bahnhof Haselhorst).

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 graffiti skyscrapers in Art Park Tegel? 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!

Tips for further reading & viewing

You love street art? Then take a look at my articles about Street Art in Kiev and in La Paz. Both cities have very different murals - but both are equally impressive.

Der Beitrag Art Park Tegel – die Graffiti-Hochhäuser von Berlin erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Street Art Mecca in the Ruins of the Listening Station at Teufelsberg

A street art paradise has developed in the ruins of the former listening station on Teufelsberg in Berlin. On five floors and 2,400 square meters, artists from all over the world have come to be creative. Concrete walls were added later to give even more space for artworks. The design of the ruins was in the hands of Graffiti Lobby Berlin. On the "Open Monument Day" in September 2012, painting and design was carried out under the motto "Resurrection from Ruins". Since then numerous other events and workshops have taken place on the Teufelsberg. The Lost Place became more colourful from time to time - the largest Street Art Gallery in Europe was created. And when you reach the panorama terrace after seeing the many paintings, you'll have a fantastic 360° panoramic view over the Grunewald forest up to the television tower at Alexanderplatz.

But there's more to it than that. Above the viewing terrace rises the highest of the white spheres - called radomes. Over a narrow staircase you reach the dome. Sometimes concerts take place here. Because the sound and space in the dome is as fascinating as the view and street art.

History of the Listening Station at Teufelsberg

The former radar station on the Teufelsberg is today a popular excursion destination and a hot spot for street art in Berlin. At the same time it is a place of history. It is a reminder of the Nazi era, the post-war years, the Cold War and also of the upswing after the fall of the Wall.

Faculty of Defense Technology during the Nazi Era

After the seizure of power in 1933 Hitler intended to make Berlin the world capital Germania. Part of this project were monumental buildings, large-scale reconstruction measures and various representative projects. Construction was also carried out on the site where the Teufelsberg is today. Here the new university town - the Faculty of Defence Technology - was to be built. Construction began in 1937, but from February 1940 all resources were withdrawn for war purposes. The construction came to a standstill. The main building of the university, completed as a shell, remained unfinished. Later the building was demolished down to the ground floor and partly used as building material.

Post-War Years and the Cold War

After the war, one third of Berlin lay in ruins. From 1950, trucks finally removed the rubble from the streets. As a result, several mountains of rubble were accumulated in Berlin. Among them were the ruins of the former military technology faculty. This is where the Teufelsberg grew. Two basement levels with air-raid shelters are still under the mountain today. The last truck arrived in 1972. During these 22 years, 26 million cubic metres of rubble were transformed into the highest elevation in West Berlin.

"Teufelssee" and "Himmelsteich" (Heaven's Pond): The nearby Teufelssee, gave the Teufelsberg its name. The lake is a so-called Heaven's Pond. This means that it is fed only by rain and groundwater. The Teufelssee probably owes its name to a primeval cult place that was once located here.

After the filling up of the mountain was completed, it was turned into a popular excursion point: Trees were planted and Berlin got a ski slope with a lift and ski jump. But the top of the mountain was reserved for spying purposes, an area of 48,000 square meters. This is where the buildings of the US forces' flight monitoring and listening station with a total of five antenna domes were built.

After the Reunification of Germany

As a result of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the military withdrew and dismantled parts of the technical installations. However, new radar installations were installed on the buildings. The air traffic control radar station was created, which monitored civil air traffic from 1991 to 1999. But since 1999, the buildings have finally been empty and dilapidated.

The Berlin Senate sold the site to a group of investors in 1998. They wanted to build a hotel with conference centre, luxury apartments, spy museum and restaurant. But the plans failed due to unexpectedly high costs and the resistance of the conservationists. The building permit expired. In 2005, the Senate finally decided to change the previously valid land use plan. Since 2006, the site has been designated as a forest. A new private development is therefore excluded.

Then in 2008 there were new plans from Hollywood director David Lynch. He had a peace university of the Maharishi Foundation in mind. At the Tower of Invincibility up to 1000 students should meditate and do Yoga exercises. But these plans did not work out either.

And today?

A leaseholder of the site finally opened the gates for visitors in February 2011. He also established the largest street art gallery in Europe. A subsequent tenant has been developing the site since 2015. Parallel to this, the association Initiative Kultur-DENK-MAL Berliner Teufelsberg g. e. V. was founded in 2013. This has turned the Teufelsberg into a centre of art and creativity. Since the end of October 2018, the Teufelsberg has been listed as a historical monument.

All Information for your Visit of the Listening Station at Teufelsberg Berlin

Address and directions:
Teufelsseechaussee 10, 14193 Berlin. From the S-Bahn station Heerstraße walk along Teufelsseechaussee to the second parking lot. Then straight ahead through the forest until you see a fence. Turn left here and you will come to the main entrance.

Opening hours:
Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Last admission is at 4 pm.

Guided tours:
Historical tour: interesting facts about the history of Teufelsberg. Duration approx. 90 minutes. Costs 15 Euro. Tickets can be bought on site.
Historical flashlight hike (not in summer).
Silent tours: free tour of the safe areas of the Teufelsberg radar station, without historical information. Costs 5 Euro (currently without viewing platform).

IMPORTANT! At the moment the viewing platform of the Radom Unit with the prominent radomes and the dome may not be entered temporarily for safety reasons (fire protection and escape routes). Please check the current status on the website teufelsberg-berlin.eu .

What else there is to see:
Documentation of the history of the Teufelsberg and photos from the Cold War.

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.

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.

Do you know the former listening station at the Teufelsberg in Berlin and the great street art works? How did you like it there? Do you have any comments or suggestions about my article? If so, please write me a comment!

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love street art as much as I do? Then take a look at the great murals in my two following articles:

Street-Art in La Paz, Mexico - Murals and Skulptures

Street Art in Kiev

Der Beitrag Abhörstation Teufelsberg – Street Art Mekka & Lost Place in Berlin erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

This article contains unsolicited and unpaid advertising and affiliate links*.

What you can expect in my Article:

Snorkeling with the Whale Sharks of La Paz - an unforgettable Highlight
Street-Art of La Paz - a colourful Sea of Pictures and Sculptures
Diving with the Sea Lions of Los Islotes
Walk along the Malecón - pure Joy of Life on the colourful Beach Promenade
Diving in the "Fish Soup" of Baja California
More helpful Tips and Travel Information for La Paz in Mexico

Snorkeling with the Whale Sharks of La Paz - an unforgettable Highlight

I have to say it. The whale sharks were the main reason I came to La Paz. Because in the time between October and April it is possible to snorkel here with these huge animals. The sea is then especially rich in plankton and the whale sharks come close to the coast. Numerous tour providers drive out with boats to the specially for the whale sharks arranged protected area. After a 20 minute drive you can see the first whale sharks from the boat.

In order to affect the whale shark population off La Paz as little as possible, rules for snorkelling were introduced in 2009. For example, the number of boats and snorkelers allowed in the protected area at the same time per animal is limited and a maximum length of stay is specified.

Snorkeling with a whale shark is simply unforgettable - definitely a "once in a lifetime" experience. Only with the difference that I went snorkeling a second time two days later. It was just too beautiful. More information about this absolutely amazing experience can be found in my separate article Snorkeling with Whale Sharks off La Paz, Mexico.

Tip: From January to March (but best in February) you can also watch grey whales with calves in front of and especially in the lagoons north of La Paz. I have heard that some animals are extremely curious and come so close to the boat that you could pet them.

Street-Art of La Paz - a colourful Sea of Pictures and Sculptures

La Paz invites you to discover the city and has some surprises in store: street art at its best and original sculptures at the Malecón. Murals of whales, sharks and fishermen remind us of the history of the city and also want to open our eyes to the beauty of the nature of Baja California. And they call upon the viewer to protect the oceans. In my separate article you can learn more about Street Art in La Paz, Mexico. You also get to know some of my favorite murals and sculptures. You will also learn where you can discover the artworks.

Diving with the Sea Lions of Los Islotes

Do you feel like a good dive? For a close encounter with playful young sea lions? Then La Paz is the place for you. Because only about 35 kilometres from the coast lies the small archipelago Los Islotes. Its bare rocks are home to up to 500 Californian sea lions. It is also the largest sea lion colony in all of Baja California. And a visit to this colony is definitely one of the biggest highlights of La Paz. Because here you can dive or snorkel with the sea lions! The curious young animals come very close and even start to play with you. Here you can read my article about Diving with the Sea Lions from La Paz. You can read what to expect when diving or snorkeling with the animals. I also give you some helpful tips for your tour to the sea lion colony.

Walk along the Malecón - pure Joy of Life on the colourful Beach Promenade

The Malecón is colourful, lively and a mirror of the Mexican joie de vivre. It is the center of tourism in La Paz and also connects the city with the sea. From here the excursion boats start to the Isla Espíritu Santo as well as to the sea lions or whale sharks. But also the approximately five kilometres long boardwalk is popular among the local people. Joggers, skaters and bobby cars conquer the promenade in the early evening hours. Countless benches invite you to linger. Photographers are happy about numerous motives, as for example the sculptures that are lined up at the Malecón. But a specially nice motive is a sunset over the bay of La Paz.

Which highlights you should not miss during your walk at the Malecón in La Paz:

• See the great sculptures. Many of them are inspired by the sea and tell the history of the city.
• A visit with Jacques Yves Cousteau. You can reach his statue from the Muelle Fiscal after a 20-minute walk towards the north-east.
• Enjoy the morning atmosphere at the Malecón with cinnamon buns and a coffee, for example at CinnaRolls (Paseo Alvaro Obregon 550; opening hours 7 to 23 hrs, on weekends from 8 hrs).
• Lunch or dinner on a roof terrace with a view of the bay of La Paz, for example at Harker Board (Paseo Alvaro Obregon 299; opening hours 12-24 hrs, Tuesdays from 4 hrs).
• Put your feet in the sand, eat an ice cream and watch people.
• Ein Foto von dem Schriftzug “La Paz” machen.
• Watching pelicans.
• Just watch the sunset over the bay in a very romantic way.

Diving in the "Fish Soup" of Baja California

Die Sea of Cortez (Golf von Californien) ist aufgrund ihres Fischreichtums eines der besten Tauchreviere der Welt. Jacques-Yves Cousteau hat dieses Nebenmeer des Pazifiks das “Aquarium der Welt” genannt. Andere nennen das Meer auch “Fischsuppe”. Zu Recht. Denn hier können je nach Saison bis zu 850 Arten gezählt werden, darunter viel Großfisch. Damit gehört die Sea of Cortez zu den artenreichsten Meeren der Welt. Grund für diesen Artenreichtum ist der Nährstoffeintrag durch aufsteigende Tiefenströmungen und den Colorado River.

There are about 12 dive sites off La Paz, all of which are reached by boat. For one leg of the trip the travel time is between 45 and 90 minutes depending on wind and waves. We spent two days with Team Dive in La Paz and had a great time. I can recommend the dive center from the bottom of my heart.

At some of the dive sites you also have a good chance for extraordinary encounters: Sea lions, whales and dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, white tip reef sharks, mobulas, spearfish, sea turtles or large schools of fish. However, most sightings - as always in nature - are a matter of luck and also depend on the time of year:

In addition to the natural reefs, there are wrecks near the coast of Isla Espíritu Santo that are popular for diving. Among them is the wreck of the 100 meter long ferry "Salvatierra", which sank at the Swannee Reef in 1975. It lies in about 15 meters depth. In addition, three other wrecks were sunk on the west coast of the island in 1999 and 2004. They lie at depths of 16 and 20 metres respectively and today give many marine animals a new home.

Diving in La Paz is possible all year round.
Visibility range: September to December to over 30 m; February to end of May approx. 15 m.
Water temperature: between 23° and 28° C, highest in October. January to March between 19° to 22°C.

Do you prefer it a little more lonely and original? Then I recommend a visit to the national park Cabo Pulmo after your stay in La Paz. Here it is all about diving and snorkeling. This secluded diving paradise in the very south of Baja California can only be reached via a gravel road. You get a small impression in my article Shark Diving with Bull Sharks in front of Cabo Pulmo.

More helpful Tips and Travel Information for La Paz in Mexico

Downtown La Paz, thus the area around the Malecón and the Pier, is the centre of tourism. Here, there are countless accommodations, restaurants, tour providers and souvenir shops. To make your search a little easier, I have put together some practical tips and travel information for you.

Getting there and best best Time to travel:

Getting there: La Paz is easily accessible via the international airport. Ferries also operate from the Mexican mainland. From the international airport Cabo San Lucas you can reach La Paz by rental car in 3 hours. The drive goes through a great mountain landscape and is a highlight in itself.

Best time to travel: The weather in La Paz is good all year round. But the warmest months are June to October. From January to June as well as in December are dry periods. But in August and September there is the most rain.

Accommodation & Food

Accommodation: La Paz offers a variety of accommodation in all price ranges. The offer ranges from simple hostels and guesthouses to luxurious resorts on the outskirts of the city. We stayed in the Hotel La Perla (approximately 50 euros for a double room with simple breakfast). It is centrally located and directly at the Malecón.

Breakfast: In the Café CinnaRoll you get good coffee and - as the name suggests - cinnamon snails. And they are really tasty. Address: Paseo Alvaro Obregon 550. Opening hours: 7-23; weekends from 8.

Lunch and Dinner: You will find many resaturants and bars at the Malecón. But many of them are closed in the early afternoon - Siesta! Often you can have your meal or drink on a roof terrace, for example at Harker Board (Paseo Alvaro Obregon 299; opening hours 12-24, Tuesdays from 4 pm). Tip: Come early enough and secure a place with a view of the sunset over the bay.

Souvenirs & Money

Souvenirs: Beautiful souvenirs as well as English books about the region and maps can be found at Allende Books at 21 de Agosto Street. There are also many small stalls selling souvenirs in this street.

ATM: With my VISA card from DKB I was able to withdraw cash at the cash machine of the Santander Bank (corner of Augustin Arriola M. / Mutualismo) without charge (maximum 8.600 Pesos per day).

Paying: Many tour operators charge 5% extra for card payment. So better pay with cash. Guide to La Paz in Mexico

Travel Guides for La Paz in Mexico

Lonely Planet Reiseführer*
Available at Amazon

Travel Know-How Mexico compact*
Available at Amazon

DuMont Travel Guide Mexico*
Available at Amazon

Have you ever been to La Paz and what were your highlights? Do you have any questions about my article or further tips for La Paz? If so, I would be glad about your comment.

Recommendations for further Reading

Santa Catalina Island - Travelogue, Tips and Highlights

Sea Lions of La Jolla - Tips for Watching and Snorkeling

Der Beitrag La Paz in Mexiko – 5 Highlights an der Baja California erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Nature connects

I knew the Baja California was famous for whale watching. But the fact that I got to see a blue whale took me by surprise. I have trouble capturing this huge animal with my camera. Luckily he holds still and I have a second try. Just in time I press the shutter release, then a red car slides between my camera and the whale.

The artist Dagos Art incorporates in his work elements such as flora, fauna and traditions characteristic of La Paz. He depicts these in ornaments inside the whale. He also divides the mural into two parts, the visible and invisible under water.

There are more whales in La Paz. They are joined by sea lions, sharks, dolphins and coyotes. The murals bring the fauna and flora of Baja California to the city. They want to connect people - among each other and with nature. They also want to shake people up, point out grievances and motivate them to be more environmentally aware.

A City becomes colorful - the Beginnings of Street Art in La Paz

It all began in 2013 in the Ignacio Zaragoza around the Big Sur Café. This is where the first murals of La Paz, Mexico, were created. An artist from Mexico City called the first street art competition. Thereupon several paintings were created in the Ignacio Zaragoza. In some of them several artists worked together. So it happens that some murals combine different styles.

This is where it all began. On the walls of the Big Sur Café in Ignacio Zaragoza a painting of an old woman's face with a hat was created in 2013. It was a joint project of several artists.

This elephant in the Ignacio Zaragoza was also created as a joint project. If you take a closer look, you will discover several faces, eyes and even a pregnant woman lying down in the elephant. In addition, the elephant holds a brush with its trunk. It is almost as if he had painted with it himself.

The Street-Art Project "Mural City La Paz"

In 2017 the artist collective Tomato Collective launched the project "Mural City La Paz". The historical center of La Paz became colorful. Inspired by the nature of the Baja California, 26 works of art were created. Artists and the people who live here painted together and created creative messages that call the value of nature to mind.

• 26 Artists
• 20 Volunteers
• 5 Workshops
• 26 Families
• 26 Murals
• 1350 Square Meters
  Source: colectivo tomate

You can see about 50 murals in the city centre alone. Many works of art can be found in the streets Ignacio Zaragoza, A. Mijares, Melchor Ocampo, Mutualismo. On some murals there are even small signs with the name of the artist, the painting and a short description. You can discover the murals in La Paz on your own. But I liked a guided tour much better. By this way, one gets to know the most about the paintings and the interesting stories they tell.

Street-Art in the Street A. Mijares, La Paz

The mural "Convergencia Armonica" by Dherzu Uzala is inspired by the flora and fauna of La Palz. It shows the contrast that nature unites in one place: the desert and the sea. For Dherzu Uzala, the whale represents a peaceful, noble and magical being. At the same time, however, it is powerful and imposing. These characteristics describe the personality of the inhabitants of la Paz.

Beach, turquoise water, sea lions, birds and the sunsets over the bay of La Paz inspired Fando Criez to create this mural.

The painting by Eva Bracamonts shows two children in the centre of the picture. They hold a baby sea lion in their arms and a pearl shell in their hands. The fauna and flora of the Baja California grows around them. Everything is carried by a large turtle. In her work, the artist emphasizes the need to protect and preserve nature. Among other things, reference is made to the campaign for the protection of parrotfish, which was running at the time.

In the centre of the painting "The hook of yesterday and today" there is a fish, two hands and a hook. The fish represents the importance of fishing. The hook combines the left and the right side, representing the local and Iberian culture respectively. In the background you can see the fauna of Baja Califonia.

Street-Art in the Street Mutualismo, La Paz

The fishing is a basic activity of the inhabitants of La Paz. It does not only provide the people with food but it determines the whole economy and culture. The artist shows in her painting the "Reconcilacion", which means the reconciliation of the fishermen with the sea. Because they have learned to live in harmony with each other. The woman depicts the sea, her hair floating as if in the water. The water and dolphins are reflected on her skin. In the background you can see the architecture of La Paz.

"A good fisherman's conscience" is about fishing and living. In the past, the fishermen of the Manglito community benefited from poaching. However, through better communication and organization of the fishery, an awareness for the protection of species developed. A candle of recognition shines on the fisherman's baseball cap. He recognizes the threat to nature and denounces the pearl fishermen. The blue ribbon around his neck is holding one of the fishing boats, because he wants to prevent all boats from leaving. The white figures at the bottom of the picture were painted by children.

The mural is inspired by the flora and fauna and the beauty of a region threatened by poaching. The hammerhead shark and the parrotfish, two species threatened by man, are representative. The parrotfish carries a pearl in its beak. Both animals remind us that many species are threatened with extinction and must be protected.

Hellcat shows the beauty of small details in several smaller works.

Street-Art in the Street Lerdo de Tejada, La Paz

The painting "One with the Sea" focuses on the natives of Baja California, the Pericue and Guaycura ethnic groups. It shows the bond, love and respect between the Native Americans and the sea. This is shown by the pearl bracelet and the orange "heart fish" that swims towards the protectively folded hands.

In his painting, Amyra Morales represents the surprise and fascination that one experiences by diving into the wonderful underwater world of La Paz.

A tropical-looking painting in which the heads of the fishermen become fruits. Among other things, the painting tells the anecdote of the pitaya (dragon fruit). Once the seeds have passed through the digestive tract, they are used to make a paste that is the basis for a traditional drink.

The artist Argeo shows in his painting La Pesca a chaotic world that is out of balance.

Street-Art in other Streets in La Paz

Values, community and family strengthen the peaceful community in La Paz. Driven by concern over the loss of values and thus identity, Leo Monzoy emphasizes the importance of each family member: the father with his lance as the provider of the family, the mother who maintains the family bond and the child as the representative of future generations. What I find remarkable about this image is that the child alone has opened the eyes.

The painting of Uli Martínez is inspired by the flora and fauna of Baja California, the desert, the Sea of Cortez and traditional rancherias. Coyote Mágico shows the relationship between the environment and its inhabitants.

Sculptures at the Malecón in La Paz, Mexico

The Malecòn is popular with locals and tourists alike. On the approximately five kilometres long boardwalk, people jog, chat and take pictures. The probably most popular photo motive is the colourful writing "La Paz", in English "peace".

Approximately every 100 meters the Malecón widens up to small places. They are decorated with sculptures. Many of them are dedicated to the sea or tell the history of the city, like the huge pearl shell next to the Muelle Fiscal.

The famous French marine explorer Jacques Yves Cousteau is also a frequent visitor. Equipped with a diving mask, bottle and camera, he has been sitting on the shore looking out to sea since 2012. He is probably on the lookout for grey whales. They come to the Baja California every year to give birth to their young. But today he sees only five oil tankers anchored in the bay of La Paz. For many years Cousteau researched and documented the Sea of Cortez and called it the "aquarium of the world".

In the following you can see a small selection of the statues at the Malecón. There are many more to discover.

Have you ever been to La Paz? Which artwork do you like best? I am happy about your comments.

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love street art as much as I do? Then take a look at Street Art in Kiev .

Der Beitrag Street-Art in La Paz, Mexiko – Murals und Skulpturen vom Feinsten erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Creative for peace with Street Art

Meanwhile, Kiev counts about 160 street art works by 35 artists. Many of the so-called Murals were created in cooperation with ArtUnitedUs. Since the year of Euromaidan 2014, the street art project supports local and international artists. It draws public attention to themes such as war, aggression and violence and wants to carry messages of peace to the world with the murals. Street Art will give Kiev a new face and a new identity. It is also a symbol of the process of detachment from the Soviet era.

Walking Tour - Street Art in Kiev

A Street Art Tour invites you to discover the less touristy districts of Kiev, side streets and backyards. Various agencies offer guided tours of a number of selected works of art. However, if you prefer to go on your own, you can use the map of Kyivmural put together your own tour. You can also combine your Street Art Tour with visits to other sights or museums in Kiev. Furthermore the website of streetartcities also offers a map with the exact location of the murals. You will also find additional information about each artwork.

But if you want to see all the paintings you have to bring time. Because the works are spread all over the city. Below I have compiled some of the more centrally located street art works that I was able to see in Kiev at Easter 2019.

Herald of Life by Alexander Brytsev (November 2015)

Address: Reitarska Street 9b

To find the "Crows" you have to go through a grey metal door into the backyard first. On the left you will see the painting, on the right you will find an aviary. Three crows have been living in this aviary for 20 years now. The brick wall opposite the aviary is completely covered with dark blue crows surrounding a single white bird. It is a symbol of good news and the birth of new life.

From Russia with love by MTO (2018)

Address: Mechnikova Street 18

The artwork was painted on an empty wall, all windows, all tiles are painted. The heart is a digital bomb sent from Moscow to Kiev. The mural stands for the hacker attack on Ukraine's power supply in recent years, for which Russian hackers are held responsible. Other interpretations, however, see the heart as an image for Ukraine, whose right side - eastern Ukraine - is torn apart by explosions.

Changing of the climate by Fintan Magee (2015)

Address: Vulitsya Sergіya Gusovskogo 10/8

In his work, Fintan Magee often deals with environmental issues. He often uses personal stories to talk about broader issues such as climate change and the migration crisis.

Carousel of cars by M-City (December 2015)

Address: Striletska Street 20B

The artist M-City mostly uses industrial-mechanical motifs in his paintings and "Carousel" is one of them: the mechanical carousel of cars.

Lesya Ukrainka by Guido van Helten (July 2015)

Address: Striletska Street 28

Lesya Ukrainka (1871-1913) was a Ukrainian writer and also an active political and feminist activist. Her poem "Lily of the Valley" inspired the artist to create this 7-storey mural. The young woman looks to the horizon and is framed by flowers in the lower part of the painting.

Saint Yuri by AEC Interesni Kazki (UKR) (October 2014)

Address: Velyka Zhytomyrska Street 38

The painting was created under the influence of events such as the annexation of the Crimea and the war in Donbas. The double-headed snake represents a nation divided into two halves by Russia: On one side the Eastern bloc, on the other the Western NATO member states.

Yaroslav the Wise by Dmitry Fatum (November 2015)

Address: Striletska Street 6

In this colourful street art painting, the Ukrainian artist portrayed Prince Yaroslav the Wise from Kiev before his death, when he handed over a ball to his son Izyaslav. The ball is a symbol of power and strength.

Upside Down Girl by Fintan Magee (July 2015)

Address: Striletska Street 12

The picture is dedicated to the Ukrainian gymnast Anna Rizatdinova. She was born in Crimea and won a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. She is also a world champion in the practice with tires and a multiple prize winner of the World and European Championships.

Fintan Magee showed Anna at the moment of a flip. The artist commented on her picture: "Every woman can achieve everything she dreams of".

Time of Changes by Waone (November 2014)

Address: Striletska Street 6

A wall full of symbolism and mythology. If you look at this large, detailed mural, you will notice the six-armed Cossack. Then the putin-like snake that winds its way around the earth. In the background you can see a marching monkey with a grenade and a poster with the inscription "To Kiev". Furthermore, tires are on fire. What does the author describe? Is it an allegory of the fight between good and evil?

The man by Aryz (2018)

Address: Velyka Zhytomyrska Street 6a

The Spanish artist represented a person who courageously and proudly holds something like a flag, but a viewer cannot see the color, only the flagpole.

Swans of Tara's Arm (December 2016)

Address: Heorhiivskyi Street 9

Taras expresses his concept of leadership in his work of art. He shows a flock of birds following their leader during a long-distance flight. He also chose the colours of the picture according to the colours of the sky.

The Enterpeneur by INO (2016)

Address: Mechnikova Street, 18a

The picture shows a man reaching for a frighteningly large hand. A closer look reveals that the artist has created a faceless businessman holding the hand of a working class.

The boy and the sea by Rustam Qbic (2018)

Address: Moskovskaya Street 36

This is a painting about a boy sitting on the beach during sunset. He dreams of faraway lands beyond the seas and oceans.

The Black Sea by Jake Aikman (August 2017)

Address: Bulvarno Kudriavaska Street 35

Jake Aikman's works are characterized by the mystery and ambiguity of an isolated moment. Fascinating seascapes that suggest something hidden in the depths of the ocean.

Self-Made Man by Alexander Grebenyuk (October 2015)

Address: Olesia Honchara Street 24a

"As a picture I used the man who typed and got so absorbed in this process and her idea that he began to transform into what he does," says artist Alexander Grebenyuk. The Self-Made Man by Alexander Grebenyuk is dedicated to journalism.

Rise Up in the Dirt by bkfoxx (2017)

Address: Moskovskaya Street 30

The painting is a beautiful participant in a grey concrete landscape. Even if life gives you the cold shoulder, even if the world lies in ruins - hope remains. Like a stubborn, simple blade of grass, it breaks through the encrustations of resignation.

Revival by Alexey Kislovsky and Julien Mullan (2017)

Address: Borychiv Tik Street 33/6

The painting depicts the rebirth of Ukraine after the revolution in 2014. The girl is wearing a military jacket as worn by the Euromaidan Protestants. Therefore it symbolizes the new spirit of Ukraine. The child in her hand stands for the restored hope. "Revival" is also the most famous of all street art paintings in Kiev.

Red Bicycle by Emmanuel Jarus (May 2016)

Address: Viacheslava Lypynskoho Street 13

The wall painting of a man wearing a baseball cap, a white T-shirt and a red bicycle is part of a collection of 200 works painted over two years as part of the Art United Us Festival. It is a story about the revival of the 100 year old cycle path in the city.

Portrait of Serhiy Nigoyan by Vhils (Summer 2015)

Address: Mykhailivska Street 22

The portrait shows Euromaidan activist Serhiy Nigoyan who was shot dead in 2014 during Hrushevskoho Street demonstrations. He was the first victim of the anti-government demonstrations. Soon he became the symbol of the Ukrainian Revolution.

A peculiarity is that this work of art is not painted on the wall like the others. The portrait is carved directly into the exposed bricks and plaster.

People Jumble by Zbiok (May 2011)

Address: Olesia Honchara Street 9

This somewhat cubistic-looking painting is one of the first street art works that appeared in Kiev in 2011. Slavomir Tchaikovsky, who works under the pseudonym Zbiok, uses it to depict the complex relationships between people.

Multiplex - About movie by Egle Zvirblyte (2018)

Address: Mykhailivska Street 7

Egle Zvirblyte was commissioned by the Multiplex Cinemas chain to decorate a billboard in the heart of Kiev with street art. It could not be direct advertising, but had to reflect the spirit of the multiplex cinemas.

Children by Konstantin Strikutsky (December 2010)

Address: Olesia Honchara Street 21

This mural was already created in 2010 and is thus one of the very early works. It is not a mural in the true sense of the word. Instead, the wall of the house is covered with a mosaic.

Children Playing by Konstantin Skrytutskyi (December 2015)

Address: Olesia Honchara Street 21

This work of art is not a painting but a mosaic. The idea behind it is that everyone should take responsibility for their city. In the dark you can read two psalms and the Ten Commandments.

Bright Abstract Design by Guillaume Albi (Spring 2015)

Address: Observatorna Street 3

Guillaume Alby aka Remed works on the combination of mathematics and calligraphy and strives for harmonious purity, combined with the flow and energy of the line. He searches for truth through simplicity and finds a universal language of form and colour.

Have you ever been to Kiev and seen the great street art here? Which works did you like best? Do you have any questions or further tips? If so, then write me a comment!

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love street art as much as I do? Then take a look at Street-Art in La Paz .

Are you planning a trip to Ukraine right now? Then you might also be interested in my article about Chernobyl - Photography against oblivion.

Der Beitrag Street Art in Kiew erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.