Districts in Berlin - Kreuzberg





One of the most exciting and multicultural districts of Berlin is Kreuzberg. It is fun, cultural and has many exiting events. Since 2001 Kreuzberg is merged with Friedrichshain. But where does the name come from?

     Kreuzberg and Viktoriapark
In the middle of this district is the 66 meter high Kreuzberg, which was called Tempelhofer Berg until the 19th century. In 1821 a monument was erected on this mountain to commemorate the liberation war against Napoleon.The plans for this monument are by Karl Friedrich Schinkel.There is a waterfall on the slope of the Viktoriapark, which surrounds the monument.
 How to get there: U6 (Mehringdamm), Bus140  (Kreuzberg/Wasserfall)
The waterfall at Viktoriapark


The cemeteries at Mehringdamm and Yorckstraße
Mehringdamm is one of the main thoroughfares in Kreuzberg. Its landmark is a very imposing building that looks like a castle.  It dates back to the 1850’s and housed once barracks  - today tax authorities are accommodated here.The historic cemeteries are a special attraction at Mehringdamm. Among the many personalities who are buried here are: the writers Adelbert von Chamisso, Adolf Glassbrenner (he wrote in the Berlin dialect) and the composer Felix-Mendelssohn Bartholdy.
If you are hungry after your visit you can eat a currywurst or a boulette at Curry 36, one of the best known snack bars in Berlin.
A trip to Chamissoplatz is worthwhile, time seems to have stopped here. This is how Berlin looked like a hundred years ago!
 In Bergmannstraße, small shops, restaurants and cosy cafés invite you to linger.
Each year in summer a festivity takes place at Bergmannstraße for four days.


at the Bergmannstraßenfest



















Towards the end of the 19th century, Wilhelm Riehmer, built the magnificent court complex of Riehmers Hofgarten in Yorckstraße. Look also at the St. Bonifatius Church that was built in 1907. On the top of the modern town hall is a restaurant that offers not only good food, but also great views over Berlin.


 the entrance to Riehmers Hofgarten

Kottbusser Tor
The KottbusserTor, like the Hallesches Tor, was a gate in the Berlin Excise Wall.This wall was erected to prevent the smuggling of the goods, as well as the desertion of soldiers. It was built between 1734 and 1737 and demolished in 1867-1870. Today, only the name Kottbusser Tor underground station recalls this old gate.
Warning: Kottbusser Tor is one of the most dangerous places in Berlin! The crime rate is quite high here.



Oranienstraße, Görlitzer Park and Admiral Bridge
Oranienstraße is often confused with the Oranienburger Straße in Mitte. "O-Strasse", as the locals call it, is Kreuzberg's most important business street. Oranienburger Straße is also a popular street for spending a great evening.

The Görlitzer Park is one of the largest parks in Kreuzberg. There are many leisure facilities. Yes, there is even a children's farm! The park has got its name from the former Görlitzer station, which once stood here.There is nothing left of this station.Today, only the nearby subway station is called Görlitzer Bahnhof.

One of the most famous bridges in Kreuzberg is the Admiralbrücke(Admiral Bridge), which is also mentioned in many guides.It has become a popular meeting place. During fine summer evenings people like to party here.

Museums
The Jewish Museum
The museum consists of two buildings: a modern one and an old building from 1735.The  modern museum building by Daniel Libeskind is already a place of interest, because it looks like a blown-up star of David. In the museum you can discover German-Jewish history.
Website

Another interesting museum in Kreuzberg is the Martin Gropius Bau. It was opened on 21. November 1881 as an art museum. Its architect was Martin Gropius, a relative of the founder of Bauhaus Walter Gropius. Today there are temporary exhibitions on various topics.
Website

If you are interested in airplanes, old trains and other technical things you will be fascinated by the German Technical Museum.
Website
The German Technical Museum



   
Less known is the Kreuzberg Museum. If you want to learn more about the moving history of Kreuzberg you should visit this museum.
Adalbertstraße 95A
10999 Berlin, Germany
Tel: 030/50 58 52 33


A good way to discover Kreuzberg is to take a ride on the bus 140 (it runs every 20 minutes) from Katzbachstaße. It passes Viktoriapark, Riehmers Hofgarten, Kottbusser Tor Oranienstraße and ends at Ostbahnhof in Friedrichshain.

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