Teufelsberg
Teufelsberg, or "Devils Mountain" is the ruins of a Cold War NSA spy station built upon a man made-hill from 75,000,000 cubic metres of debris from the bombing of Berlin in WWII. Teufelsberg offers visitors a great place to enjoy a hike and views of the city, but it is much more than that.
This is not your typical tourist attraction. Despite being greeted by superb views of the Berlin and beyond, you won't remember the views as much as the eerie feeling you get in this abandoned army station. The feeling is almost apocalyptic. Some of that feeling is created by the street art (much of it by top street artists from around the world) and the graffiti all over the dilapidated structures. Knowing the mountain was built from the debris of bombings from WWII also helps.
In many respects Teufelsberg has become an unofficial museum of contempory art.
It was once free to visit, but now there's now a gate and a fee to enter which includes a guided tour in English or German. This is to deter vandalism and provide revenue to preserve the property and maintain services to it. Visitors wishing to enter the property, must also sign a waiver.
The guided tours are available Spring though Fall, Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to sunset. Unfortunately, access to the viewing platform with the radio domes is no longer allowed even with a tour.
When the hill was first built, there were no plans to use it for espionage by intercepting and jamming radio signals from Eastern Europe. Trees were planted on hill to make more attractive and stable and a ski area and lift were added.
When the Americans realized the strategic value of the hill for their needs, the US listening field station was built and operated until the 1989 conclusion of the Cold War.
During good weather you can hike along a path for a slightly quicker route to the top, but during winter conditions, it's best to stick to the road. This attraction will appeal to anyone who enjoys hiking.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes, there is a fee to enter and explore the remains of the 'Cold War era' US listening field station.Address: Teufelsberg, 14055 Berlin, Germany
Teufelsberg Reviews
Rated out of 5
Unique activity that’s not too far from the city. There was a small entry fee, but it was worth it. I was impressed with the small museum. The graffiti was really cool.
Adam Nelson - a month ago
ART EVERYWHERE! TOTALLY AMAZING PLACE CLOSE TO BERLIN! YOU NEED TO VISIT! PARKING IS FREE ENTRANCE FOR 10 EUROS! YOU CAN BUY SOME SNACK AND COFFEE THERE! AND YOU CAN CREAT LOT OF AWESOME PHOTOGRAPHS HERE!
GEORGE BRNA - 3 months ago
We booked tickets for an 11:00 opening and were delighted with how much street art is crammed in, and the juxtaposition of the abandoned radar domes, green forest and counter-culture art. We’re from Bristol, the home of Banksy, and have enjoyed tours in areas renown for street art from Melbourne to New York, but this will be one of the most memorable.
€12 isn’t unreasonable to contribute to the upkeep, and in the first slot it wasn’t too busy. There are some delightful large pieces as well as areas of paste up and small art. Well worth the visit!
Paul - 8 months ago
Amazing place, with a nice gallery and incredible street art! Entrance is 12,00 for an adult. They have a little restaurant and there are toilets. You can spend there easily 2 hours and it has an underground vibe! Big recommendation when visiting Berlin. The area around is also nice for some hiking. 5/5
Tim B - 7 months ago
A wonderful place you can't miss when visiting Berlin. There is a forest path about 20 minutes long. Entrance is from 11.00, tickets can be bought online and on the spot. You can move freely around the place and stay as long as you like. The view from the top of the building is amazing, as is all the street art you can see there. The cafe was not open during our visit.
N. K. - a year ago
Directions
How to get to Teufelsberg by S-Bahn
Nearest S-Bahn Line(s): S3, S5, S7, S9, S75
Nearest S-Bahn Station(s): Heerstrasse
From Heerstrasse Station on the S-Bahn walk southwest on Teufelsseestraße to the first Parking Lot then follow the trail. During winter weather you may want to continue along Teufelsseestraße to the second parking lot and follow the road up. Allow 30-35 minutes for the hike up from the train station.
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Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: N Stjerna - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr
