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 We had an amazing Sunday afternoon here. Usually it’s €10 per adult and €5 for kids but we arrived at some ‘day of the monuments’ so admission was free. Do not miss the drinks at the very top!
Attila Doğan - a month ago
A unique blend of history, art, and nature. The panoramic views of Berlin and the surrounding Grunewald Forest are breathtaking. A must-visit for history buffs and art lovers alike.
Anna Wilhelm - a month 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. - 4 months ago
Perhaps some of the best graffiti in Berlin, and that’s saying a lot!
An off-the-beaten-track location, which offers a good brisk hike up a small hill (partly possible by car), a good view over the city, a relaxing beer garden and great graffiti!
Z O L U - 3 months ago
Really cool abandoned old radio station/secret Cold War eavesdropping station that's been turned into an art installation for graffiti artists. I do wish visitors had access to the tallest tower as well, which also has art on it and a proper railing, but was closed off and therefore we could not enjoy that artwork or the exciting experience of going even higher up. Either way, this was an experience that's worth both the hike and entrance price. The main building also has a small but well done cold war museum with very enthusiastic and lovely staff to tell you facts about the collections.
A fair warning for summer visitors: I left the site with about twenty mosquito bites. Wear long sleeves and trousers.
Maja Loberg - 2 months 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Teufelsberg:
Photo Gallery
Video
Please provide consent and/or disable ad blocker to view the video.