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
I was excited to finally visit Teufelsberg after wanting to visit for a while. Really interesting gallery of photographs with a detailed history of the area and how the hill was formed. The street art is excellent and the old listening station domes are strangely beautiful with a fantastic view of the city below. The coffee at the stall was excellent too!
Bex Oakenfull-McLaren - in the last week
Fantastic Berlin escape. You can expect a thrilling history and brilliant graffiti. Really amazing street art!
A. S. - a month ago
If your wanting something a bit more chilled out the city would recommend this. Incredible building. Incredible art.
The views from the roof are insane.
chris elliott - 2 weeks ago
This is a true story of repurposing a site. What was once a Nazi Military Academy building it was then filled and covered with millions of tonnes of rubble making a man made hill. This site, after the combined effort of the community, was then considered for a sports arena and winter sports centre. Unfortunately what transpired with the splitting of Berlin by the Berlin wall made this site the perfect location for a US base for reconnaissance and intelligence. The structure they built is now seen as a poignant historic monument, with the current owner allowing the area to be opened up for the freedom of artistic interpretation and creativity - reclaimed by the local community.
Zack Highfield - 4 months ago
Amazing place to visit. Reasonably easy walk from local train stations.
Lovely walk through the man made mountain made from the debris and rubble from WW2.
Caitlin Broadhurst - 4 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.
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Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rolf Dietrich Brecher - 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
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