Schönefeld

From a “beautiful field” to an international hub, the story of Schönefeld is quite remarkable. Schönefeld, a municipality just southeast of Berlin, is more than just a suburb. It’s home to the Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), a crucial piece of German infrastructure. Schönefeld’s history, however, goes back much further than the roar of jet engines. The first documented mention of Schönefeld dates back to 1375, appearing in Charles IV’s land register as “Schonenvelde” and “Schonenvelt”. This “beautiful field” was a village centered around a common green, typical of the region. It consisted of 55 “hufen,” a medieval unit of land measurement. Three tax-free hufen belonged to the village priest. Over the centuries, ownership of Schönefeld became incredibly complex, involving various noble families and even citizens of distant Cologne. The village endured through wars and plagues, transforming from a quiet farming community to a bustling hub. Fast forward to the 20th century, and Schönefeld’s destiny became intertwined with aviation. The old Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF), now integrated into BER, played a vital role as the main airport of East Germany during the Cold War. It was the gateway to the “brotherly socialist countries.” With the reunification of Germany, Schönefeld faced new challenges and opportunities. The decision to build the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) within its borders cemented its role as a major transportation hub. Today, Schönefeld is a dynamic municipality. It boasts a blend of historical charm and modern infrastructure. It’s a testament to its resilient past and its promising future. The echoes of its medieval origins still resonate, even amidst the modern marvel of BER.