A green bridge between east and west Berlin. That is the Mauergarten. After the Wall fell, the former border strip was transformed into a public park. It created an open green space. This happened between the densely populated boroughs of Wedding and Prenzlauer Berg. The Mauergarten extends from Bernauer Stra\u00dfe to Gleimstra\u00dfe. It is a popular recreation area.
Landscape architect Gustav Lange designed the Mauergarten. Gr\u00fcn Berlin Park & Garten GmbH realized it in 1993. This park embodies the idea that the former border strip should be transformed into a ribbon of green space. Other lots in the former no man’s land were sold or privatized. Changing this border space into free space was possible because the land was undeveloped.
Starting in 1820, it had been a military parade ground called The Lone Poplar. In 1848, it was the scene of pivotal events in the March Revolution. The track system of the Stettiner freight depot was built on the property to the west in 1872. After 1914 allotment gardens, makeshift housing, and sports facilities occupied the former parade ground. In GDR times, Dynamo Berlin played soccer here. The Hinterland wall was especially high here. It had an unusually smooth surface. It stood further away than usual from the death strip. For decades, the Wall prevented any development of this fallow land. This made it possible to build a green bridge from east to west once it fell.
About 300 meters of the Hinterland wall have been preserved. They stand along the Friedrich-Jahn-Stadion. Gustav Lange integrated this Wall segment into his design for the Mauergarten. It has been a historical monument since 2001.
Today, the Mauergarten attracts families, hipsters, joggers, and cyclists. Children enjoy the Moritzhof young people’s farm. They can learn to handle animals. They also learn farmyard crafts. Hipsters hang out in the many caf\u00e9s and designer shops. These are around Kastanienallee and Gleimstra\u00dfe. The route of the Berlin Wall runs directly through the park. It forms a route for joggers and cyclists.
Every Sunday, the Mauergarten is crowded. The flea market is a big draw. It is directly next to the Mauergarten in Prenzlauer Berg. Private dealers run the stalls. You won’t find well-ordered displays of antiques here. Instead, the neighborhood comes together to browse old records. They sell household items, clothes, musical instruments, and bicycles.
Another popular event is the Mauerpark karaoke. Joe Hatchiban has been bringing his battery-powered karaoke system to the Mauergarten every Sunday since 2009. If the weather is good, he’ll be there from 15:00. Then it’s your chance to perform your favorite song. You can sing in front of a couple of hundred people in the amphitheater. Joe is happy to give advice. For example, he can tell you when to play an air guitar solo. He might suggest you rip your t-shirt off during a passionate performance. You’re guaranteed to get a huge round of applause.
Besides the flea market and karaoke, the Mauergarten hosts other events. At Easter, families hide Easter eggs in the grass. They walk through the park while the children look for them. On Walpurgis Night, Berliners and visitors meet to dance. They dance until May starts. On the 21st of June every year, one of the main stages of the F\u00eate de la Musique is here.
The Mauerpark is a reminder of Berlin’s divided past. It is also a symbol of reunification. It is a place where people can come together. They can relax, have fun, and enjoy the city. But remember, the Berliners want to have a rest on the weekend. Therefore, please take consideration of the residents and be quieter.