A relic of the Cold War stands before you. This is the Naturschutzturm Bergfelde. Once a stark symbol of division it now stands as a testament to peace and nature conservation.
The Naturschutzturm Bergfelde wasn’t always a sanctuary of nature. For decades it served as a crucial command post for the East German border guards. Strategically placed between Berlin-Frohnau and Hohen Neuendorf its position offered a commanding view across the border. Imagine the tension. The constant vigilance. The guards watching for any sign of escape.
The building itself is a fascinating piece of history. Built in the 1980s it has a cellar for equipment a ground floor with a cell for captured escapees a first floor for the guards’ rest and a second floor for observation. A large searchlight once crowned the roof. Its powerful beam swept across the no-man’s-land. Detecting any movement. Catching anyone trying to flee to freedom.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990 the Naturschutzturm was handed over to the Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald (SDW). They transformed this symbol of oppression into a beacon of environmental protection. The SDW Oberhavel chapter now operates the tower. They provide guided tours.
Today the Naturschutzturm Bergfelde plays a vital role in environmental education. The grounds around it are ecologically managed. Used as an outdoor classroom. Schools and groups visit regularly learning about nature. The former surveillance tower now provides a platform for nature appreciation. They even have their own beehives. Providing delicious honey for sale.
Climb to the top for stunning views. See the surrounding landscape. Reflect on the transformation from a watchtower to a centre for education and conservation. This is more than a tower. It’s a powerful symbol of change. A place where the past and the future meet. A place where history and nature intertwine. The Naturschutzturm Bergfelde. A place of peace. A place of learning. A place of beauty.