Did you know the Schmetterlingshorst’s name means butterfly nest? This charming building nestled by the Langer See in Köpenick has a rich history. Originally opened in 1898 it was more than just a restaurant. Its founder Johannes Bittner a glass engraver and butterfly enthusiast showcased his world-renowned butterfly collection.
The Schmetterlingshorst was a popular excursion destination. A steamboat stop was even added in 1904. This boosted its popularity immensely. Bittner expanded the Schmetterlingshorst in 1906 adding a large ballroom.
Sadly the Second World War brought tragedy. A bombing raid on Christmas Eve 1943 heavily damaged the Schmetterlingshorst destroying Bittner’s precious collection. The building lay in ruins for years.
After the war reconstruction began in 1947. It reopened as a restaurant. High rent forced its closure shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. For a time the Schmetterlingshorst stood abandoned.
Then in 1999 the Bezirkssportbund Treptow-Köpenick e V stepped in. They started rebuilding the Schmetterlingshorst. With help from a local hardware store and donations the restoration progressed. By 2012 it was largely complete.
Today the Schmetterlingshorst isn’t just a restaurant. It serves as a community center. It is a school sports and hiking base. It also proudly displays a new butterfly collection. This new collection is considered the largest in Germany and the second largest in Europe.
The Schmetterlingshorst’s story reflects resilience. It’s a testament to the dedication of those who preserved this piece of Berlin history. It stands as a symbol of community spirit and the enduring beauty of nature. This is more than a place to visit. It is a place to discover.