Hidden within Berlin’s sprawling urban tapestry lies Tegel, a district teeming with history and intrigue. Tegel isn’t just the name of Berlin’s former main airport. It’s a place where whispers of the past intertwine with the vibrant energy of the present. Tegel is the second largest locality in Berlin, nestled on the shores of the picturesque Tegeler See.
Tegel’s story begins in 1322, when it was first mentioned as the village Tygel, possibly named after a remarkable tile building or perhaps the lake itself, an “appendage” of the Havel River. The tranquil shores of Tegel were once a hub for groundbreaking experiments. Between 1930 and 1934, the Society for Space Travel launched liquid-fueled rockets from a former artillery range. Imagine these early pioneers, including Wernher von Braun, reaching for the stars from this unassuming corner of Berlin.
The echoes of history resonate even deeper within Tegel’s borders. The imposing Tegel Prison, featured in Alfred Döblin’s “Berlin Alexanderplatz,” stands as a stark reminder of a darker past. Tegel also housed a subcamp of the Sachsenhausen concentration camp during World War II, a chilling testament to the struggles endured during this tumultuous period.
But Tegel isn’t just defined by its difficult history. The district boasts a vibrant cultural heritage, centered around the magnificent Tegel Palace. Originally a Renaissance manor house, the palace was later rebuilt in Neoclassical style by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Within its walls resided the renowned Humboldt brothers, Alexander and Wilhelm, whose legacy is etched into the very fabric of Tegel. Their final resting place, a serene tomb in the palace park, offers a quiet space for reflection amidst the bustling city.
Beyond the palace walls, remnants of Tegel’s industrial past can be found in the Borsighallen, a shopping mall housed within the former Borsig-Werke steam locomotive factory. The halls where mighty engines once roared to life now echo with the murmur of shoppers, a testament to Tegel’s adaptability and evolution.
Tegel offers an escape from the urban hustle. Lake Tegel, with its seven islands and surrounding woodlands, provides a tranquil oasis. Here stands “Dicke Marie,” or “Fat Mary,” an ancient oak tree believed to be the oldest in Berlin. This majestic tree, named by the Humboldt brothers in their youth, embodies the enduring spirit of Tegel, connecting its rich past to its vibrant present. Tegel is a district where history and nature intertwine, offering a captivating glimpse into the soul of Berlin.