“Helwichstorpp” once referred to Berlin-Hellersdorf. Today, it is a vibrant part of Berlin with a rich story to tell. Berlin-Hellersdorf, a district in the Marzahn-Hellersdorf borough, has seen many changes over the centuries.
First mentioned in 1375, Berlin-Hellersdorf had 25 farmsteads. The brothers Dirike owned it back then. They also had a knight’s manor. A priest had three free farmsteads. A mill was already working in this Barnim village.
In 1886, Berlin acquired Gut Hellersdorf. They created sewage fields east of the Wuhle River. The city also built the Wuhlgarten Institute for Epileptics. It provided care for the chronically ill.
In 1920, Berlin-Hellersdorf became part of Greater Berlin. It joined the Lichtenberg district. After World War II, it fell under Soviet control. In 1979, it became part of the new Marzahn district. In 1986, it became the namesake of the new Hellersdorf district.
Construction of a large housing estate began in 1985. It was built on former sewage fields. The subway to the city center opened in 1989. Areas beyond Berlin’s city limits were also developed. These areas technically belonged to Hönow. Due to the Four Power Agreement, the city border could not be moved. These areas were supplied by Berlin.
After reunification in 1990, the border officially shifted east. In 1997, Helle Mitte was completed. This became Berlin-Hellersdorf’s urban center.
In 2001, Berlin-Hellersdorf was reunited with Marzahn. The new district became Marzahn-Hellersdorf.
The municipal housing company Gesobau built the Stadtgut Hellersdorf quarter by 2023. This area has around 1500 apartments. The historic buildings are being renovated. A new center with restaurants is planned.
Berlin-Hellersdorf has many parks. The Jelena-Šantić-Friedenspark is a highlight. It was part of the International Garden Exhibition 2017. Berlin-Hellersdorf also features numerous sculptures. A large wind chime stands at Hellersdorfer and Gülzower streets. This 18-meter-high sculpture by Rolf Lieberknecht was inaugurated in 1995. It marks the southern entrance to the housing estate.
Other sculptures include the Stelenfeld. Eight steel stelae mark the site of the first village church. A mural by Gunda Förster reflects light. The “Balance Act” by Hubertus von der Goltz sits atop high-rise buildings. The Sprühtürme on Cecilienplatz are also notable.
The U5 subway line connects Berlin-Hellersdorf to the city. The S-Bahn line S5 also stops at Wuhletal station. Tram lines M6 and 18 run through the area. Several bus lines are also available.
Landsberger Allee runs along the northern edge of Berlin-Hellersdorf. The Hellersdorfer and Gülzower streets connect the center to Wuhletal station.
Many young families moved to Berlin-Hellersdorf. Numerous schools were built. The Alice-Salomon-Hochschule is also located here.
The Kulturforum Hellersdorf is the largest cultural institution. It houses the Jugendkunstschule and the Kinderopernhaus.
Numerous sports clubs are in Berlin-Hellersdorf. The Athletik-Club Berlin has produced many champions. The Hellersdorfer Walkout offers sports activities.
Berlin-Hellersdorf has come a long way from “Helwichstorpp”. It is now a vibrant district with much to offer. Its mix of history, art, and culture makes it a unique place to explore.