Siedlung Frohnau

Can you imagine a city built on a dream? Siedlung Frohnau, here in Berlin, is just that. Born from the mind of Count Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck, it sprang to life in 1910. It wasn’t just another neighborhood. It was a planned community, a “garden city,” designed to be a haven of tranquility and beauty. Siedlung Frohnau was carefully crafted amidst the Stolper Heath, a vast expanse purchased for the Berlin Terrain Commission. This area offered a unique canvas for a garden city vision. The winning design, by Joseph Brix and Felix Genzmer, embraced the natural contours of the land, creating an asymmetrical layout that seemed to flow organically from the dunes near the Havel River. Even the name “Frohnau,” meaning “joyful meadow,” was chosen through a public contest, adding a touch of community spirit to the project. The heart of Siedlung Frohnau has always been its train station. The surrounding buildings, including the iconic Casino tower, contribute to the area’s distinctive character. Grand, mansion-like homes line the streets. These homes, designed by renowned architects like Walter and Johannes Krüger (St. John’s Church) and Heinrich Straumer (Berlin’s Funkturm), reflect the affluent nature of the area. Siedlung Frohnau became part of Greater Berlin in 1920. The garden city flourished between the two World Wars, blossoming into a thriving residential area. However, Siedlung Frohnau also carries a darker historical note. In the early months of 1945, a grim procession passed through its peaceful streets. A death march of prisoners from various nationalities, from the dissolved camp in Żabikowo to Sachsenhausen concentration camp, marked a somber moment in Frohnau’s history. This poignant event serves as a reminder of the broader historical context within which Siedlung Frohnau existed. Today, Siedlung Frohnau stands as a testament to a vision. A vision of a harmonious blend of urban living and natural beauty. It continues to be a sought-after residential area. A place where history and tranquility intertwine.