Haven’t you wondered how this green space got its name? The Falkplatz invites you to discover a piece of Berlin’s history. It’s more than just a park.
Falkplatz is named after Adalbert Falk. He was a Prussian minister of culture. The Falkplatz’s story began in 1862 with the Hobrecht-Plan. This plan aimed to control Berlin’s rapid growth.
The plan included residential blocks and green spaces. This area was marked as Platz 1, Abteilung XI. The oldest trees here date back to 1880. Around 1900, houses were built on the north and east sides. The south was an exercise ground. The west held tracks for the Berlin Northern Railway. In 1906, the city named the place Falkplatz.
The city decided to create gardens here. However, parts of the area were rented out. It was used for shows and even farmland. Only in 1907 did park construction begin. The Gleimtunnel’s construction had lowered the Gleim and Schwedter streets. Steep slopes had to be flattened. Convenient staircases were added. A large playground was created on the east side. This was a novelty at the time. Hermann Mächtig estimated a three-year construction period. The works were completed in 1913. The Falkplatz was divided in two. A path ran north to south. Trees ringed the western half. A lawn for games lay to the east.
During World War II, the Falkplatz underwent significant changes. After the war, the district of Prenzlauer Berg planted many new trees. The eastern part of the Falkplatz became a bigger playground. A large paddling pool became a main attraction. There was also a roller-skating rink. In the 1950s and 60s, shops opened on Am Falkplatz. There was a coal shop and a restaurant. South of the Falkplatz, tennis courts were built.
The Schwedter Straße became a border in 1945. In 1961, the Berlin Wall changed everything. The DDR built extensive border fortifications. Trees on the west side were cut down. By 1989, the Wall covered a quarter of the Falkplatz. Stefan Horota created animal sculptures for the Falkplatz. These included chimpanzee children, a marble polar bear and walruses for the fountain.
After the Berlin Wall fell, things changed again. The border installations were removed. The Grüne Liga and BUND planted trees. This was the start of the Mauerpark project. The Falkplatz’s playground was redesigned in 1992. A smaller fountain with walruses replaced the paddling pool. New trees were planted. A large lawn was created.
In 1994, the Falkplatz’s west part was redesigned. A rainwater basin and wetland were added. Hedges were planted. Large granite stones marked the boundary. The Falkplatz now flows into Mauerpark. The Max-Schmeling-Halle was built along the south side. In 1995, a living sundial was built for a climate conference.
In 2003, grilling was allowed. Complaints led to a ban in 2009. A grilling zone was set up in Mauerpark. Since 2014, a preservation order protects the area. It prevents luxury renovations. Today, the Falkplatz is a protected green space. It is a place to relax and remember Berlin’s layered past. The walruses still spout water. The trees still stand tall. They are witnesses to the Falkplatz’s story.