A somber secret whispers from Thomashöhe’s past. Thomashöhe stands as a testament to Berlin’s resilience. It is a green space born from post-war devastation. Today we will explore this park. We will discover its history and a dark event that haunts its grounds.
Thomashöhe is located south of Mittelweg. It is bordered to the south by Thomasstraße. This area spans approximately 150 meters in length and 140 meters in width. Together with Lessinghöhe and other green spaces it forms a large recreation area.
After World War II the area needed clearing. Rubble from destroyed buildings was dumped here. Thus in the 1950s Thomashöhe and later Lessinghöhe were created. They were named after nearby streets. Before the war this area was used for small garden plots.
These hills are part of the Neukölln Rollberge. These are natural elevations formed during the Weichsel Ice Age around 20000 years ago. Until the mid-18th century residents of Rixdorf, now Neukölln farmed these hills. Industrialization led to the extraction of gravel and sand. Much of the Rollberge disappeared under buildings like the Rollbergsiedlung.
Today Thomashöhe is a park managed by the Neukölln district. It falls under the jurisdiction of Grünanlagen Nord. This office also manages Volkspark Hasenheide.
The park connects with the surrounding churchyards. St. Michael Gemeinde to the east Körnerpark is also nearby. Körnerpark was once a gravel pit. Together these areas form a large green space in a densely populated area.
Despite its peaceful atmosphere Thomashöhe holds a dark secret. In 2007 a young woman’s body was found burned in a suitcase. The crime shocked Berlin. The suspected perpetrator was acquitted in 2008 due to lack of evidence. The case remains unsolved.
As you stroll through Thomashöhe remember its dual nature. It is a place of recreation and a silent witness to a tragic event. The park’s green spaces offer respite from the city. Yet the story serves as a reminder of the shadows that linger even in the most peaceful places. Thomashöhe stands as a symbol of Berlin’s past. It reminds us of its ability to rebuild. It also reminds us of the importance of remembering even the darkest chapters.