Kaiser Wilhelm II loved Rudow. He visited regularly. This charming village in southern Berlin held a special place in his heart.
Rudow boasts a rich history. Its roots trace back to a medieval village. Archaeological finds suggest settlements around 1200. Official records mention Rudow for the first time in 1373. The village grew. Different settlements merged creating a unique layout. Land ownership was complex until Rudow became primarily part of the Amt Köpenick in 1702. It later joined Amt Mühlenhof in 1811.
A magnificent palace once stood in Rudow. Built around 1680 it belonged to the sons of the Great Elector. In 1704 it was considered one of the finest royal pleasure palaces. Small remnants survive in a building on Prierosser Strasse number 48. Time and changes obscure much of its original design. The village church remained central to Rudow life. A rectangular hall built of fieldstones it dates back to the late 13th century. Renovations and wartime damage altered its appearance over the centuries. It achieved its present form in 1954. The old village inn Alt-Rudow 59-61 from around 1800 still stands. Prosperous farmers built elaborate houses in the last third of the 19th century. A fine example is at Köpenicker Strasse 180.
Rudow retained its rural character even after becoming part of Greater Berlin in 1920. In 1945 it fell under American sector control. The division of Berlin by the GDR hampered Rudow’s development. The U-Bahn connection only came with the construction of Gropiusstadt. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall Rudow’s proximity to Schönefeld Airport and the A 111 has increased traffic congestion. New housing development is planned for the Rudower Felder.
The Rudower Höhe a 70-meter high hill made from rubble is a popular attraction. It features a large toboggan run. The renatured Rudower Fließ flows from the old village to the city limits. In 1987 Rudow had approximately 48000 inhabitants.
One of the most intriguing stories surrounding Rudow involves Kaiser Wilhelm II and his visits. The Kaiser highly valued the advice of Robert von Benda. Benda a prominent figure in the National Liberal Party owned the Rudow estate. The Kaiser’s appreciation for Benda extended to his family. The Kaiser enjoyed the musical talents of Benda’s daughters during his yearly visits. Many amusing anecdotes surround these visits including one where the Kaiser’s coachman was forced to serve dinner due to a lack of staff.
The legacy of Rudow is one of resilience. It has endured through the centuries. Its rural charm remains a defining feature alongside its modern growth. It shows the dynamic interplay of history and modernity in Berlin. Rudow is more than just a suburb. It’s a story waiting to be discovered.