Picture the Casino Turm a Frohnau landmark. Its 30-meter height offers breathtaking views. This is Frohnau a unique Berlin neighborhood. Founded in 1910 Frohnau was designed as a garden city. Count Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck purchased the land. Architects Joseph Brix and Felix Genzmer won a design competition. Their plan created an asymmetrical layout. It naturally blended with the dunes near the Havel River. Even the name Frohnau was chosen in a contest. The name means Happy Meadow.
Frohnau’s history is rich. In 1920 it became part of Greater Berlin. During World War II a death march passed through. Prisoners from a dissolved camp in Łabikowo went to Sachsenhausen. During the Cold War Frohnau was in West Berlin. This created a unique situation. The area became jokingly known as a duck’s beak. This is because of its location at the edge of Berlin.
Frohnau’s architecture is distinctive. Many large mansion-like buildings stand. The Casino Turm is a symbol. Architects such as Walter and Johannes Krüger designed buildings. Hart and Lesser designed the train station and the Casino Turm. Max Meyer designed the Buddhist house. Paul Poser Max Scheidling and Heinrich Straumer also contributed. Straumer is known for his work on Berlin’s Funkturm.
Frohnau boasts one of Germany’s tallest structures. The Richtfunkmast a microwave radio tower reaches 358.6 meters. Built between 1977 and 1979 it maintained contact with West Germany. A 117-meter free-standing steel tower stands nearby. It had parabolic antennae for radio connection until 1995. Since 2002 mediumwave digital radio transmissions have been tested here.
Frohnau’s central squares Zeltinger Platz and Ludolfingerplatz are beautiful. They feature blossoming chestnut trees and a pergola. Frohnau also features the Buddhist House. This remarkable building blends Indian temple architecture with a pagoda landscape. It is a significant Buddhist site in Western Europe. It was built by Dr. Paul Dahlke. He converted to Buddhism in Ceylon and built this house.
Frohnau has attracted intellectuals and artists. Many Berlin opera stars lived there. Reinhard Mey the famous singer-songwriter was born in Frohnau. Frohnau remains a place of quiet elegance. The nearby Frohnauer Forst and Hubertussee offer peace and tranquility. Frohnau is a blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. It is a unique and memorable part of Berlin.