Forgotten military base turned ecological haven? That is Kesselberg! Today, we’re exploring this unique spot southeast of Berlin. It is about 25 kilometers from Alexanderplatz. We will uncover its fascinating history and its current life as an intentional community.
Kesselberg is near Erkner, between Neu-Zittau and Wernsdorf. The bus stop “Neu-Zittau, Kesselberg” marks the entrance. Imagine this: after German reunification, this former GDR-era military communication base was auctioned off. After changing hands a couple of times, a group acquired the Kesselberg property about eight years ago.
What makes Kesselberg special? Well, there are explicitly no rules, or so it seems. The community pays the land taxes by leasing rights to a cell phone antenna. Kesselberg embraces a no-system system.
Currently, around 50 people, including children born here, call Kesselberg home. They have built artisan metal and wood shops. A dance hall with instruments invites creativity. There is also a kitchen and a free store for clothes. Expired food is often provided through informal relationships with local wholesalers. The community generally eschews government assistance. Most residents are European, though a Cuban national reportedly lives here as well.
Getting to Kesselberg is part of the adventure. By public transport, take the S3 or regional express to Erkner. Then, hop on bus line 428 towards Ziegenhals. Get off at the “Neu-Zittau, Kesselberg” stop. Alternatively, take line 424 to “Neu Zittau, Spreebord.” Keep in mind the buses do not run frequently. Check the timetables at vbb-fahrinfo.de. From the “Neu Zittau, Spreebord” bus stop, walk back in the direction you were traveling. At the crossroads, go straight on the country road towards Wernsdorf. Behind the last house, take the driveway on the left. Continue straight through the forest until you reach a paved path. Walk 100 meters to the left on the Plattenweg. The walk from Neu Zittau takes about 20 minutes.
Alternatively, cyclists can ride from Treptower Park. Follow Köpenicker Landstraße to Schöneweide S-Bahn station. Turn diagonally left into Schnellerstraße. Continue straight to Neu Zittau through Köpenick, Müggelheim, and Gosen. You will pass through a lot of forest along the way. In Neu Zittau, turn right towards Wernsdorf.
For those driving from the Berliner Ring, take either the Erkner exit via Neu Zittau. You can also exit at Niederlehme via Wernsdorf. Then drive in the direction of Neu Zittau.
Kesselberg uses windmills for electricity. Wood heats most of the buildings, creating a medieval atmosphere, especially in winter. You might see drying sheepskins strung up between trees! The community also has a neat, plant-based landscape water treatment system.
Kesselberg stands as a testament to alternative living. It demonstrates a community embracing freedom, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. As you leave Kesselberg, consider the possibilities of intentional communities. Think about how we can create more sustainable and unconventional ways of life.