Could you believe that Marienlust was once a bustling restaurant? It sat near the Lange See. Now only memories linger.
Marienlust was an excursion restaurant. It stood about 800 meters east of Schmetterlingshorst. Both were located on the Lange See. Today Marienlust is gone.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine steamships gliding across the water. One such ship was the Richard. Later it was renamed Eintracht. This ship connected Grünau to both Schmetterlingshorst and Marienlust. Richard Eckner operated it. The ship ferried passengers between Grünau, Schmetterlingshorst, and Marienlust. This boosted tourism in the area.
The Schmetterlingshorst provides a glimpse into this past. It still stands today. Schmetterlingshorst translates to Butterfly Horst. Johannes Bittner founded it. He was a glass engraver and butterfly researcher. Bittner displayed his butterfly collection there. His collection was world-renowned at the time.
Schmetterlingshorst expanded in 1906. It added a large parquet hall. The establishment became a popular destination. The Lepidopterological Association Orion used it for excursions. The association later became the Entomological Association Orion.
Sadly Marienlust did not survive. It burned down in 1997. Afterwards, it was completely removed. Today only the viewpoint remains.
Schmetterlingshorst faced its own challenges. Bombing raids in 1943 heavily damaged it. The restaurant was rebuilt starting in 1947. But high lease costs forced its closure after the political changes. The area lay unused until 1999.
The Treptow-Köpenick District Sports Association began reconstruction efforts. They received support from a local hardware store. By 2012, the renovations were largely complete. The Schmetterlingshorst reopened as a non-profit center. It serves schools, sports enthusiasts, and hikers.
Schmetterlingshorst still displays a butterfly collection. Herbert Jacobs started this collection. He was the second chairman of the Entomological Association Orion. The collection features 3540 butterflies and insects. It is the second largest in Europe. It is also the largest in Germany.
The District Sports Association engages in environmental education. Since 2022, a forest educator has been employed. This person helps students connect with nature. They foster understanding for the environment.
Even though Marienlust is gone, its memory lives on. Schmetterlingshorst reminds us of the past. Both locations played a role in Berlin’s history. Take a moment to imagine what Marienlust was like. Think of the people who visited. Consider the stories that unfolded there. Though gone, its story still echoes in the landscape.