How about a stroll through Berlin’s charming Bötzowkiez? This sought-after residential area in Prenzlauer Berg boasts beautiful Wilhelminian-style architecture. Bötzowkiez is also known as Bötzowviertel.
The heart of the Bötzowkiez is Bötzowstraße. It is named after the landowning Bötzow family. The neighborhood was built on their farmland. This land was directly in front of the Königstor. Today’s Alexanderplatz is roughly where the Königstor used to be.
These representative old buildings were built shortly before the 20th century. They showcase Wilhelminian and Art Nouveau styles. The eastern part of the Bötzowkiez was destroyed in World War II. It was rebuilt after the war.
Extensive refurbishment began after reunification. Decorative facades were restored. Flats were combined and modernized. New townhouses were built. Today the Bötzowkiez is one of Berlin’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Despite its central location, it remains quiet. Planted courtyards and cobbled streets add to its charm. Bötzowkiez attracts tenants, buyers and investors.
You will find many cafés in the Bötzowkiez. Explore Bötzowstraße and Hufelandstraße for local flavors. You don’t have to leave the area for restaurants or bars either.
Arnswalder Platz is on the northeast side of the Bötzowkiez. It is famous for its Stierbrunnen fountain. This spacious square features playgrounds and old trees. Benches, footpaths and lawns create a small oasis.
If you want more greenery, walk south to Volkspark Friedrichshain. Discover ponds and fountains. Enjoy the scented garden and climbing rocks.
Other parks nearby include Anton-Saefkow-Park and Ernst-Thälmann-Park. The Filmtheater am Friedrichshain and the Kurt-Schwitters-Schule are worth seeing too. Both buildings are now listed.
Don’t miss the weekly market on Arnswalder Platz. It offers fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and cheese every Saturday. Boutiques, bookshops and yoga studios also call Bötzowkiez home. There are several schools and daycare centers in the neighborhood as well.
Bötzowkiez offers six playgrounds. You can also find more in Volkspark Friedrichshain. Nearby Winsviertel and Kollwitzkiez also offer playgrounds.
Formerly Berlin was Europe’s largest beer supplier. The Bötzow brewery dates back 150 years. In 1885, Julius Bötzow was named purveyor to His Majesty Kaiser Wilhelm I. The brewery became a popular destination.
After various uses by the creative scene, the former brewery site now has a plan. It will provide space for dining, art and culture. British architect David Chipperfield plans to turn Bötzow into a lively center. It will feature cultural facilities, shops, offices and lofts.