Imagine sprawling parkland where mental health and recreation intertwine. That’s Heinrich-Laehr-Park. This park in Berlin’s Zehlendorf district bears the name of Bernhard Heinrich Laehr. He was a German physician of the 19th century. Laehr founded a mental health facility here. It was partly on the grounds where we stand today in Heinrich-Laehr-Park.
Heinrich-Laehr-Park stretches about 800 meters long. It is about 200 meters wide. That makes it one of Zehlendorf’s largest parks.
Let’s journey back to 1853. Laehr purchased land in Schönow. Here, he established a private sanatorium for mentally ill women. It was named “Schweizer Hof”. Laehr created extensive park and farmland on the 270-hectare site.
After Laehr died, the southern part of the facility was dedicated to him in 1906. His son continued to run the clinic until his death in 1929. Later, the property reverted to the city of Berlin. The city had to use the area for social facilities. Much of Schweizer Hof was demolished. Housing for seniors was built. A retirement home and the Kirchliche Hochschule Berlin-Zehlendorf were also constructed.
Besides the already existing Heinrich-Laehr-Park, Schönow Park was created. It includes Heinrich Laehr’s grave. The Schweizerhofpark also emerged. Its name commemorates the former sanatorium.
Pause for a moment and consider the “Turtle Group”. This artificial stone sculpture by Christian Theunert appeared in the park in 1957.
In 1963, the area was declared a protected landscape. Consider that this park once provided solace for those seeking mental healing. Today, Heinrich-Laehr-Park offers green space for all. Take a stroll. Reflect on the blend of history and nature found here.