Once upon a time, Pankow was just a village. Pankow got its name from the Panke river. It is a small Spree tributary. I’m excited to share Pankow’s story. It is a place with a unique past.
Pankow’s history stretches back centuries. It was first mentioned in 1311. Margraves of Brandenburg documented it. The “Four Evangelists” church is even older. It was built around 1230. Pankow slowly transformed over time.
In 1691, Elector Frederick III acquired Schӧnhausen Palace. It is located in Niederschӧnhausen. This act spurred Pankow’s growth. Pankow transformed into a Berlin suburb due to industrialization in the 19th century. People sought Pankow for day trips. In 1920, Pankow officially became part of Berlin.
Pankow played a key role in East Germany. From 1949 to 1990, Pankow was a prominent East Berlin quarter. Schӧnhausen Palace became the presidential residence in 1949. It remained so until 1960. Many embassies found their home in Pankow.
Udo Lindenberg’s song “Sonderzug nach Pankow” is very famous. It tells a story of the GDR era. Lindenberg wanted to perform in East Berlin. His request was denied. He then wrote a song. The song ironically describes Erich Honecker. He is portrayed as an old man. The man secretly listened to Western radio. Lindenberg even sent Honecker a letter. He asked him not to be so uptight. He wanted to perform. A concert at the Palast der Republik was arranged to ease tensions. International artists performed. Lindenberg was allowed to play four songs. A tour of the GDR never happened. The song remains popular today.
Today, Pankow maintains its charm. It is near the city center. It offers a suburban feel. Many green spaces and fair-sized houses make it suitable for families. Amalienpark has upper-middle-class houses. They have front gardens. Schloßpark has pretty old buildings. Some are restored. The Kissing Quarter features residential complexes from the 1920s. The north becomes more rural. New settlements appear. Brandenburg’s lakes and greenery are nearby. Wilhelmsruh features apartment buildings and city mansions.
Pankow has good transport connections. You can quickly reach central districts. S-Bahn and metro lines are available. Buses and trams also operate here. Car drivers can access the Berliner Ring (A114).
Pankow offers a blend of city and suburban life. It is a district with a rich history. It continues to evolve. Its story is one of transformation. Pankow has grown from a village to a vibrant Berlin district. Pankow is a place where history and modern life meet.