Gazing across the Stößensee, can you imagine a Soviet fighter jet plunging into these tranquil waters? This seemingly peaceful lake holds a dramatic Cold War secret. The Stößensee, nestled between Pichelswerder and Grunewald forest, is a cove of the Havel River. It stretches approximately 350 meters wide and 1100 meters long. In the 19th century, the Stößensee became a beloved destination for Berliners. They enjoyed its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The construction of Heerstraße, now Bundesstraßen B2 and B5, in 1908-1909 dramatically altered the landscape. A dam divided the Stößensee, leaving only a narrow channel for navigation. The iconic Stößenseebrücke, a steel truss bridge, spans this channel. But the Stößensee’s story took a chilling turn in April 1966. A Soviet Yak-28P fighter jet, experiencing dual engine failure, plummeted into the lake. Both pilots, Captain Boris Kapustin and Lieutenant Yuri Yanov, perished. Their final words, recorded by the plane’s black box, revealed their heroic decision. They chose to stay with the failing aircraft, steering it away from the nearby residential area of Westend, sacrificing themselves to prevent untold devastation. A memorial plaque now commemorates their bravery. This tragic event became a symbol of humanity amidst the tense political climate of the Cold War. The Stößensee, a place of recreation and natural beauty, also bears witness to a moment of profound courage and sacrifice.
Genossenschaft PA58
From 1981 the Genossenschaft PA58 stands tall. It’s a self-managed house project. This is its story. This impressive building in