Urbanhafen

From a bustling hub to a tranquil haven, the Urbanhafen in Berlin has witnessed a remarkable transformation. Did you know this seemingly quiet stretch of water was once as busy as the harbors of Hamburg or Shanghai? The Urbanhafen, nestled in Kreuzberg, tells a fascinating story of Berlin’s growth and change. Constructed between 1891 and 1896, it was the first major inland harbor on the Landwehrkanal. Its creation was driven by the city’s increasing need for handling and storing building materials. It also aimed to facilitate the construction of worker housing and ensure food supplies to Berlin’s southern suburbs. To create the harbor basin, the Landwehrkanal was widened significantly, from 20 meters to 145 meters between Bärwaldbrücke and Admiralbrücke. A large, trapezoidal loading island was built, allowing over 70 ships to dock where a parking lot now stands in front of Vivantes Klinikum am Urban. However, the Urbanhafen’s initial purpose gave way to a less reputable role. It became a haven for smugglers and illicit activities, prompting the establishment of the river police. This police force also took on the duties of immigration control, as the “boat people” were often not locals and had a questionable reputation. By the 1920s, the Urbanhafen’s importance began to decline. The lack of a rail connection and the Landwehrkanal’s inability to accommodate larger ships contributed to its downfall. Although the Berliner Hafen und Lager Gesellschaft (Behala) took over in 1923 and expanded the loading island in 1937, the harbor remained too small. It was ultimately abandoned as an inland port in the early 1960s. The harbor basin and side canal were filled, connecting the loading island to the southern bank. The newly gained land became a green area with a promenade and an extension for the Urban Hospital. But the Urbanhafen wasn’t entirely destined for quietude. In the 1930s, it found new life as a venue for motorboat races. These races continued intermittently through World War II and drew crowds of up to 20,000 spectators in the post-war years. However, as racing boats became faster, the harbor proved too narrow and short. The races ceased in 1956. Today, the Urbanhafen stands as a peaceful reminder of Berlin’s vibrant and ever-changing past.