Warding off bad smells seems like a strange origin story for a protected area. Yet that is how the Wäldchen am Königsgraben began. This small woodland area offers a peaceful retreat today. But it once served a very specific, if unglamorous, purpose.
Back in 1875, Berlin was expanding. The Rieselfelder Osdorf and Friederickenhof sewage fields appeared southwest of Feldmark. These fields, first irrigated in 1875, created some unpleasant side effects. To combat the odors and insects, a strip of forest was planted along Eggestorffstrasse. This acted as a buffer zone between the sewage fields and residential areas.
Primarily, people planted pine trees. The Wäldchen am Königsgraben never had any real forestry significance. However, after the war, residents desperate for fuel severely depleted it. To protect what remained and preserve its recreational value, the area became a protected landscape in 1962. It was officially named Landschaftsschutzgebiet “Wäldchen am Königsgraben.”
Today, the Wäldchen am Königsgraben primarily consists of mixed pine woodlands. You can also find common and pedunculate oaks. Birch trees add to the diversity of the forest. The area is under special protection to preserve its natural landscape.
The Bürgerinitiative “Rettet die Marienfelder Feldmark” has been committed to preserving the Marienfelder Feldmark since 1985. This includes the Wäldchen am Königsgraben. In fact, they created a nature trail, replacing it with a newer, more professional one in recent years. Rangers and the Lokale Agenda 21 Tempelhof-Schöneberg assisted with the content and design.
The trail offers both shorter “Hase” and longer “Igel” routes marked with symbols. Two large information boards stand at the Egestorffstrasse entrance and the southern edge of the forest. These signs introduce visitors to the forest. They also explain its various functions. They even provide information about the local birdlife.
Additional smaller signs along the way highlight interesting features. These include old oaks, elms, deadwood, animals, and of course, the Königsgraben itself. QR codes on some signs offer further information. For example, you can listen to bird calls.
The trees here are quite old. Many are over 100 years old. The trail explains the history of the Königsgraben and the forest. It also covers the importance of deadwood. A cross-section of an oak shows the story told by its annual rings.
The Bürgerinitiative hopes to add more signs for children soon. The Wäldchen am Königsgraben is easily accessible. From the small parking lot at the corner of Blohm- and Egestorffstrasse, walk a short distance into the forest. Turn left at the first opportunity. Follow the path to the wheat field and turn right. There, you will find the first information board. A few meters further on stands the Müller Linde. It is a memorial to Ingetraud Müller (1936-2008). She was the “mother” of the Bürgerinitiative.
The Wäldchen am Königsgraben, once a simple barrier against unpleasantness, is now a cherished green space. It’s a testament to how even the most practical beginnings can lead to something beautiful and valuable. So take a deep breath. Enjoy this small piece of history. Appreciate the efforts to preserve it for generations to come.