Waldsiedlung Krumme Lanke

Deep within the tranquil embrace of Berlin’s Zehlendorf district lies Waldsiedlung Krumme Lanke. It’s a place where whispers of the past linger among the trees. Waldsiedlung Krumme Lanke was not always a haven of peace. It was conceived in 1937 under the chilling directive of Heinrich Himmler. He envisioned a “closed settlement” for members of the SS. Construction of Waldsiedlung Krumme Lanke began swiftly. It was completed in 1939. The homes, with their quaint, country-style charm, were designed to reflect a vision of an idyllic, “German” Germany. The streets originally bore names steeped in Nazi ideology. These included names like “Fu00fchrerplatz”, “Siegstrau00dfe” (Victory Street), and “Dienstweg” (Duty Way). This starkly contrasts with the street names today. Most have been renamed, erasing the overt markers of the settlement’s dark origins. Waldsiedlung Krumme Lanke stands as a silent testament to a troubled past. The picturesque cottages and tree-lined streets conceal a history inextricably linked to the Nazi regime. The settlement’s creation was part of a larger plan. The SS aimed to promote the idea of “Blut und Boden” (blood and soil). This involved settling “valuable SS families” in a community designed to embody their elitist ideology. Interestingly, some of the planned community features never materialized. A children’s day care center, student housing, a community center, a casino, and a festival hall were all intended for the northwest side of what is now Zwingenberger Weg. These plans were abandoned due to funding issues, leaving Waldsiedlung Krumme Lanke without the central gathering spaces meant to foster the “comradeship” of the SS. Today, Waldsiedlung Krumme Lanke exists as a Denkmal, a protected historical site. This status, granted in 1992, recognizes the settlement’s significance as a historical witness. The protection extends to all areas. This includes the residential buildings, the surrounding open spaces, public and private green areas, as well as the streets and paths. After World War II, the abandoned houses served a different purpose. They provided much-needed housing for those persecuted by the Nazis, resistance fighters, and refugees. This adds another layer to the complex history of Waldsiedlung Krumme Lanke. A single plaque marks the periphery of the estate, a subtle acknowledgment of its past. The quiet streets and seemingly idyllic setting offer a stark contrast to the sinister ideology that shaped their creation. Waldsiedlung Krumme Lanke stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of place and the echoes of history that resonate even in the most peaceful corners of the world.