Wasserturm Ostkreuz

Gazing up at the Wasserturm Ostkreuz, have you ever wondered about its secrets? This imposing water tower, a landmark of Berlin’s Friedrichshain district, has a rich history waiting to be unveiled. The Wasserturm Ostkreuz wasn’t always a silent giant. Built between 1909 and 1912, it was designed by the architect Karl Cornelius. The Royal Railway Directorate of Berlin commissioned its construction. Its purpose? To quench the thirst of the steam locomotives that chugged through the bustling Ostkreuz railway station. The tower’s 59-meter height wasn’t just for show. It housed a 400 cubic meter steel water tank. The tank’s base, set at a standardized height of 40 meters, ensured consistent water pressure for the locomotives. This pressure propelled the water through pipelines. It reached the water cranes at Ostkreuz, Ostbahnhof, Lichtenberg, and Rummelsburg stations. The Wasserturm Ostkreuz drew its lifeblood from the Rummelsburger See. The tower’s design itself is a marvel. The Art Nouveau style structure stands as a testament to the era’s architectural flair. Its shaft and cap, clad in glazed violet clinker bricks, give it a distinct appearance. This smooth, glazed surface wasn’t just for aesthetics. It served a practical purpose, protecting the tower from the soot and grime spewed by the steam locomotives. The tower’s steep, octagonal cap, reminiscent of a Pickelhaube (a spiked German military helmet), concealed the vital water tank within. Access to the tank was gained through a brick archway. Inside, winding iron staircases led upwards, spiraling through seven galleries. The Wasserturm Ostkreuz remained a vital part of the railway’s operations until the mid-1980s. In 1978, it earned its rightful place in Berlin’s list of protected historical monuments. Even after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the tower continued to stand tall. In 2006, it underwent renovations, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The Wasserturm Ostkreuz’s story took another turn in 2015. After a competitive bidding process with 40 interested buyers, Deutsche Bahn sold the tower to a private investor. The new owner envisioned a mixed public use for the tower, including a small restaurant, a recording studio, or even brand showrooms. While the tower’s future use remains in discussion, one thing is certain: the Wasserturm Ostkreuz continues to captivate and inspire. Its story, a blend of industrial function and architectural beauty, is an integral part of Berlin’s vibrant history.