Tempelhofer Feld
"Tempelhofer Feld is a decommissioned airport turned into a massive 900-acre public park—the ultimate symbol of Berlin's freedom and transformation. The former runways are now used for skating, cycling, kiteboarding, grilling, and urban gardening. It's wide-open, flat, and surreal—you can see the entire city skyline. Locals voted in 2014 to keep it undeveloped, rejecting luxury housing plans. It's pure Berlin: reclaiming history for public space."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Free, vast
Duration
2-3 hours
Best For
Outdoor activities
The Backstory
Tempelhof Airport opened in 1923 and was expanded by the Nazis in 1936 into a massive terminal (once the world's largest building). It became famous during the 1948 Berlin Airlift when Western Allies flew in supplies during the Soviet blockade. The airport closed in 2008 and reopened as a public park in 2010. Berliners voted to keep it open and undeveloped.
Local Secret
"Rent bikes or rollerblades at the entrance—the field is massive and takes 30+ minutes to walk across. Go in late afternoon/evening for golden hour light and fewer crowds. The old terminal building offers tours (book ahead). Pack a picnic or grill—it's allowed. In summer, it's packed with kite-surfers. The field is completely flat and exposed—bring sunscreen."