Nothing makes for a better weekend than one that features new adventures, whether it be travelling to somewhere new or exploring your own backyard. Even though I’ve lived in Berlin for two and a half years, there’s still so much to discover here. Last weekend I went searching for a new adventure in the form of exploring some abandoned buildings. Creepy? Yes. Exciting? You bet.
Berlin’s rich and turbulent historical past means that there are scores of abandoned sites dotted all over the city; a dream for urban explorers. Finding these and photographing them is a favourite weekend activity for many Berliners and expats, who hunt them out, hop fences, dodge security and get high on the adrenaline rush of being where you’re not supposed to. Being nosy and a bit of a history nerd myself, I’m so interested in the abandoned face of Berlin. A few years ago I checked out the abandoned submarine bunker, Lager Koralle, which was the headquarters of Germany’s Naval High Command between 1943 - 1945 which controlled the U-boat fleet from here during this time and also Spreepark, Berlin’s abandoned amusement park.
Last weekend, we went to check out Pankow’s Güterbahnhof, a former railroad yard that used to handle up to 1,800 freight cars per day. It was super easy to get to — only three stations north of where we live. We headed there mid-afternoon and were surprised to find the abandoned site to be right next door to the S-Bahnhof Pankow-Heinersdorf, making the site anything but remote. We headed down a short track, found the gate to be open and walked straight inside. There was no security presence to discourage trespassers so we weren’t worried about getting caught where we shouldn’t be. We spent an hour or so exploring the site, which is made up of a number of structures including a large round building where locomotive engines used to be turned with no reverse (one of the only two remaining in Germany) as well as an outdoor turntable. Here’s a look at what we found:
For more information on where Berlin’s abandoned sites are located as well as safety tips and suggestions on how to avoid security, check out the Abandoned Berlin website.
Have you ever explored any abandoned sites? Do tell!
Oh man, very cool! I love checking out abandoned places, especially when there’s no worries about security to get in the way!
It’s always big adrenaline rush when you enter somewhere you’re not supposed to be! But if there’s no security, it does make it a little more relaxing 🙂
I LOVE exploring abandoned places and nosing at photos of other people’s exploration. This looks like such a cool and creepy spot!
It was Natalie! I am glad I wasn’t there by myself though!
It looks like a nice site, thanks for sharing! I’ve been a couple of times to Berlin, but I definitely need to go back anytime soon to do some urban photography.
Oh there is so many abandoned places to explore, Jenny! You must check one out the next time you visit!
Great article! It looks interesting.
My favorite abandoned place in Germany is Hirsau Abbey close to Stuttgart.
It is something different than the railroad. A bit older.
But it is place with a great and mysterious atmosphere.
I am going to publish a post on my blog about it.
That sounds really interesting Luboš. Let me know when your post is published — I’d love to read it!
Some of the street art you stumbled upon is awesome!
It was a really interesting and colourful place Elizabeth!