Located in the Schöneberg district of Berlin's Tempelhof-Schöneberg borough, Natur-Park Südgelände offers you a captivating 18-hectare blend of wild nature, art, and decaying railway history. Once the active Tempelhof marshalling yard built in 1889, nature began reclaiming the disused lines after portions closed in 1952. Thanks to community resistance against freight expansion and support from the city, this unique space officially opened as an Expo 2000 project in 1999.
When you visit, you will wander through an urban oasis bustling with impressive biodiversity. The park serves as a vital habitat for 366 plant species, 49 bird species, and 95 bee species—over 60 of which are endangered—alongside various spiders, grasshoppers, and mushrooms. As you explore, you will discover striking historical infrastructure hidden among the greenery, including a 1940 DRB Class 50 steam locomotive, a turntable, a 50-meter-tall water tower built in 1927, and two large flying junctions.
You can also admire sculptures throughout the landscape created by the artist group Odious, or catch performance, dance, and theater events inside the massive historic locomotive hall. It is an unforgettable journey where industrial heritage and wild nature meet.
What to see at Natur-Park Südgelände
- A 1940 DRB Class 50 steam locomotive and historic turntable
- A 50-meter-tall water tower dating from 1927
- Distinctive art installations and sculptures by the artist group Odious
- A large locomotive hall hosting theater, dance, and performance events
- Thriving wildlife including over 60 endangered bee species
Visiting tips
Check event schedules before you go to catch theater, dance, or performance events hosted in the historic locomotive hall.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Natur-Park Südgelände is easy to reach on Teltow’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Jagdschloss Grunewald and Bierpinsel. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Teltow travel guide.
See the full Teltow travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.