So, what does a city do with a derelict, old airport when it upgrades to a new one?

In Berlin’s case it transformed the former Tempelhof Airport into the largest recreational area in the city where people flock in the summer months to grill and picnic, do sport, listen to live music, volunteer in the community garden or bike workshop, or attend an event.

Opening Hours

This recreational area is free and open daily to the public. Depending on the season it opens between 6 or 7:30 am and remains open until dusk.

Entrances

The park covers over 300 hectares and has three main entrances to the North, West and East of the park that are all very easy to get to with public transportation.

Outdoor Green Classroom

After working at an International Baccalaureate school in the States, I was so thrilled to see this little outdoor classroom in the park. The M.I.N.T Green Classroom might not look like much from the outside, but any educator can see the potential here! Teachers and students can sign up to use these Bauhaus-style repurposed pavilion for a variety of uses. There is even a blog that chronicles some of the projects that have taken place there in the past. What an awesome field trip location!

Community Garden

This little community garden houses vegetable boxes and beautiful wild flowers. Tucked in between little nooks and crannies are chairs, couches and even an “igloo” made out of old recycled wooden palettes that provide little private sitting opportunities to enjoy a quiet moment among the greenery.

The garden is maintained by volunteers who come to water and take care of the plants. A special as-little-waste-as-possible water station encourages saving water and lending a hand if you have the time.

While you are in the garden, look for an old telephone booth that has been repurposed into StoryboXX, a little museum and interactive art installation. Leave your story in the telephone booth and be a part of history.

Bike Workshop

If you rode your bike to the park and need a quick fix, then head to the Bicycle Workshop. This mobile shop welcomes anyone and everyone in need of fixing up their bike. They also offer workshops where you can deepen your bicycle repair knowledge.

Meetingpoint for Religion and Society

Another permanent installation in the park provides a place for open dialogue and understanding different world perspectives and religious doctrine. While it wasn’t in use while I was there, I can see this being a powerful meeting place, or simply a serene place for some personal reflection or meditation.

Festivals

Many yearly festivals also take place in this large open space like the STADT UND LAND - FESTIVAL DER RIESENDRACHEN, or City and Country Festival of Kites and the Mondfest, Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Because the grounds are so open and big and offer WC and food facilities, the Tempelhofer Feld can offer Berliners (and tourists) an even space like none other.

Gastronomy

Once you find yourself on the Tempelhofer Feld, you honestly won’t want to leave. Luckily, visitors can find food and drink throughout the park. Whether you are looking for a quick coffee pick-me-up from the mobile coffee bikes, a small snack from the Info Booth, a legit picnic spread from the Picknick Korbverleih, picnic basket rental, or BBQ and beer from the Luftgarten Biergarten, there is something for everyone here.

If you are more into the DIY version, grilling is allowed in certain areas of the park. Check with the Info Booth on where it is allowed and set up your own “shop” for friends.

Check out all the Gastronomy offered at the park here.

Tours

If you are overwhelmed by where to start, you can always start with a tour! Check out the options and prices here.

Enjoying Tempelhofer Feld

There is no right or wrong way to experience this one of a kind park in Berlin. But if you happen to be in Berlin when the weather is nice, I highly recommend checking the event calendar or just plan a low-key day here!

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