Berlin, Germany, is just a question away has all the mesmerizing sights ever to be wondered about. Teufelsberg should necessarily be on your travel bucket list. Teufelsberg is a man made hill just at the outskirts of Berlin which has fascinating history as well as fascinating views that invite travellers from all over to the world.
The History Behind Teufelsberg
The Grunewald forest hills give the name of Teufelsberg, which means ‘Devil’s Mountain’ in English. So, during the mid 20th century after World War II, Berlin was divided between East and West Germany with the help of the Berlin Wall. During this division, the idea was born to set up the amount of rubble from the war and to give birth to this: Teufelsberg.
In its early years, the plan was to build a Nazi military technical college at Teufelsberg, but a number of reasons; including financial constraints, interrupted & the end of World War II, brought construction to a halt. During the Cold War, the site was eventually repurposed by the United States National Security Agency (NSA) and a listening station was built on the hill, to listen to activities of East Germany, Russia and other countries around it.
Exploring the Ruins
Today a lonely remnant of the listening station on Teufelsberg is all that remains of the past. While roaming the site, you get amazed with the graffiti art all over the walls of the building, bringing in vibrant life into the ruined buildings. The graffiti sourced with remnants of the Cold War era make it a nice place for photographers history enthusiasts, as well as urban explorers because of the combination.
The top of the main tower is, one of the main highlights of visiting Teufelsberg. Standing here, you will see Berlin’s skylines of the Brandenburg Gate, of TV tower as well as the wide Grunewald forest. However, do make sure you have your camera, because it is a picture perfect spot that you will want to snap.
Tips for Your Visit
Tips to help you enjoy more of Teufelsberg
- Be prepared to explore different uneven surfaces and debris while on the site, thus comfortable shoes is required.
- Bring food and water: There is nowhere to go about other than on the street so it’s a good idea to bring your own food and water to keep hydrated and charged up while you are out.
- Plan your visit during daylight hours: The best view and graffiti art has to be seen when it’s during the day, rather than at night when there is no natural light.
- You can visit on your own, but joining a guided tour will prove to be very helping in understanding the history and importance of the place.
- Be courteous to the surroundings: Teufelsberg is a historical place and must be treated delicately. Do not damage any property or litter.
Conclusion
Berlin, Germany, the capital of Germany offers hidden gem in Berlin known as ‘Teufelsberg’ which is a treasure trove of history, art, and unmatched views. Visiting to the ruins of the former NSA listening station allows to explore the past and see the city from another angle. Thus, if you’re visiting Berlin planning a time, do not forget to plan a visit to Teufelsberg because that will be a one of a kind experience you will ever have in your life.
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