Discover Schöneberg

Schöneberg can be explored through a range of themes: the protected former railway grounds of Natur-Park Schöneberger Südgelände, district history, municipal art and a historically significant cemetery. The options range from walking along a former railway track to visiting changing exhibitions and historic sites. If you are looking for accommodation, you can first consider whether Schöneberg’s district history and art or a broader programme in Berlin will shape your stay.

Railway history and rare plants

Natur-Park Schöneberger Südgelände is a former railway site that has been protected since 1999. Visitors can walk along the former railway track and discover remnants such as rails, steam locomotives and engine sheds. Rare plant species also grow alongside these traces of the site’s railway use. A walk here brings together two themes: the site’s former use and its plant life. Events are held there regularly. If you would like to combine your visit with an event, check the latest dates in advance.

Culture and history in Schöneberg

Schöneberg Museum presents changing exhibitions on the district’s urban and cultural history. Haus am Kleistpark is a municipal gallery in the Schöneberg neighbourhood. Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof in Berlin-Schöneberg offers a focus on history: it is one of Berlin’s most historically significant cemetery complexes. Among the graves there are those of Rudolf Virchow and the Brothers Grimm. Rathaus Schöneberg is another tangible landmark in the city’s history: the Freedom Bell was installed in 1950 and is housed in the town hall’s tower, which is now 70 metres high.

Creative activities for families

The Open Studio at the Jugend Museum offers creative hands-on activities every two weeks for children aged six and over and their families. The focus is on creating things yourself, offering a different experience from visiting an exhibition. As programme details may change, check the latest offerings in advance.

Berlin as a wider setting

The wider travel destination of Berlin offers further opportunities to spend time outdoors. Tiergarten is Berlin’s largest and most visited inner-city park, making it suitable for walks, outdoor activities and picnics. Tempelhofer Feld is a large public park where people picnic, sunbathe and play sports. Volkspark Friedrichshain has sports facilities, playgrounds and outdoor cafés, as well as a barbecue area for summer days. Two small artificial hills there consist of rubble from demolished World War II bunkers and buildings destroyed in the war. They are called “Mont Klamott” and “Kleiner Bunkerberg”; from them, visitors can enjoy views of central Berlin.

Viktoriapark, with Kreuzberg hill, is Berlin’s highest inner-city elevation and features a waterfall. Schinkel’s National Monument stands at the summit and commemorates the victory over Napoleon. Alongside parks with sports and play facilities, Berlin therefore also offers a landmark with scenic and historical significance.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel interests

When choosing accommodation, it helps to decide what you would like to focus on. If you mainly want to explore Schöneberg’s district history, gallery and cemetery, you can make Schöneberg the focus of your search. If you would rather include several of the Berlin parks and sights mentioned, consider Berlin as the wider planning area. This way, your search reflects the experiences you prioritise for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Charlottenburg, Wedding, Berlin, Adlershof, Altglienicke, Spandau, Tempelhof, Kladow.

Back to the main travel overview: Berlin.