Schöneberg, Schöneberg…? Surely, some people who aren’t yet familiar with the city won’t know that Schöneberg is one of Berlin’s neighborhoods because that’s exactly what happened to me. For decades Schöneberg was the epicenter of Berlin’s creative underground, but today you will find Berlin’s interesting, cool, and artsy vibe in most of the Eastern neighborhoods. This unique atmosphere that makes people from all over the globe want to move to the German capital. That way some neighborhoods like Kreuzberg have kept their cool and edgy reputation over the years. But, as you can already imagine, there’s much more than meets the eye in Berlin’s west, especially in Schöneberg. Yes, if you are new in town Schöneberg is still worth a visit and we are going to explore some of its curious locations and little wonders.
FYI: Because Schöneberg is quite an extense neighborhood, I have focused on a specific area which it’s the Akazienkiez and places near The Red Island. In a map, you can see a distinctive triangle-shaped area of Schöneberg bordered by railway lines S1, U7 and the Ringbahn of Berlin. It was called like that due to the left-wing supporters that lived in that specific neighborhood.
Königin-Luise-Gedächtniskirche
Believe or not, that weird construction is actually a church. Its neo-baroque dome popularly known by the Berliners as “Käseglocke” because of its striking shape. It began to be built in 1910 coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the death of Queen Luise of Prussia and therefore it was named after her. This decision was very controversial at the time because of the division of the community between the loyal to the crown and those who sympathize with the social democracy. And, as you can imagine, the latter group was the stronger one and the rest, as they say, is history.
Königin-Luise-Gedächtniskirche, Gustav-Müller-Platz
Open: Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 – 13:00
photo: Amanda Artiaga
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Kunst Automat
If you take a walk in “the old way”, keeping your face away of your cell phone and actually enjoy the view, trying to find something hidden, something particular and unique, you will get surprised because of all the little things that aren’t perceived but that, somehow, are also a part of Berlin. One of this almost invisible things is the Kunstautomat at Crellestrasse. A funny and cute Automat where you can purchase a tiny mysterious artwork.
photo: Amanda Artiaga
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Museum der Unerhörten Dinge
This is, probably, the tiniest gallery of the city. The Museum of the Unheard Things is a minimal and ephemeral experience. This tiny Cabinet of Curiosities is located in Crellestraße 5-6 and curated by Roland Albrecht displays unique objects and their unheard stories.
The Museum of the Unheard Things, Crellestraße 5-6
Open: Wednesday to Friday: 15:00 – 19:00.
.photo: Roland Albrecht
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Crellestrasse 36
The Crellestrasse is a beautiful street. Maybe it’s because of all the cafes, the trees or the beautiful Altbau buildings near to modern ones that give the street that kind of contrast that is very particular of Berlin. But there is one building in particular that strikes me because of its majesty. And that is the building you can find at Crellestrasse 36 with is one of the few buildings that still remain standing since 1893. Its beautiful front and characteristic roof are a gift for the sight.
Crellestrasse 36
photo: Amanda Artiaga
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Barkett
Crafted beers, live music, Jazz, jam sessions, open mic sessions, exotic liquors… With a rustic but modern decoration, it even has a moss wall! Barkett at Czeminskistraße 10, has it all. Either if you are looking for an intimate bar or a cute and cozy event place for your celebrations. What else do you need to come to this bar?
Barkett, Czeminskistraße 10.
Open: Monday to Sunday from 18:00
photo: Amanda Artiaga
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Alter St. Matthäus-Kirchhof
You probably will never forget those, at first, creepy folklore stories that survived through hundreds of years until Disney transformed them into the classic idealistic fairytales animated movies that brainwashed our childhood. Cinderella, The Frog Prince, Rapunzel, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel where the literary creations of the Grimm brothers, Jacob and Wilhelm based on oral folklore. The Grimm brothers are buried at Matthäus-Kirchhof, a Schöneberg cemetery. But they aren’t the only historical figures that lay there. Rudolf Virchow who has been addressed as the “father of modern medicine”. Between his incredible scientific contributions, we can find: the coining of leukemia, embolism, and thrombosis, founded the medical fields of cellular pathology opposed humourism an ancient Greek system, first to analyze hair in criminal investigation…. and the list goes on and on. So thanks for all that Rudolf! And the other historic personality whose tombstone you can find at Matthaus Kirchhof is Claus von Stauffenberg, a German army officer who almost killed Hitler and whose corpse was cremated by the SS on an attempt to erase him of history.
Matthäus-Kirchhof, Großgörschenstraße 12-14.
Open everyday: 8:00 – 19:00
photo: Manfred Brückels CC BY-SA 3.0
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Under the Mango Tree
What is behind this exotic and playful name? Under the Mango tree is an Art gallery and Design studio located in Merseburger Str. 14. It has Contemporary Art Exhibitions and hosts conferences, lectures and much more. In fact, the place is so versatile that you could use the space to organize everything from a Yoga class to a creative writing meeting. Don’t let its tiny size fool you because this elegant gallery can be a perfect option to visit for art and culture lovers, and in general, creative people willing to learn and enjoy.
Under the Mango tree, Merseburger Str. 14.
Open: Tuesday to Fridays: 15:30 – 18:30, Saturdays to Sundays: 13:00 – 16:30
photo: Amanda Artiaga
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Jones Ice Cream
Although we can’t really feel it yet, Spring is here! And what could be better to celebrate the slowly coming of warmth than an artisan ice cream? Jones Ice Cream is a beautiful and cute place at Goltzstrasse 3 where you can enjoy the best creations of French pastry chef and entrepreneur, Gabrielle Jones who settled in Berlin some years ago. At Jones Ice Cream you can find not only artisan ice creams but the most delicious soft cookies to sweeten your Berlin afternoons.
Jones Ice Cream, Goltzstrasse 3.
Open everyday: 12:00 – 19:00
photo: Jones Ice Cream
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Chay Village
An exotic choice in a classic neighborhood, Chay Village is a cute and tiny vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant at Eisenacher Str. 40. It has a terrace, perfect for the few but blissful sunny days in rainy Berlin, and a cozy interior. But that is not its main charm. Of course what will seduce you is the delicious food options and the generous portions that they serve.
Chay Village, Eisenacher Str. 40.
Open: Monday to Thursday: 11:30 – 22:00, Friday: 11:30 – 23:00, Saturday: 15:00 – 23:00, Sunday: 14:00 – 22:00
photo: Amanda Artiaga
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Salut! Classic bar
Salut!’s mysterious and vintage atmosphere has a magical appeal thanks to its careful interior design and soft and warm lighting. From the moment you arrive at Goltzstr. 7 and ring a really unusual doorbell you’ll be guided by the most attentive and dedicated waiters that will take care that you hydrate properly so you can save the always uncomfortable side effects of drinking too much. Either if you choose the old style leather couches or the wooden tables, be ready to enjoy the taste of already timeless classic cocktails or if you are feeling adventurous, some other playful options and let yourself enjoy the moment.
Salut!, Goltzstr. 7.
Open everyday: 19:00-3:00
photo: Salut! Classic Bar
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Café Sorgenfrei
What do coffee and furniture have in common? Nothing at first, unless you go to Café Sorgenfrei at Goltzstraße 18 where you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee while letting your inner interior decorator choose some cool furniture for your living room. The fifties/sixties decoration is the finishing touch to make this polyvalent place unique and picturesque.
Café Sorgenfrei, Goltzstraße 18.
Open: Tuesday – Friday: 12:00 – 19:00, Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00, Sunday: 13:00 – 18:00
photo: Amanda Artiaga
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Wawa
With a minimalistic decoration and a beautiful naked brick wall, Wawa is an authentic place you will find at Grunewaldstraße 10 with delicious dishes cooked with care and that will transport you far away from Berlin and into Korea. Guten Appetit!
Wawa, Grunewaldstraße 10
Open everyday: 17:00 – 23:00
photo: Amanda Artiaga
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Die Feinbäckerie
Don’t be fooled by the place’s name because Die Feinbäckerie can be a good option to try German food. Located at Vorbergstraße 2 Die Feinbäckerie has an old style interior with a real oven that was in use until the seventies, which makes the place really genuine. Here you can enjoy Schwabish food, self-made Spätzle, Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarrn, Apfelstrudel and more. And to drink you can order a Berliner Weiße the beer from Berlin or whatever goes well with your meal.
Die Feinbäckerie, Vorbergstraße 2.
Open everyday: 12:00 – 23:00
photo: Die Feinbäckerie
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Koriat Kuchenmanufaktur
For those of you who have a sweet tooth weakness and pastry is your downfall, Koriat is going to be your paradise. In this simple but extremely cozy place at Brunhildstraße 3, their love for the artisan art of baking the perfect pies and cakes will make you enjoy every choice.
Koriat, Brunhildstraße 3.
Open: Wednesday to Friday: 9:00 – 18:00, Saturday to Sunday: 9:30 – 18:00
photo: Koriat Kuchenmanufaktur
