Teufelsberg, Berlin: Cold War Relics and Street Art Oasis
In the heart of Berlin's Grunewald lies Teufelsberg, a testament to the Cold War era. This site, adorned with iconic radar domes, was once a hub of American and British intelligence, eavesdropping on the Eastern Bloc. Today, it stands as a legal and captivating destination for enthusiasts. Teufelsberg not only preserves the echoes of its espionage past but has evolved into one of Europe's largest street art galleries.
Spreepark, Berlin: DDR's Amusem*nt Legacy
Once known as "Kulturpark Plänterwald," Spreepark in East Berlin was the only amusem*nt park in the German Democratic Republic. Its iconic 45-meter-high Ferris wheel marked the skyline. Financial woes led to its closure in 2002, turning it into a cherished lost place. Currently undergoing rejuvenation by the Berlin government, guided tours offer a glimpse into the park's wild, abandoned charm before its planned transformation into a "Kunst- und Kulturpark" by 2026.
Freisebad, Görlitz: A Dive into Historical Baths
Founded in 1887 by Magdeburg's Sanitary Councillor Walter Freise, this abandoned bathhouse in Görlitz reflects a bygone era. Offering cold-water healing treatments, steam baths, and various baths, Freisebad served as a hygiene haven. Closed in 1996, this locale, featured in the film "Grand Budapest Hotel," is now accessible through guided tours by Görlitz 21 or during designated heritage days.
Auto-Skulpturenpark, Neandertal: Nature's Embrace of Classic Cars
Nestled in Neandertal near Düsseldorf, an unusual sight awaits: 50 classic cars, including an Opel Olympia and a Jaguar XK 120, embraced by nature's tendrils. Crafted into a picturesque decay by former fashion designer and car enthusiast Michael Fröhlich, this auto-sculpture park showcases the fusion of vintage automobiles with the environment. Open for curious visitors, the exhibit also includes motorcycles, a plane, and even a horse-drawn carriage.
Hotel Waldlust, Freudenstadt: Elegance in Abandonment
The former Grandhotel Waldlust, with its heavenly beds, chandeliers, and velvet chairs, hosted royalty, nobility, and film stars in the early 20th century. Initially a luxurious retreat with 140 rooms, 60 private baths, 100 balconies, and a grand ballroom, it transitioned into a hospital during World War II. Closed in 2005, the denkmalgeschützte (heritage-protected) hotel now offers unique photo tours and themed visits through Denkmalfreunde Waldlust.
Porzellanfabrik, Arzberg: Tracing the Decline of Porcelain
Arzberg, in the Fichtelgebirge region, was once renowned for its porcelain. This factory, now a relic, echoes the industry's decline post-World War II due to cheap imports. Preserving machines, shelves, tools, and heaps of porcelain, the site welcomes visitors through guided tours by the specialized company Foto-Faktorei.
Geisterbahnhof, Munich Olympiapark: Echoes of Olympic Transit
Constructed for the 1972 Munich Olympics, the München Olympiastadion station aimed to connect the Olympic grounds via S-Bahn. After serving during Euro '88, the station was abandoned. Now a protected ruin, it's gradually reclaimed by nature. While entry is restricted, the exterior provides a glimpse into this silent witness of past sporting glory.
Embark on a journey through these German lost places, where history, art, and nature converge in abandoned elegance. Experience the allure of these sites legally, capturing the essence of Germany's captivating past.
