Natur-Park Südgelände in Berlin’s Schöneberg district is a striking fusion of wild nature, industrial heritage, and contemporary art. Once a bustling railway yard, the site was reclaimed by flora and fauna after its closure in 1952, evolving into a unique urban wilderness. Opened to the public in 2000, the park preserves relics of the steam locomotive era—tracks, water towers, and a vintage locomotive—interwoven with dry grasslands and forested paths. A 4,000-square-metre locomotive hall now hosts exhibitions and performances, while steel walkways and sculptures invite exploration. The open-air exhibition “Trailblazing Nature” highlights biodiversity and history, with inclusive features for visually impaired visitors. Awarded the Carlo Scarpa Prize for its blend of ecology, art, and urban culture, Natur-Park Südgelände offers a rare experience where nature and forgotten technology coexist. Easily accessible via S-Bahn Priesterweg, it’s a haven for walkers, artists, and nature lovers seeking Berlin’s wilder side.
Berlin GermanyNatur-Park Südgelände is located in the Schöneberg district of Berlin, within the Tempelhof-Schöneberg borough, with its main entrance directly at the Priesterweg S-Bahn station. Occupying the grounds of a former railway marshalling yard, this 18-hectare park offers a unique landscape where wild nature, relics of rail technology, and contemporary art harmoniously coexist. Highlights include preserved steam locomotives, a towering steel water tower, and remnants of old train tracks, all surrounded by meadow and woodland habitats that are home to rare plant and animal species. Modern sculptures and inventive art installations are discoverable throughout the grounds, inviting visitors to explore both natural and cultural diversity. Nearby, you will find Hans-Baluschek-Park, easily accessed via a pedestrian bridge and offering additional green space ideal for walking and cycling. Just a quick S-Bahn ride away is Tempelhofer Feld, the vast repurposed airport, renowned for recreation and open-air events. The tranquil Schöneberg allotment gardens and the vibrant Akazienstraße area, celebrated for its cafés and boutique shops, also lie in the vicinity. Natur-Park Südgelände is well-connected by public transport and is an engaging retreat that blends Berlin’s industrial heritage with its flourishing urban biodiversity.