Guided tour of the 'Red Island' in Schöneberg
Schöneberg, Berlin
The structural landmark of the so-called "Red Island" is visible from afar: the gasometer. Find out what exactly the island in the middle of Schöneberg is all about and why it's supposed to be red.
Overview
This guided walking tour explores the 'Red Island' neighborhood in Berlin, ideal for visitors interested in urban history and local culture.
Highlights
- Discover the origin of the name 'Red Island'
- Learn about urban development in this unique neighborhood
- See the transformation from a working-class district to a popular residential area
Description
Once a gray working-class district near a gas plant and a large gasometer, the Red Island has evolved into a sought-after area for living and working, featuring many green spaces. Around 1880, this area was built on fields surrounded by railway tracks south of Berlin, adjacent to Schöneberg. Gas production took place in a coking plant with gasometers for storage. Nearby, waste was burned in an incinerator, a military station operated, and soldiers trained on a pioneer site. The residents were primarily low-income workers.
Since 2000, the district has undergone significant redevelopment. The nearby Südkreuz station improved accessibility. The site around the former gasometer became the EUREF campus, hosting 6,000 jobs, and the municipal gas supplier relocated its headquarters here. Former car repair shops have made way for a new park, with boules courts, beach volleyball courts, and restaurants emerging on the former pioneer site. The Schöneberger Linse development includes plots for environmentally friendly and social projects. This transformation illustrates effective collaboration between the district, utilities, investors, citizens, and community initiatives.
On the tour, you will also learn about notable residents such as Marlene Dietrich, Hildegard Knef, Hans Baluschek, Heinrich Naumann, Annedore, and Julius Leber.
Includes
- A local guide sharing the neighborhood's history, including why it is called the 'Red Island'
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Booking Tip
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and consider visiting during daylight hours for the best experience of the neighborhood and green spaces.
