Discover Hohenschönhausen

Hohenschönhausen offers a range of ways to shape your stay: architectural history, contemporary art, memorial sites and activities at Lake Orankesee. When planning, you can decide what to prioritise: exploring architectural history, visiting a memorial, getting around on foot or setting aside time by the water.

Architectural history, art and remembrance

The former Lemke House was built in 1932/33 by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe as a home for Karl and Martha Lemke. The Mies van der Rohe House in Alt-Hohenschönhausen has a different focus: it is an exhibition space for contemporary art. Lemke House is therefore centred on its original use as a residence, while the Mies van der Rohe House is used today as an exhibition space. Tabor Church is one of the oldest buildings in Hohenschönhausen and probably dates back to the 13th century—the date is therefore an assumption.

Bürgerschloss Hohenschönhausen also has a place in local history: it is the present-day castle in a former manor house. A non-profit association invites visitors to a range of exhibitions and events there. The Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial commemorates the former Stasi prison. Its offerings include guided tours, the exhibitions “Imprisonment in Hohenschönhausen” and “In Forced Community,” as well as a visitor cafeteria. The former prison can only be visited as part of a guided tour. The memorial can be reached by tram lines M5, M6 and 16, and by bus 256.

Lake Orankesee and walks

The Orankesee Lido in Alt-Hohenschönhausen combines a sandy beach with a green sunbathing lawn. Facilities also include a 52-metre water slide, a playground, table tennis tables and a beach volleyball court. If you plan to visit the lido, check its current opening hours beforehand, as seasonal operating schedules may change.

Outside the leisure swimming area at Lake Orankesee, a 1.3-kilometre lakeside path is ideal for a walk or jog. This offers a separate way to spend time by the lake, in addition to visiting the lido. For a longer walk, there is the official Route 5: Alt-Hohenschönhausen. It is 5.5 kilometres long and takes about two hours on foot. Compared with the lakeside path, it is the longer of the two walking options described; the stated duration can help you set aside enough time.

More options in the wider destination of Berlin

Elsewhere in the wider destination of Berlin, there are additional parks to visit. Tiergarten is Berlin’s largest and most visited central urban park, 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 grounds, playgrounds, outdoor cafés and a barbecue area for summer days. Its two small artificial hills are called “Mont Klamott” and “Kleiner Bunkerberg”; they are made from demolished Second World War bunkers and rubble from buildings destroyed in the war. The hills offer views of central Berlin. These Berlin parks are separate additions to your travel plans and are not features of Hohenschönhausen.

Discover more destinations: Kladow, Adlershof, Tempelhof, Friedrichshagen, Altglienicke, Steglitz, Tiergarten, Rahnsdorf

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