Who is whispering here and what actually? A district lives through the people and their stories. In the intro you will learn what can be discovered with “Geschichtsgeflüster“ and how you can put together your own tour of narratives, stories and pictures.
“So appealingly tranquil …”
Tempelhof in its own words: What do the people of Tempelhof love about their district? What could be improved? What are their favourite memories? Listen to find out.
Audio transcription
Here you will find the podcasts audio transcription >>
“Today I’ve come to Tempelhof on my bicycle, across the Tempelhof airfield and then back around on paths past the plots in the garden colony. It’s the first time I’ve seen it all like this, and I realized there are a lot of garden plots here full of trees and plants, and winding alleyways – yes, a little scruffy and rustic, so to speak, and untouched by the city. It’s really appealing. I thought I’d ride in and take a look, and I could well imagine being here myself.”
“Yes, Tempelhof is a good place to be. I live right here at the park. There’s a lot on offer here, with good public transportation, and it’s just great. On top of that: I live in an idyllic world here. I feel safe.”
“What do you like about Tempelhof?” “Tempelhof is quiet and beautiful.”
“I moved here to Tempelhof about 25 years ago, because it was so appealingly tranquil back then.”
“If I want a lot of action, I just need to get on the underground and go to Platz der Luftbrücke, and then I’m in wild Kreuzberg in the Bergmann neighbourhood.”
“I like the fact that my old primary school has a playground where you can play basketball.”
“They could build more skate parks, so we could do even more things here.”
“Klarensee used to be wonderful! On one side of the lake, down to the water, there were a few places to sit which were made of metal, or white, like in the early days. It was a very romantic atmosphere, and they even did some filming there. I don’t remember what the series was called, but it was famous, because the place was simply so beautiful.”
“It’s too bad that Alt-Tempelhof ‒ this gem, this green oasis – is now hemmed in by tall buildings and asphalt.”
“I’ve gained a completely different picture of Tempelhof with my daughter. We’ve gone everywhere with the pram, and I realised there are all these little paths that take you in and back out again. That’s a beautiful thing about Tempelhof, these small paths everywhere, past gardens, where you keep making new discoveries.”
In search of history
Of Templars and duck ponds
The landscape around Tempelhof was shaped by the last Weichselian glacial period. Humans began settling here in the early Middle Ages. Streets, squares and buildings in Tempelhof’s old centre tell of past events and extraordinary people. Were the Knights Templar really here? Where exactly was the centre of the early village? Where did people dance back then? And what do duck ponds have to do with the Ice Age?
All things new
The district of Tempelhof is changing fast. New neighbourhoods, cultural facilities and green housing developments are arising. The people who live here are actively contributing their ideas to a multi-stage planning and design process. The centre of the district – which is multi-generational, climate-friendly, connected and future-oriented – is becoming the new “Mitte Tempelhof”.
“Geschichtsgeflüster” explained
“Geschichtsgeflüster“ – literally “whispers of history” ‒ is a tour of discovery through the old part of Tempelhof. Its ten stations tell stories about intriguing places. The QR codes on each panel invite you to hear more. Experts share insider knowledge about Tempelhof, and residents describe their everyday lives. To hear these podcasts, simply scan the QR codes or go to: www.geschichtsgefluester.de. The website offers additional information, graphics and historical details.