7 Top Things to Do in Berlin's Tempelhofer Feld

Take Advantage of All That Space

If you're in need of a break from all the hustle and bustle of the rest of the busy German capital city, head to Tempelhofer Feld for the chance to indulge in fun, non-motorized activities like flying a kite, picnicking, roller blading, roller skating, skateboarding, cycling, or just going for a stroll. If anything, it's a great spot for a picnic or to settle down with a good book for a few hours in the great outdoors.

Tour the Building and Learn Its History

The Tempelhof Airport, now Tempelhofer Feld, is one of the most interesting and unconventional places to see in Berlin, a city full of monumental history. Guided tours in English (private group tours are also available in several languages) cover the fascinating past of the airport building, which is Europe's largest monument. Get the scoop on legends about the history and architecture of the famous airport, including mysterious underground floors and tunnels leading to inner Berlin.

On an approximately two-hour walking tour, you'll have a chance to learn about the Berlin Airlift, one of Templehof's most iconic moments in 1948 and 1949 that brought the airport worldwide fame—when the Soviets blocked land routes into West Berlin, the United States responded with a huge airlift of food, water, and medicine to the city, which was surrounded by armed forces.

Ride the Runway

There is something wonderfully surreal about walking on an airport runway; it is not something most people have ever attempted. It still evokes the feeling of a slightly verboten (forbidden) activity, even with the masses of other visitors. The modern park offers plenty of space for recreation, with four miles (6.4 kilometers) of paved former runways and taxiways.

Rather than traveling the enormous park on foot, you should get some wheels to see every inch. Expect to find more than your average city bike or fixer-upper at Templehofer Feld. Vehicles of all kinds roll along the tracks, from unicycles and skaters to segways and land windsurfers (used for street sailing).

View the Sights

While this open space is an attraction in itself, from its vast landscape visitors can also catch stunning views of the Fernsehturm (television tower), Berlin’s tallest building at 1,207 feet (368 meters), built between 1965 and 1969 and visible throughout the city. Views also include the surrounding cityscape and epic sunsets, all great to capture through photography and video.

On the grounds, look for signs of the site's curious past such as the German eagles on numerous buildings. You'll also see that the park has become a home for many migrants in the form of a refugee camp that offers portable homes to those in need.

Attend Events and Festivals or Feast With Friends

On any random day, you may find a pop and lock (urban dance from the 1970s) competition, a bird migration workshop, or a charity walk/run for people with HIV/AIDS. The park also hosts the City and Country Festival of Giant Dragons, in which huge kites are flown by world and European champions and about 100,000 visitors attend. Some people have weddings, birthdays, and other private events here as well. Big concerts take place here, too; it's definitely a unique experience partying at a historic airfield with thousands of other people.

There are few things Berlin locals like to do more than have a grilling party when the weather agrees. Whether it is just you and a friend or a family clan of 20 plus, Templehofer Feld provides enough room to spread out and offers some of the city's nicest areas to relax and throw around a frisbee. The area also allows for cookouts, as long as you bring your own equipment. Make sure to set up your grill in one of the three designated areas near the park entrances and follow the park rules.

Bring a Furry Friend

While Berlin's parks are plentiful, there is nothing like finding room to run in the city. If you bring a dog to Templehofer Feld, they can enjoy loping around the sprawling site and rolling in the green. Canines are welcome throughout the park on a leash, and there are large runs where they may move about freely. Outside of designated areas, dogs and other animals must be on a leash and trash cans must be utilized for disposing of dog waste.

Get Involved at the Park

Templehofer Feld is not just somewhere to observe or enjoy recreation. Locals and visitors can get involved in the community gardens or propose a new idea to join the many diverse social and cultural projects taking place in the park since 2011. Numerous dedicated people and organizations have participated in projects to increase the site's usefulness to the community.

You'll find everything from a unicycling and circus school to outdoor science classes for children from select primary and secondary schools. Also interesting is Vogelfreiheit, an urban sports culture center and meeting place for skateboarders, dancers, and BMXers.