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The East is a district of Berlin. It consists of the boroughs Lichtenberg, Hohenschönhausen, Marzahn and Hellersdorf.

Understand

Lichtenberg is a district in the east of Berlin. It was merged with Hohenschönhausen in 2001. Lichtenberg is mostly a residential district, but because of its heterogeneity there are all classes of people living there. The center of Lichtenberg (where there are some buildings left from the 19th century) is home to the working class, as is the centre of Hohenschönhausen (built mainly in the 70s in rather ugly GDR socialist building block architecture). The middle class resides in the greener areas like Friedrichsfelde, whereas in Karlshorst you can watch some smaller mansions of the upper class.

Most interesting for tourists are the Stasi (secret service of the GDR) relics/museums, the Tierpark (zoo) and some remarkable architecture such as the Mies van der Rohe house.

Marzahn-Hellersdorf is a district in the northeast of Berlin. It is largely a residential district for the underclass and the middle class. It is famous for its GDR socialist building block architecture, but often ignored are some old, village-like parts. In general it is a very green district. There are only a few interesting sites for visitors. Most interesting are maybe the "Gärten der Welt", the Gründerzeitmuseum and the Schlosspark Biesdorf with its small castle in late classical style. A more thorough description of the district can be found on its official website.

Get in

Use S-Bahn (lines 5, 7 and 75) or U-Bahn (U5) to get into Lichtenberg. You can also use the regional train, but it's not as regular as the S-Bahn. The stations of biggest interests are S-Bahn station Lichtenberg (where also a few long distance trains run from) and Tierpark (U5). S-Bahn Line 75, which goes also to Hohenschönhausen.

The S-Bahn lines 75 or 5 and the U-Bahn line 5 will get you to most parts, otherwise take the tram: the M6, for example, starts in the city center (e.g. Alexanderplatz) and runs through almost the entire district.

See

  • 1 Tierpark (Get out at U-Bahn station Tierpark (U5)).
  • 2 Stasi Museum (Get out at Magdalenenstrasse (U5) and head to Ruschestrasse (no. 103).). This museum describes the procedures applied by the DDR secret police.
  • 3 Gedenkstätte Hohenschönhausen (Stasi Prison), Genslerstraße 66 (S-bahn to Landsberger Alee, then tram 6 to Genslerstrasse, then walk 1km along Genslerstrasse, the prison is on the right), +49 30-98 60 82-30. Experience the Stasi Secret Police Prison first-hand. Daily English-speaking tour between July, 1st and November 14th, 2:30PM €5.
  • 4 Museum Karlshorst (German-Russian Museum), Zwieseler Straße 4 (Get out at S-Bahn station Karlshorst and go by bus 396 direction Tierpark (2 or 3 stations).). 10 to 6 Tue - Sun. In this house the surrender of Germany was signed on May 9th, 1945, ending the second world war in Europe. This museum describes the history of the war between Germany and the Soviet Union between 1941 and 1945 and the GDR/German-Russian relationship ever since. Historic rooms, permanent exhibition as well as special exhibits. free.
  • 5 Mies van der Rohe Haus, Oberseestrasse 60. Tu-Su 11AM-5PM. The last Mies van der Rohe building (a dwelling house) in Germany before his emigration to the U.S. (1938). Now there are small contemporary/modern art exhibitions exhibitions are free, guided tours ca Euro 5.
  • 6 Victoriastadt (west of S-Bahnhof Nöldnerplatz, Kaskelstrasse). A relatively well and completely retained (at least by Berlin standards) 19th century residential quarter. Partly under renovation. Of note are six buildings first ever (1875) built of concrete - but you can't make out a difference from the outside

Marzahn and Hellersdorf

  • 7 World's Garden (Gärten der Welt), Eisenacher Strasse, 99 (Berlin-Marzahn - S7 Marzahn (Zone B) + Bus 195 (before the departure ask to the driver for the right stop). Notice that another Eisenacher Strasse exists in Schöneberg, so don't be mislead by the U7 Station Eisenacher Strasse.). Guided tours take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays every 30 min from 10:30 until 12:30. The park is open daily from 9:00-16:00 (in March and October until 18:00, from April to September until 20:00). In Marzahn. Inside you can find a large and well established Chinese garden, a Korean garden, a small Bali's Garden/Glasshouse, an Oriental Garden with nice fountains and a cloister and a Japanese garden which is a project by the city partnership of Berlin and Tokyo. The latter has been built by Zen priests.. Although quite crowded at times, there are not that many tourists so here's a chance to brush up on your German skills. . As the journey to this park will be around an hour from the city center, don't miss this opportunity to complete your picture of Berlin by seeing some of Berlin's clean and quiet suburbs. Entrance is 2 € in winter and 4 € in summer.
  • 8 Gründerzeitmuseum (Museum of Wilhelminial style). Features many objects and even whole rooms in wilhelminian style. To get there from the city center: U5 until "Elsterwerdaer Platz", then bus 398 direction S Mahlsdorf until "Hultschiner Damm", then walk 300 m.
Schloss Biesdorf
  • 9 Schloss and Schlosspark Biesdorf. Is a small castle in late classical style. It was built 1868 by Martin Gropius (uncle of the Bauhaus-founder and other architects, the von Siemens family changed the castle a bit around 1900 and they enlarged the dimensions of the park, which is today renovated and nice to wander around when the sun is shining. Located within a few minutes' walking distance from Biesdorf station (take the S5 from the city centre) or Elsterwerdaer Platz station (U5).
  • 10 Windmill. One of the few windmills in Berlin is located in Marzahn. After registration one can visit it and have a look at the functions of the windmill. To get there, take the S7 or S75 until "Springpfuhl" station, then the tram 8 or M18 until "Alt-Marzahn".
  • 11 Zentralfriedhof Friedrichsfelde (Friedrichsfelde Central Cemetery) (North-East of Lichtenberg station). The cemetery is also known as also known as the Memorial to the Socialists. It has many interesting monuments and graves of know people.

Art galleries

As Berlin is a city of art, it is quite easy to find an art gallery on your way. They provide a nice opportunity to have a look at modern artists' work in a not so crowded environment for free. Here are some of the galleries in Marzahn-Hellersdorf:

  • 12 Galerie M, Marzahner Promenade 46, 12679 Berlin (closest S-Bahn station is Marzahn (S7)), +49 30 5450294. open Sunday - Thursday 13:00-18:00. Varying exhibitions

Do

  • 1 Harness racing, Treskowallee 129 (S-Bahnhof Karlshorst). Usually the races take place on Sundays.. There is a harness racing track in Karlshorst.
  • 2 Kienberg. Before or after visiting the "Gardens of the World", tourists might be interested in climbing on top of the Kienberg (a small hill nearby with a view on the surrounding suburbs) or to go for a walk in the valley of the Wuhle (a small river). More information on the area can be found on the district's official website (in German)

Buy

Shopping centers are mainly providing goods for the local population, but there are several shopping centers in the district such as the following:

  • 1 Eastgate Berlin (next to the S Bahn Station Marzahn). about 150 shops, restaurants etc. Close by is an entertainment center with cinemas etc.
  • 2 Helle Mitte (next to U 5 Station Hellersdorf, in the area around Alice Salomon Platz.). a smaller shopping center
  • 3 Spree Center (at Hellersdofer Straße opposite to the U 5 station "Kaulsdorf Nord".). small shopping center

Eat

  • 1 Tierpark Bistro (at the U5 station at Tierpark). has some of the best Doener in the Berlin area. They have a great neighborhood feel, and delicious Middle Eastern food in the German style.

Most restaurants in Marzahn-Hellersdorf belong to the lower price segment, some to the medium range, and exclusive restaurants are virtually non-existent. Here two tips:

  • 2 La Paz, Kurt-Weill-Gasse 7 (about 5 minute's walk from U 5 Station Hellersdorf). Mexican restaurant / bar, in summer you can sit outside in the adjacent pedestrian area. Good food and friendly service. , 12627 Berlin,
  • 3 Nil Sudanesiche Spezialitate, Grünberger strasse 52 (Friedrichshain). unique place at with ethnic cuisine from Sudan. Wonderful place for anybody who would like to taste something from Africa, like Qaurd cheese with fenugreek and black cumin or peanut soup - different and original. Prices begin at €2.
  • 4 J.A.S. (JAS), Kaskelstraße 27, +49 30 577 941 23. Schnitzel, chicken, salads, aspargus when in season. Free freifunk internet EUR 10.

Drink

  • 1 Bistro am Schloßpark, Oberfeldstraße 197 (at Biesdorf S-station), +49 30 5405929. Mo-Fr 07:30-19:00. This Biergarten is simple, but friendly and a convenient place to have a beer and a currywurst after visiting the castle.

Sleep

Marzahn-Hellersdorf

  • 1 Hotel Helle Mitte, Kurt-Weill-Gasse 7, 12627 Berlin, +49 30 930290. modern but affordable middle-class hotel
  • 2 Etap Berlin Ost, Allee der Kosmonauten 33c, 12681 Berlin, +49 3054003220. typical low budget hotel managed by the Accor group.
  • 3 Park Hotel Schloss Kaulsdorf, Brodauer Strasse 33, 12621 Berlin, +49 30565950. probably the only luxurious hotel in the area, in a small castle.
  • 4 Youth hostel Pro-social, Blumberger Damm 12, 12683 Berlin, +49 30 56 29 260. Youth Hostel of ’Pro-Social’ House on Blumberger Damm have become a highlight for young tourists in the Marzahn-Hellersdorf region of Berlin. 153 beds in apartments with modern, well-furnished rooms of 1 to 4 beds, all have sofa/living area, as well as separate shower and WC, a small entrance hall). These are available for young tourists, youth groups, school classes, language course groups, cultural ensembles, sports teams, in fact anyone who wants to explore Berlin. Youth Hostel puts on satisfying and healthy meals for guests. One night in a four person apartment €12. Up to three night stay €14. Breakfast = €3,50..

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This district travel guide to East is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.