Teufelsberg is a former Cold War listening station in Grunewald, on a hill made from Berlin’s postwar rubble. Its abandoned buildings and radar domes now sit alongside large-scale street art, with views across Berlin from the upper levels. Explore the old station at your own pace, look for the abstract artworks away from the main buildings, and take in the city from above. The climb and stairs can be challenging, so allow for uneven paths and consider whether the site suits your mobility needs.
A hill built from rubble
Teufelsberg rises from the landscape of Grunewald on the western edge of Berlin. The hill was formed from rubble and postwar waste. Beneath it are the remains of a planned military and technology college from the Nazi period, covered over after the Second World War.
The site’s height and position made it useful for a different purpose during the Cold War. The United States built a listening station here to intercept communications from the East. Its radar domes became a landmark on the hill, visible from a distance across the surrounding area.
Inside the former listening station
The station was abandoned after the Berlin Wall fell. Its decaying buildings and radar structures remain, giving the site a very different feel from the surrounding forest. The rooms and structures once used for surveillance now form part of an open-air art space.
Street art covers much of the complex, including the former classified areas. Take time to wander rather than heading straight to the main buildings: standalone abstract artworks sit along the edge of the property. The grounds are open to explore at your own pace.
Views, paths and stairs
From the upper levels, you can look across Berlin and spot the city skyline on a clear day. Light can filter through the fabric of the radar domes, adding another reason to look up as you move around the site.
Getting there on foot involves an uphill walk through forest paths, with some inclines and uneven or muddy sections. Stairs lead up the buildings, and some upper platforms have open steps and views down several storeys. Wear shoes suited to the terrain and think ahead about the climb if stairs, heights or mobility are concerns. Teufelsberg is at Teufelsseechaussee 10; advance tickets are recommended.
FAQ
What is Teufelsberg in Berlin?
It is a former Cold War listening station on a hill made from postwar rubble. The abandoned complex is now known for its radar domes and street art.
Can you see Berlin from Teufelsberg?
Yes. The upper levels and hilltop have views across Berlin, especially on a clear day.
Is Teufelsberg suitable for visitors with limited mobility?
The uphill paths, uneven ground and stairs can make the site difficult for people with mobility limitations.
Should you book Teufelsberg tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended.
