Kreuzberg can be not only wild, but also idyllic. The best way to find out is to take a walk through the relaxed Bergmannkiez.
Between Gneisenaustraße, Mehringdamm, Südstern and Fidicinstraße, a well-kept old building district stretches out in the former Kreuzberg SW 61 (Bergmannkiez). Along Bergmannkiez and its side streets you get an insight into the diversity of Kreuzberg and the way of life of its residents – a little more sedate than in the wild SO 36, away from the notorious club scene and yet multicultural and lively.
The residential area in the Bergmannkiez was built in the second half of the 19th century and is accordingly characterized by typical Wilhelminian architecture. Most of these old buildings survived the Second World War more or less unscathed, which is why the neighborhood has been preserved in its original form and still exudes old Berlin flair. On a walk we explore the Bergmannkiez and discover interesting architecture, unusual shopping spots, casual street cafés and many historical relics.
Start: Backyard industry on Mehringdamm
The best way to reach the Bergmannkiez is via the Mehringdamm subway station (U6, U7). Along the eastern side of Mehringdamm, you first head south towards Bergmannstraße. On Mehringdamm, it is worth taking a look into the backyards, for example the open courtyard of the historic Sarotti courtyards. The renovated, listed building of the former chocolate factory testifies to the area’s industrial past. But Sarotti moved production to another location as early as 1921.
At the intersection with Bergmannkiez, turn left. Many small shops with a wide variety of goods are lined up along the promenade. Bergmannkiez is not only a great place to browse and shop, if you get hungry, you can stop off at restaurants with different cuisines: whether seitan burgers or Indian curry, exotic restaurants offer dishes from all over the world. Well fortified, you can continue on.
Cobblestones and gas lamps around Chamissoplatz
If you turn right into Nostizstrasse, you enter one of the most beautiful and best preserved old building districts in Berlin. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., an organic market takes place on Chamissoplatz, where many producers sell their products from the Berlin-Brandenburg region directly. If you continue walking along Willibald-Alexis-Strasse and Kopischstrasse, you will reach the historic Tempelhofer Berg water tower. This was built between 1887 and 1888 to supply water to the newly built residential area. Small, fine restaurants, bars and pubs can be found everywhere in the old building district.
Strolling around Marheinekeplatz
The route now takes you back towards Bergmannstrasse via Fidicinstrasse and Friesenstrasse, again past small restaurants and unusual shops. Once you get there, the Marheineke market hall awaits you on the other side of the street. It’s best to be hungry and have some time to visit, as the market hall offers specialties from all over the world. If you want to browse further, you can head to the flea market on Marheinekeplatz next door. This takes place every Saturday and Sunday.
Cemeteries on Bergmannstrasse
A little further east along Bergmannstrasse is the entrance to the first of four adjacent churchyards. The churchyards on Bergmannstrasse are among the oldest and most important in Berlin and are the final resting place of famous people who lived in the 19th century, including Martin Gropius, Theodor Mommsen and Gustav Stresemann. In Café Strauss, which is set up in an old cemetery chapel, you can enjoy coffee and cake in a special – and not at all macabre – atmosphere.
You can either return to the subway station via Bergmannstrasse or turn onto Zossener Strasse and then left onto Gneisenaustrasse, where there are even more international cafés, bars and restaurants.
organic market at Chamissoplatz
Every Saturday there is a lively market at Chamissoplatz. Here you can find products from controlled organic farming, certified with the EU organic seal.
For more than 30 years, market-goers have been receiving products from controlled organic farming directly from producers and from the region at the Kreuzberg market – the organic market at Chamissoplatz.
The majority of the products come from direct suppliers and are also certified by organic farming associations, for example Bioland, Biopark, Demeter, Verbund Ökohöfe Nordost and Naturland.
Range of goods:
The products on offer include vegetables, potatoes, herbs, fruit, juices, wine, flowers, oils, honey, bread, rolls, cakes, cereal products, eggs, milk, cheese, meat, sausage, sheep’s and goat’s milk products, coffee and tea.
According to the FoodTogether concept, you can find food at the market from selected producers whose sustainability approach goes beyond pure “organic” production. These include directly imported tropical fruits and other organic products from small Greek farmers.
In addition to food, felt products, handicrafts, wool and furs, handmade brooms, books and brushes are also for sale. An organic snack bar with tea, Italian coffee specialties as well as fresh wholemeal waffles and snacks ensure your physical well-being.
organic and eco-friendly weekly markets
Die Berliner Öko- und Biowochenmärkte bieten frische und ökologisch produzierte Ware wie Obst und Gemüse, Fleisch, Fisch und Eier meist aus der Region. Infos mit Anfahrt und Öffnungszeiten.
organic market at the Domäne Dahlem
Organic farms from Berlin and Brandenburg offer fruit and vegetables, bread, baked goods, eggs, cheese and fresh meat at the organic market in the southwest of Berlin.
The organic market in the estate of the Domäne Dahlem in the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district offers the opportunity to combine weekend shopping with a trip into the countryside. Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., organic farms from Berlin and Brandenburg offer not only a wide range of fruit and vegetables, bread, baked goods, eggs and cheese, but also fresh poultry, meat from cattle and sheep from nature conservation meadows, goat cheese delicacies from the farm’s own cheese dairy and organic bouquets. The range is supplemented by natural goods such as furs and wool blankets as well as information on various topics related to a sustainable lifestyle.
Farm shop
All products from the Domäne Dahlem agriculture and horticulture can be bought in the Domäne Dahlem farm shop. These include hand-crafted meat and sausage products from old breeds (pork, lamb and beef), freshly harvested seasonal vegetables and a variety of potato varieties. Strawberries and other berries, herbs, eggs and honey round off the farm’s own offering. The farm shop is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and during most market festivals.
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