If you stroll through the streets of Kreuzberg, you will quickly realize why Berlin is often referred to as the artist and scene capital of Europe. The district shows its natural charm and can enchant with its multiculturalism. So it’s no wonder that many new residents are drawn to this central part of the German capital every year. In this article, you will find out how to live in Kreuzberg. What is the demographic situation like, are there enough schools and what sights can you visit at the weekend?
In the In the first part of our series on the Berlin Kreuzberg district, you will find information about the real estate market in this part of the city. How much does a condominium cost and what are the average rental prices per square meter? These are some of the questions that will be covered in detail.
Things to know about Kreuzberg
The Kreuzberg, after which the district was named, today commemorates the former wars of liberation in 1821 with its national monument. Anyone expecting a large mountain may be surprised, as the Kreuzberg is actually only 66 meters high. The district is one of the most densely populated parts of Berlin. The apartment buildings stand close together and are home to countless condominiums. You won’t find any large detached houses here. Most of the old buildings, especially in the west of Kreuzberg, date back to the 18th century, which is easily recognizable from the stucco-decorated façades. The apartments have now been completely renovated and have been restored to their former glory. High ceilings, double doors and wooden floors are in Kreuzberg in Berlin on the agenda. The eastern part of the district stands out visually. It is somewhat wilder and also differs from the west of Kreuzberg from an architectural point of view. The original buildings were badly damaged during the Second World War. They were replaced by new residential buildings in the 1970s, which have significantly changed the cityscape. This part Berlin Kreuzberg became GDR-was enclosed on three sides by the Berlin Wall.
Berlin Kreuzberg is still today a district of opposites. The residents refer to the two districts SO36 and SW61 as two sisters who could not be more different, but are nevertheless similar at their core.
The infrastructure in Kreuzberg
If you want to invest in a property or are looking for a suitable rental apartment, you naturally want to know what the market is like in this district. But you also need to know about the way of life in this district. Berlin is a metropolis bursting with life. But the individual districts are sometimes very different from one another. Read on to find out what makes Kreuzberg special and how the district is made up:
Demographic situation
The district of Kreuzberg in Berlin is a merger with the district of Friedrichshain. Many people ask themselves the question: How many inhabitants does Berlin Kreuzberg have actually? Statistics show that around 153,135 people live in this part of the district. This makes the district one of the most densely populated parts of Berlin. The age group between 27 and 45 is particularly well represented. It makes up around a third of the total population. Children and young people between the ages of 0 and 18 are represented by around 24,000 people, which suggests that there are many families with children in Kreuzberg.
The proportion of migrants in Berlin Kreuzberg is over 81,000, which is more than 53%. Once again, the age group between 27 and 45 is particularly well represented. It comprises around 8,400 people. The residents of Berlin Kreuzberg are characterized by their multiculturalism and diversity. It is unmistakable that the district draws much of its artistic potential from this.
School, kindergartens and playgrounds
As already mentioned, many families with children live in Kreuzberg. It is important for residents to have sufficient educational facilities available to accommodate their children. At the weekends, Kreuzberg families are drawn to the district’s playgrounds.
Even though the district belongs to the center of Berlin, more than 40 different playgrounds can be found in the central directory. This is astonishing, but also shows that the district is characterized by its family-friendly atmosphere. Under this link you can look up which playground you would like to visit during a visit to the district to get an idea of Kreuzberg’s atmosphere for yourself. Families love it, Berlin Kreuzberg with their children to experience.
When the youngest members of the family are old enough to go to kindergarten, they are enrolled in one of the daycare centers in Berlin Kreuzberg under. Most of the facilities are part of the parents’ initiative daycare centers. These are daycare centers that are part of an association. But that’s not all, because the Waldorf School Berlin Kreuzberg has several Waldorf kindergartens and Waldorf daycare centers in the district. In total, Kreuzberg has more than 150 kindergartens and daycare centers.
The elementary schools in Berlin Kreuzberg are popular and well attended. As soon as the children reach school age, they can be placed in one of the district’s 19 elementary school. In addition to conventional elementary school such as Charlotte-Salomon-Grundschule, Galilei-Grundschule or Clara-Grunwald-Grundschule, there are also private schools such as Freie Schule Kreuzberg or Islamische Grundschule. Children with special needs will find the support they need at Liebmann-Grundschule.
After successfully completing elementary school, the children move on to a secondary school in their district. If you are looking for a suitable High school in Berlin Kreuzberg should definitely get to know the Hermann-Hesse-Oberschule or the Leibniz-Oberschule. The Freie Waldorfschule Berlin Kreuzberg is a general private school where children between primary school age and graduation learn according to Rudolf Steiner’s educational principles.
If you would like to start your studies in Kreuzberg, you can do so at the Macromedia University of Applied Sciences, the University of Applied Sciences Europe or the SAE Institute Berlin.
Transport links
Kreuzberg is one of Berlin’s central districts. It is located in the south-east of the city center and is easy to reach by both public and private transport. The main thoroughfares include Glitschiner Straße, Mehringdamm and Gneisenaustraße.
If you are traveling through Berlin by public transport, you can get there via the subway stations in Berlin Kreuzberg to your destination. You can take the U1, U6, U7 or U8. The S-Bahn lines S1 and S2 run along the western side of the district. A special feature is that the U1 runs to the Bus stop Schlesisches Tor in Berlin Kreuzberg runs above ground. The U1 connects the district in the east with Friedrichshain and in the west with Charlottenburg and Schöneberg.
Parking lot situation
The central areas of the metropolis are largely subject to parking management zones. There are eight of these zones in the Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain district. Two of them are located in the Kreuzberg district. Zone 60 is located directly in the Viktoriakiez and the Parking zone 61 at the Bergmannkiez in Berlin Kreuzberg. The parking situation is generally tight and it is difficult to find a good parking space so close to the center of Berlin. Plans are being made for the future, Berlin Kreuzberg partly car-free car-free.
Party shares
Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg were combined into one electoral area for the 2021 elections to district councils. The data here therefore does not refer to Kreuzberg alone, but is nevertheless representative of the district.
The elections were held in Berlin Kreuzberg to the following election results 2021:
The Greens are in first place with 34.6%. The Left Party is in second place with 21.6%. The SPD achieved 14.8% and the CDU 7.8%.
Hospitals and clinics
Medical care plays a decisive role in the quality of life of a district’s inhabitants. Having to travel long distances is not only inconvenient, but also hazardous to health in an emergency. Berlin Kreuzberg is a densely populated district in the eastern center of the German capital. Many doctors have set up their own practices here. No matter whether you are looking for a orthodontist, a pediatrician, a dermatologist, a gynecologist or a urologist are in Berlin Kreuzberg you will find what you are looking for. The Vivantes Klinikum Am Urban is located at Dieffenbachstraße 1.
Swimming pools
The wave pool at the Spreewald is a popular swimming pool in Berlin Kreuzberg. It is located directly next to Görlitzer Park and is particularly popular with families. In the warm summer months, residents find themselves Berlin Kreuzberg in the outdoor pool to enjoy the cool water. It is located at the Prinzenstraße subway station and is therefore often referred to as the Prinzenbad.
Art and culture in Kreuzberg
Kreuzberg is known far beyond the city limits for its cultural diversity and its huge range of art and culture. Whether concerts or theaterin Berlin Kreuzberg there is everything your heart desires. The range is so huge and so varied that we can only present a small selection in our article:
The German Museum of Technology
In 1983, the museum opened its doors as the Museum of Transport and Technology. In 2003, a futuristic new building was added to the museum. Today, visitors are greeted by a raisin bomber above the entrance. The plane was part of the airlift in 1948 and 1949. All kinds of curiosities await visitors on the museum grounds. Today, the exhibitions deal with current topics such as the rapid pace of technological progress or the subject of man and machine. Young and old alike are thrilled by the experiments that can be carried out in the Science Center Spectrum. They can explore bizarre light effects, electricity and magnets. The special features that this museum has to offer come from a wide variety of eras. For example, you can take a look inside the saloon car of the last German emperor or follow the trail of maritime history.
Jewish Museum Berlin
The Jewish Museum is a special, albeit sad, highlight not only because of its content and history. The museum building was designed by the architect Daniel Libeskind. The now 76-year-old American is of Jewish-Polish descent and is known all over the world for his architectural masterpieces. The Jewish Museum in Berlin is characterized by its diverse programme of events and its educational work. It is a center where German-Jewish history is brought to life and treated with great respect. If you are in Kreuzberg, you should definitely pay a visit to the museum.
Checkpoint Charlie
Kreuzberg is a district where numerous historically relevant events have taken place. Soviet and American tanks faced each other at Checkpoint Charlie on October 27, 1961. Not much was missing for the outbreak of the Third World War. Today, the Wall Museum is located at the checkpoint. Here, visitors can find out what life was like at the Berlin Wall. The escape attempts from the GDR are documented in detail and sometimes make your hair stand on end. In addition to the historical moments that took place at this site, current issues and conflicts from around the world are also highlighted here today. The focus is on the fight for human rights.
The Kunstraum Kreuzberg / The Künstlerhaus Bethanien
The Bethanien hospital, which was long occupied by Berlin’s squatter scene, is now home to the Kunstraum Kreuzberg. The oldest building in Kreuzberg is known for its workshops, open exhibitions of contemporary art, studios, tours and films. The exhibitions deal with current themes and change at regular intervals. Many visitors are fascinated by the Fontane Pharmacy. It is originally furnished and shows how Theodor Fontane worked in the revolutionary years of 1848 and 1849. The Open-air cinema Berlin Kreuzberg is located in the inner courtyard of the former hospital and is protected by its thick walls.
The Carnival of Cultures
Another highlight in Kreuzberg is undoubtedly the Carnival of Cultures. The carnival takes place in May and attracts more than 5,000 participants to the German capital. Countless tourists and residents gather to watch the carnival parade through the streets of Kreuzberg. The spectacle unites the most diverse cultures and is a symbol of the German capital. More than 500,000 people gather every year at Whitsun to admire the festive procession. The Global Village is a street festival that takes place in Kreuzberg around Blücherplatz. The program is colourful and offers theater, delicious treats and other special features from different cultures. Around 350 stalls take part in this event every year, offering arts and crafts, culinary delights and workshops.
The Kreuzberg Festival
The famous Kreuzberg Festival has been held every year since 1994 in Kreuzbergstraße, opposite Viktoriaplatz. Parts of Großbeerenstraße and Möckernstraße are also part of the Kreuzberg Festival. The focus of this event is on music and the peaceful coexistence of different cultures and generations.
Gastronomy in Kreuzberg
The district is known for its cultural diversity and culinary offerings. It doesn’t matter whether you Sushi, ramen, pizza, kebab, currywurst, burgers or Turkish food want to eat in Berlin Kreuzberg you will find what you are looking for. Some of the hippest and best restaurants in the city are located in this district.
Restaurants in Kreuzberg
The most modern Israeli restaurant in Berlin Kreuzberg is certainly the Beba. It brings together the cuisines of the Jewish diaspora around the world and is located in the Martin-Gropius Bau right next to the Kochstraße subway station at Checkpoint Charlie.
For more than ten years, Dieffenbacher Straße has been home to one of the most popular Asian restaurants in Berlin Kreuzberg – Tangs Kantine. Here you can catch a glimpse of Chinese culture and cuisine and enjoy the summer temperatures under the ancient poplar trees. The prices are fair and the residents of Kreuzberg particularly appreciate the fact that this restaurant serves authentic Chinese cuisine.
The best Austrian restaurant in Berlin Kreuzberg is without question the Restaurant Jolesch. Austrian classics have been served here in new variations for over 25 years. In addition to Wiener Schnitzel or roast onion, guests enjoy Kaiserschmarrn or goat’s cream cheese with lavender sparkling foam for dessert. A real treat for the palate.
The Oh Madriz is a restaurant in Berlin Kreuzbergwhere you can immerse yourself in Spanish culture. We particularly recommend the tapas, which consist of goat’s cheese, grilled langoustine, olives, morcilla ibérica or ensalada rusa. The tapas go very well with the original Spanish wines.
Cafés in Kreuzberg
Cafés there are in Berlin Kreuzberg many. The Westberlin Café is furnished in a minimalist and modern style. It surprises with its open floor plan and its brightness. If you want to take your laptop with you and get productive in the café, this is the place for you. Many people are drawn to this pretty space, where you can concentrate on your work and have hot coffee poured at regular intervals. Delicious lunches are also available here.
A delicious brunch is available in Berlin Kreuzberg at Café Arabica. The coffees are for true connoisseurs and impress with their fine aromas. If you want to enjoy a breakfast with your special coffee, you can order the delicious porridge or a spicy shakshuka, for example.
Café Kiezeklein in Mariannenstraße is located in the heart of Kreuzberg. It has perhaps the best cake in the district, but that’s not all. Lovers of savory flavors also get their money’s worth here. In addition to sandwiches, there are also bagels, flatbreads and various salads. This is a wonderful place to have breakfast in the middle of Berlin Kreuzberg or treat yourself to a piece of cake in the afternoon.
Bars in Berlin Kreuzberg
If you want to go out in Kreuzberg, you have a huge choice. Hardly any other district offers residents and visitors such a wide variety of bars and other nightlife options. Bergmannstraße, Kottbusser Tor, Graefe-Kiez and Wrangelkiez are particularly popular. The bars are close together here. You can choose whether you want to drink a few beers in a cozy, rustic bar or prefer to sample a fine wine in another establishment.
Of course, there are also creative cocktail creations. After all, the people of Kreuzberg like it colorful and full of life. The art film bar Fitzcarraldo is located on Reichenberger Straße in the heart of Kreuzberg. Night owls flock here to settle down on the vintage-style furniture and enjoy one or more drinks. Those who wish can browse through the more than 11,000 DVDs that can be borrowed from the bar. From well-known Hollywood flicks to indie films, French dramas and martial arts films, there is everything here to make a movie lover’s heart beat faster.
Bars and clubs are in Berlin Kreuzberg so often that it’s hard to believe how relaxed and quiet life is here. Wine connoisseurs love the Reiner Türk wine cellar, where you can taste and buy great wines. If you are already a wine connoisseur, you can let off steam here. And if you’re not yet, you soon will be. Because you won’t leave the wine cellar without having tasted some of Berlin’s most delicious wines.
The Yorkschlösschen is an absolute classic and a real Kreuzberg institution. The jazz and blues bar has been around for over 100 years. Here you can chat with friends over a real Kreuzberg beer and reminisce.
Sights, things to do and activities in Kreuzberg - our tips
Berlin Kreuzberg has some historical sights. The district is known for being very central in Berlin and attracts thousands of tourists every year. They come to stroll through the neighborhoods, stop off at cafés and bars or spend their weekend at a festival. Our Insider tips for Berlin Kreuzberg at a glance:
Experience the vastness of Tempelhofer Feld
The site of the former Berlin-Tempelhof airport is a place full of history. Zeppelins and other aviation technology inventions were demonstrated here over a hundred years ago. The airport was later built here, but has been closed since 2008 and has since been used as an extensive area where Berlin residents meet at weekends for picnics and sports. The area borders the Kreuzberg 61 district, Neukölln and Tempelhof. The area is 300 hectares in size and is perfect for enjoying the sunset after a day in Kreuzberg. Today, this huge open space is one of the most beautiful Parks in Berlin Kreuzberg.
Marvel at the Kreuzberg and the waterfall in Viktoriapark
One of the most famous photo locations is undoubtedly the waterfall in Viktoriapark in Berlin Kreuzberg. The Kreuzberg is only just over 60 meters high, but has nevertheless given the district its name. And not without reason, because the mountainous landscape in the Victoria Park in Kreuzberg is actually completely atypical for Berlin.
The walk to the top of the mountain is definitely worth the effort. Here you will find the monumentwhich is located in Berlin Kreuzberg commemorates the war of liberation and the victory against Napoleon. Whether you want to enjoy the view, dangle your feet in the cold stream of the waterfall or take a photo for your Instagram channel, Viktoriapark is definitely not to be missed during your visit to Kreuzberg.
Doing sport in the park at Gleisdreieck
As soon as the first rays of sunshine appear in the sky, the park at Gleisdreieck comes to life. There are several table tennis tables here, which are used extensively both in summer and at other times of the year. It’s amazing that a district as densely populated as Berlin Kreuzberg nevertheless about such beautiful parks has.
Friends and sports enthusiasts meet in the park at Gleisdreieck to play frisbee, use the volleyball courts or skate.
Spending a Sunday afternoon on the Landwehr Canal
Berlin is known far beyond its borders for its proximity to the water. The Landwehrkanal is located in Kreuzberg 36 and is one of the district’s best-known leisure spots. On warm summer days, Kreuzberg residents flock to the canal to have a picnic and hire a boat. The canal is crossed by a total of 36 bridges. The Admiralbrücke in Kreuzberg is probably the best known of them. The banks along the canal are a popular place to relax, enjoy the sunshine and soak up Berlin’s special flair. The borders of Neukölln, Treptow and Kreuzberg meet at the border triangle. The Landwehr Canal is without question one of the most beautiful parts Berlin Kreuzberg.
Spending a Sunday afternoon on the Landwehr Canal
Berlin is known far beyond its borders for its proximity to the water. The Landwehrkanal is located in Kreuzberg 36 and is one of the district’s best-known leisure spots. On warm summer days, Kreuzberg residents flock to the canal to have a picnic and hire a boat. The canal is crossed by a total of 36 bridges. The Admiralbrücke in Kreuzberg is probably the best known of them. The banks along the canal are a popular place to relax, enjoy the sunshine and soak up Berlin’s special flair. The borders of Neukölln, Treptow and Kreuzberg meet at the border triangle. The Landwehr Canal is without question one of the most beautiful parts Berlin Kreuzberg.
Ice cream at Lausitzer Park
There is a whole range of ice cream parlors around Lausitzer Park. Whether you are looking for a creative ice cream flavor or want to order a classic, you will find it here. The best Ice cream parlors in Berlin Kreuzberg offer everything your heart desires. It doesn’t matter whether the sun is high in the sky on a hot summer’s day or you’ve wrapped yourself in your thick winter jacket to enjoy an ice cream in the park.
Shopping at the weekly market in Markthalle Neun
If you want to visit a historic place on your way through the district, you should definitely visit the Markthalle Neun in Berlin Kreuzberg visit. Until a few decades ago, this market hall was known as the railroad market hall due to its location between Pücklerstraße and Eisenbahnstraße. The weekly market is particularly popular. The event, which can be visited daily, is home to greengrocers, bakers, cheesemongers and butchers. The culinary specialties that you can buy here stand out from the average dining experience. Who in Berlin Kreuzberg cozy shopping should definitely pay a visit to the weekly market.
Shopping tour in Bergmannstraße in Berlin Kreuzberg
If you’re looking forward to a long stroll, Kreuzberg is the place for you. Large shopping centers and expensive labels are very rare here. However, there are countless small stores that exude charm and invite you to store. In Berlin Kreuzberg you can find wonderful second hand buy. Great clothes that have a lot of heart and a long history.
In addition to clothing, the stores also sell records, paintings and first-class chocolate. Berlin Kreuzberg is known far beyond its borders for its cool stores and is visited by numerous residents of other districts at the weekend.
Admire Kreuzberg street art
It’s impossible to get to know Kreuzberg without admiring its street art. The art is an integral part of Berlin’s culture and tells the story of the German capital from a completely new perspective. If you are interested in history, culture and art, you should definitely make a Tour through Berlin Kreuzberg make. Street art uses a wide variety of techniques and messages. Some focus on making a political statement, while others are simply intended to make the viewer laugh. If you like, you can take part in a guided tour. Here you can learn about the background to the graffiti in Berlin Kreuzberg.
Kreuzberg on foot - A walk in the SO 36 neighborhood
Who wants to visit the Berlin Kreuzberg would like to explore the district of on foot do. The extensive walk gives you a feel for what life is like in Kreuzberg. The district Berlin Kreuzberg 36 is known for its bright colors and historically important places. The route takes visitors from the Heinrichplatz to the Paul-Lincke-Ufer to the lively Oranienstrasse in Berlin Kreuzberg. If you are looking for a lively, colorful and multicultural place, you will feel right at home in Kreuzberg.
Conclusion
To live in Berlin Kreuzbergis a privilege. In the middle of the German capital, life is colorful and varied. The real estate market is very stable, because Berlin Kreuzberg is a good neighborhood. Whether you are looking for an investment property or a rental apartment, you will find what you are looking for here.
The district has numerous schools, good medical care and an excellent infrastructure. It is no wonder that more and more young families are moving to the district. The residents are interested in art, come from different cultures and enjoy the lively nightlife that Kreuzberg has to offer. If you are looking for a Real estate in Kreuzberg rent or buy we strongly recommend that you read our first part of the series Berlin Kreuzberg series.
