Florakiez

Michael Heinze (r) shows interested parties his nature paradise in the backyard of Görschstraße in the Florakiez in Berlin-Pankow as part of the "Long Day of Urban Nature" campaign.

Pankow's Florakiez neighborhood is close to Prenzlauer Berg, both geographically and architecturally, in terms of infrastructure and people - and yet very different.

Many young families live in the Florakiez neighborhood. The old buildings, lack of shops, cafés and pubs, playgrounds, children's shops and tall street trees are also reminiscent of neighboring Prenzlauer Berg. However, there is little sign of the hustle and bustle: Things are pretty relaxed in the Florakiez.

Location of the Florakiez in Pankow

The Florakiez stretches around Florastraße in Berlin-Pankow. The sides of Pankow's secret main street are densely built up with houses containing flats, small shops and pubs, as well as studios, galleries and a cabaret theatre. There are no fixed Kiez boundaries. The Bürgerpark Pankow in the north-west is also included, as is the Nasse Dreieck in the south-west. To the east of Florakiez is the Kissingenviertel neighborhood.

Living in the Florakiez

The rental flats in the predominantly renovated old buildings around Florastraße are in high demand. The same applies to the owner-occupied flats, which are increasingly being built in smart new developments. The many families in the neighborhood are joined by creative people and young-at-heart senior citizens, long-time residents and students. Quite a few of the residents previously lived in Prenzlauer Berg and moved north because of the good mix, the relaxed atmosphere and the peace and quiet. The plan has not always worked out: Gaps between buildings have been and are being closed, the infrastructure has been expanded and there are hardly any vacancies. Things are getting tighter in the Florakiez. Although it is no longer quite as tranquil as it was a few years ago, the neighborhood is still considered quiet and relaxed.

Industrial Charm and Infrastructure

One example of the change in the neighborhood is the Alte Mälzerei (Old Malt House) in Mühlenstraße, whose oldest buildings date back to the 19th century. The ensemble stood empty for a long time and has now been refurbished in keeping with its listed status. Instead of machines, there are now condominiums with ceilings up to six meters high. Another example of the neighborhood's industrial past is the Heynhöfe, where several young companies have found a home. In addition to a few offices, there are also small shops in Florakiez, supermarkets, organic food shops, restaurants offering everything from burgers to sushi, cafés and pubs, some of which turn into Unpluggedival festival locations once a year. Actually, everything you need is there. And if it's not enough, you can get to Prenzlauer Berg or the city centre quickly thanks to the S-Bahn and U-Bahn or by bike.

Parks and Greenery in the Florakiez

Old trees line the streets in the Florakiez. Lime trees, oaks and maples beautify the courtyards and characterize the appearance of the parks. Bürgerpark Pankow is one of the most beautiful green spaces in the whole of Berlin. Giant trees up to 150 years old can be found here, as well as magnificent flowerbeds and meadows that invite you to take a deep breath and enjoy the view. Special features include the rose garden, the Panke river that flows through it, the large playground, the children's garm, the animal enclosure and the magnificent entrance gate. Also worth mentioning are the Bleichröderpark on Schulstraße with its playground, sunbathing lawns and forest garden as well as the Nasse Dreieck. The steppe-like open space is particularly popular with dog owners.

Be Considerate in the Evening and at Night

In the Florakiez, as in the rest of Berlin, please be considerate of residents after 10 p.m. and to adjust your noise level accordingly.