Kollwitzkiez

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  The square around the water tower has been a public green space since 1915.

• Water tower in Knaakstraße.

• Weekly market on Kollwitzplatz in Prenzlauer Berg.

• A young couple pushes a pram past a café on the corner of Sredzkistraße and Kollwitzstraße in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg.

• Kollwitzplatz on Husemannstraße

• Numerous people visit the synagogue in Rykestraße as part of the "Long Night of Religions" (archive).

Kollwitzplatz forms the heart of the Kollwitzkiez neighborhood in Prenzlauer Berg. Other focal points are the Dicke Hermann, an old brewery and the diverse restaurant scene.

Perhaps the most famous playground in Germany is located on Kollwitzplatz in the center of Prenzlauer Berg. But there are many other reasons why the Kollwitzkiez neighborhood is so popular with families and many other people.

Location of the Kollwitzkiez in Prenzlauer Berg

The Gründerzeit Kiez is named after Kollwitzplatz, which in turn owes its name to the painter, graphic artist and sculptor Käthe Kollwitz. It is bordered by Schönhauser Allee, Danziger Straße, Prenzlauer Allee and Torstraße. The Kollwitzkiez is one of the most expensive residential areas in Berlin. Around 16,000 people live in the almost completely renovated old buildings.

Living and Going Out in the Kollwitzkiez

It is not only the beautiful, often generously proportioned flats that make the Kollwitzkiez so attractive as a residential neighborhood, but also the large green spaces and the very well-developed infrastructure. The latter includes cultural venues such as the Kulturbrauerei, the many small shops and the impressively diverse catering scene. The cafés, bars and restaurants in Kollwitzkiez are always busy and the cuisine is particularly varied. German, Austrian, Italian, Georgian, French and Vietnamese restaurants can be found here. Vegan burgers, handmade ice cream and delicious cakes are also widely available in the Kiez. You can often enjoy the delicacies outside, which is especially nice in summer.

Small Shops and Weekly Market

The shopping opportunities in the neighborhood are also varied. You won't find any large chains here. Instead, many small shops have moved into the ground floors of the apartment blocks. Boutiques, shops for children's things, books, shoes, ceramics, gifts, beachwear and crystals - Kollwitzkiez has everything you need or have always wanted. The supply of fresh food is also guaranteed. Every Saturday, a farmers' market takes place on Kollwitzplatz. In addition to fruit and vegetables, there are also eggs, cheese and wine from organic production. On Sunday, Street Food auf Achse invites you to enjoy freshly prepared food at the Kulturbrauerei.

Urban Greenery and Places of Interest

The Kollwitzkiez has two large, publicly accessible green spaces. The water tower on Windmühlenberg in Knaackstraße is part of Wasserturmplatz, a listed garden monument with old trees, paths, a playground and a public swimming pool. The meadow above the old water reservoirs is a favourite place for local residents to have their noses tickled by the sun. The water tower itself, affectionately called "Dicker Hermann" ("Fat Hermann") by some, is the oldest of its kind in Berlin. It is the landmark of Prenzlauer Berg and was an integral part of the district's coat of arms at the time. Today, there are flats inside.

The Jewish Cemetery Schönhauser Allee is also a listed building. It is criss-crossed by wide main paths, along which elaborately and simply designed gravestones and old giant trees. The cemetery has been closed since 1880, after which burials only took place in family graves in exceptional cases. Today it is primarily a walk-in museum and oasis of peace. Another testimony to Jewish life in the Kollwitzkiez is the Rykestraße Synagogue. It is the largest synagogue in Germany.

Night-Time Peace also Applies in the Kollwitzkiez

Whether at the water tower, in front of the Späti or on the terrace in front of the restaurant: In the Kollwitz neighborhood, as in the rest of Berlin, please be considerate of the residents after 10 pm and adjust your noise level accordingly.