A 1.3-kilometre lakeside path at Orankesee and the official Tour 5: Alt-Hohenschönhausen provide two concrete benchmarks for a stay in Hohenschönhausen. There are also architectural landmarks, exhibitions and the Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial. The ways to visit differ, which is useful to know when planning: the walking tour takes about two hours, and the former prison can only be visited as part of a guided tour.

Architecture, Art and Local History

The former Lemke House was built as a residence for Karl and Martha Lemke in 1932/33 by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The Mies van der Rohe House in Alt-Hohenschönhausen is an exhibition venue for contemporary art. This lets you choose between different focuses: the architectural history of a residence at the former Lemke House, or contemporary art at the exhibition venue.

The Taborkirche is also part of the area’s history. It is one of the oldest buildings in Hohenschönhausen and probably dates back to the 13th century. The date is therefore an estimate; the church offers another point of interest if you are interested in historic buildings.

Another cultural setting is the former manor house, now known as Bürgerschloss Hohenschönhausen. It hosts a variety of exhibitions and events organised by a non-profit association. If you want to attend a particular event, check its date in advance.

Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial

The memorial commemorates the former Stasi prison. It offers guided tours and the exhibitions “Imprisonment in Hohenschönhausen” and “In a Forced Community”; there is also a visitors’ cafeteria. The former prison can only be visited as part of a guided tour. So if you want to visit this part of the memorial, make sure to include a guided tour as an essential part of your visit.

The memorial can be reached by tram lines M5, M6 and 16, as well as by bus 256. Check the tour schedule and public transport timetables in advance if you want to plan your visit for a specific time.

At Orankesee: Lakeside Path and Lido

Outside the leisure pool at Orankesee, a 1.3-kilometre lakeside path is ideal for a walk or a jog. The Orankesee lido in Alt-Hohenschönhausen has a sandy beach and a green sunbathing lawn. Other facilities include a 52-metre water slide, a playground, table tennis tables and a beach volleyball court. As seasonal operations may change, check the current conditions before your visit.

Compare Walking Routes and Explore More of Berlin

The official Tour 5: Alt-Hohenschönhausen is 5.5 kilometres long and takes about two hours on foot. This makes it possible to compare the longer route, with its approximate walking time, to the 1.3-kilometre lakeside path. The comparison can help with planning if you are deciding between a shorter route at Orankesee and a longer walking tour.

In the wider destination of Berlin, you will find more ways to spend time outdoors. Tiergarten is Berlin’s largest and most visited inner-city park, and is ideal for walks, outdoor activities and picnics. Tempelhofer Feld is a large public park where people picnic, sunbathe and play sports. These Berlin destinations add different kinds of parkland to your options without attributing them to Hohenschönhausen.

Discover more destinations: Mahlsdorf, Schöneberg, Berlin-Neukölln, Hermsdorf, Marienfelde, Steglitz, Velten, Biesdorf

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