Owais Crawford
Berlin's Tempelhof Airport is a historic site with a rich past. From its early days as an aviation hotspot to its role during the Berlin Blockade and its eventual closure in 2008, the airport has undergone several transformations. Today, the former airport serves as a vast inner-city park, with the listed airport building hosting various events, festivals, and trade shows. Visitors can explore the airport's historical and architectural significance through guided tours, including a glimpse into its use during the Nazi era and the hidden tunnels beneath. With its central location and monumental architecture, Tempelhof Airport continues to be a symbol of freedom and a testament to the city's resilience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Minutes from Berlin city centre |
| History | One of Europe's three iconic pre-World War II airports; the centre of the Berlin Airlift of 1948-1949; the site of the first flight demonstration by French aviator Armand Zipfel in 1909; officially designated as an airport on 8 October 1923; founded by Deutsche Luft Hansa on 6 January 1926; the former headquarters of the German national airline; listed as a historic monument since 1995 |
| Architecture | Huge, canopy-style roof; once one of the 20 largest buildings on Earth; designed to be the largest air travel terminal of its day; over 1.2 kilometres in length; 9,000 rooms; giant arc-shaped aircraft hangars; a roof without central support; limestone panels; long rows of identical windows |
| Current use | A vast public park; a venue for large events, festivals, and trade shows; guided tours |
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What You'll Learn
History of the airport and its architectural significance
Tempelhof Airport was designated as an airport by the Reich Ministry of Transport on 8 October 1923. The airport's first permanent terminal building was completed in 1927. The old terminal was soon deemed too small, and in 1934, plans for a new terminal building were ordered by Adolf Hitler as part of Albert Speer's plan for the reconstruction of Berlin during the Nazi era. The new terminal was designed by Ernst Sagebiel and built between 1936 and 1941. It featured a 1.2-kilometre-long quadrant with facades of shell limestone, giant arc-shaped hangars, and a roof constructed to hold an audience of 100,000 people. The building was designed to resemble an eagle in flight, with semicircular hangars forming the bird's spread wings. The airport was intended to be the gateway to Europe and a symbol of Hitler's "world capital", Germania.
During World War II, parts of the airport were used for arms production, and after the war, it was occupied by the Soviet Army and later handed over to the American Allied Forces. The airport played a crucial role in the Berlin Airlift of 1948-1949, during which the Allies sent supplies to West Berlin via an airlift, landing in Tempelhof almost every two minutes. The airport became a symbol of freedom during the Cold War.
Tempelhof Airport was once among the twenty largest buildings on Earth. It featured a unique integration of hangars, check-in, and administration in one building, with a modern reinforced concrete skeleton construction hidden by a heavy stone facade. The building's architecture combines monumentality and modernism, with natural stone and limestone decorations on the facades facing the city and a modern steel structure on the side facing the airfield.
The airport ceased operations on 30 October 2008, despite protests against its closure. The site has since been turned into a vast public park, known as Tempelhofer Feld, and the airport building has been preserved as a historic monument. The former airfield is now a recreational space, and the airport building is used as a venue for large events, festivals, and trade shows. Guided tours of the airport building are also available, providing information on its history, architecture, and future projects.
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The airport's role in the Berlin Blockade and its aftermath
Tempelhof Airport was one of the first airports in Berlin, Germany, and was designated as such on 8 October 1923. The airport's first permanent terminal building was completed in 1927, and the site saw its greatest pre-war days in 1938-1939, with up to 52 foreign and 40 domestic flights arriving and departing daily.
During the Cold War, Tempelhof Airport played a crucial role in the Berlin Blockade, which lasted from 24 June 1948 until 12 May 1949. The blockade was imposed by the Soviet Union in response to the introduction of the D-Mark in West Berlin, cutting off two million inhabitants and allied occupying forces from essential supplies. The Western Allies responded with an airlift, sending supplies to West Berlin via Tempelhof Airport. The airlift lasted for eleven months, with planes carrying food, medicine, and heating material landing in Tempelhof almost every two minutes. This operation, known as the "Airbridge" or the Berlin Airlift, turned the airport into an international symbol of freedom and resistance.
Following the Berlin Blockade, Tempelhof Airport underwent repairs and extensions, becoming Germany's biggest airport in 1951. The airport was an important departure point for East Germans fleeing the Soviet sector until the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961. The airport continued to operate until 2008, when it ceased all operations despite protests from some Berliners.
Today, the former airport has been turned into a vast public park, known as Tempelhofer Feld, while the historic airport building has been preserved and is used for events, festivals, and trade shows. The site remains a symbol of freedom and a reminder of the city's past during the Cold War.
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The airport's transformation into a public park
Tempelhof Airport was one of Europe's three iconic pre-World War II airports. It was also the centre of the Berlin Airlift of 1948–1949. The airport's main building was once among the twenty largest buildings on Earth. The airport closed all operations on 30 October 2008.
Since its closure, the airport site has been turned into a vast public park. The airfield has been transformed into a large inner-city park, and the listed airport building has become a venue for large events, festivals, and trade shows. The airport's Visitor Centre invites anyone interested to learn about the history of this architectural monument and discover future projects relating to the airport buildings.
The airport complex was designed to resemble an eagle in flight, with semicircular hangars forming the bird's spread wings. It was designed by Ernst Sagebiel in the typical Nazi monumental style, with carved eagles at the entrance and a roof constructed to hold an audience of 100,000 people watching military parades and air shows. The departure hall is 100 metres long and leads to a 400-metre-long flight gate with a roof that lacks central support. The design of the building's façade is typical of the period, with a reinforced concrete framework dressed with limestone panels and long rows of identical windows.
The airport has a rich history, including its use during the Third Reich and the historic airlift, as well as fascinating hidden tunnels below the airport itself. It is considered a symbol of freedom for many Berliners and holds a significant place in aviation history. The airport buildings are being preserved as a historic monument, and guided tours are available for those interested in learning more about the airport's history, architecture, and future plans.
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The airport's current use as a venue for events, festivals and trade shows
Berlin's Tempelhof Airport is a historic site with a rich past. The airport was one of Europe's three iconic pre-World War II airports and played a crucial role during the Berlin Airlift of 1948-1949. With its vast size and distinctive features, it has become a beloved landmark for many Berliners, especially the older generation, as it represents freedom and resilience.
Since its closure to the public in 1975 and the cessation of all operations in 2008, the airport has taken on new purposes. The site has been transformed into a vast inner-city park, providing a tranquil space for leisure activities and a chance to connect with nature in the heart of the city. The park, known as Tempelhofer Feld, offers an expansive area for walks, picnics, and outdoor gatherings, attracting locals and tourists alike.
However, the airport's iconic status and unique architecture have also made it a sought-after venue for various events, festivals, and trade shows. The massive terminal building, with its distinctive canopy-style roof, provides a dramatic backdrop for gatherings of all kinds. The airport's size and versatility allow it to accommodate large-scale events, from music and food festivals to trade shows and exhibitions.
The airport's historical significance adds a layer of intrigue to any event held on its grounds. Visitors can explore the hidden tunnels beneath the airport and learn about its role during the Berlin Airlift and its use by the National Socialists during World War II. The airport's Visitor Centre offers guided tours that delve into its history and architecture, providing a deeper understanding of this monumental site.
The transformation of Tempelhof Airport into a venue for events, festivals, and trade shows has allowed the space to remain active and engaged with the community. It provides a unique setting that blends history, architecture, and cultural experiences, attracting a diverse range of visitors and event organizers alike. While the future use of the airport remains uncertain, its current incarnation as a dynamic event space ensures that it continues to play a vital role in the cultural life of Berlin.
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Visitor experiences and guided tours of the airport
Tempelhof Airport, now closed to flight operations, offers a unique visitor experience. The airport is steeped in history, having played a significant role in the Berlin Airlift of 1948-1949, and was once among the twenty largest buildings on Earth. The airport was designed by Ernst Sagebiel in 1936 and is known for its monumental architecture, including a distinctive canopy-style roof and limestone facade.
The airport's Visitor Centre is the starting point for guided tours of the building. These tours, led by expert guides, typically last around two hours and involve a reasonable amount of walking and stair climbing. Visitors are recommended to wear sturdy shoes and prepare for varying indoor and outdoor temperatures. The tours are not wheelchair accessible due to structural conditions.
During the tour, participants will explore the most exciting and hidden places within the 300,000-square-meter airport building. Expert guides reveal the stories and legends associated with the airport, including its use by forced labourers during World War II and as a basketball court for US soldiers during the Berlin Airlift. The guides also provide insights into the airport's architectural features, such as the kilometre-long tunnels rumoured to lead into Berlin's city centre and the giant arc-shaped hangars.
Tickets for the guided tours can be purchased online or on-site at the visitor centre, although it is important to note that the number of tickets per tour is limited, and sold-out dates will not have tickets available on-site. Visitors can also explore the airport on their own, wandering through the massive terminal building and hangars, and enjoying the vast inner-city park that has replaced the airfield.
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Frequently asked questions
Tempelhof Airport was one of Europe's three iconic pre-World War II airports. It was Berlin's city airport until 2008, when it closed despite protests. It is known for its huge terminal building and its role in the Berlin Airlift of 1948-1949.
The airport was first designated as such in 1923, and the airline Deutsche Luft Hansa was founded there in 1926. The airport's first permanent terminal was completed in 1929, and a new terminal building was constructed between 1936 and 1941. It was designed to be the largest air travel terminal of its day, with a 1.2-kilometre-long quadrant and 9,000 rooms. It was one of the few Nazi building projects that were realised, though it was never finished due to World War II.
Since its closure, the airfield has been turned into a large public park, and the airport building has become a venue for events, festivals, and trade shows. The airport is also open for guided tours, which showcase its historical and architectural significance.
On a guided tour of Tempelhof Airport, visitors can learn about the history of the airport, including its use during the Nazi era and the Berlin Airlift. They can also explore the airport's unique architectural features, such as its giant arc-shaped hangars and its roof, which doubles as a viewing terrace.
Yes, the airfield is open to the public from dawn to dusk, and visitors can explore the airport building and take in panoramic city views from the terrace.
