A vast airport in Berlin with a historical past has undergone a remarkable transformation, rendering it unrecognizable from its previous use by the Nazis. Originally constructed in the 1920s, Tempelhof Airport was later revamped in the 1930s to showcase the might of the Third Reich. The expansive, curved terminal stands as one of the world’s largest single-roof structures, stretching an impressive 1.2km.
Following World War II, Tempelhof became a symbol of optimism. During the Berlin Blockade of 1948–49, the airport played a crucial role in providing essential supplies to the city during the Berlin Airlift, thwarting Soviet attempts to seize control from Western Allies. In 2008, the airport ceased operations, leading to its closure on October 30. Two years later, the city transformed the 380-hectare airfield into Tempelhofer Feld, Berlin’s biggest inner-city park.
Today, Tempelhofer Feld attracts Berliners seeking leisure activities such as picnicking, kite flying, cycling, and sunbathing across its expansive 750-acre open fields. The historic terminal building now serves as a venue for large events, trade fairs, and concerts, revitalizing the massive structure while preserving its iconic curved roof and facade due to its protected status.
The park hosts diverse activities, including urban gardening projects, social experiments, and cultural events, maintaining the park’s vibrant spirit. Spanning three neighborhoods in southern Berlin, the park boasts 10 entrances and is twice the size of Monaco. Visitors enjoy a six-kilometer loop following the former runways, repurposed for cycling, skating, and jogging, providing a unique recreational space within the city.
Recently, Hollywood actress Glenn Close shared on Instagram her filming experiences at Tempelhof Airport for the upcoming Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise of the Reaping. The site has been a filming location for various scenes in the franchise, capturing the authoritarian world of Panem across Berlin’s distinctive landscapes.