Flughafen Berlin-Tempelhof (Berlin Tempelhof Airport) is one of the most historically significant airports in the world, renowned for its architectural grandeur, its role during key events in aviation history, and its impact on the Cold War. Though the airport officially closed in 2008, the Tempelhof Airport complex continues to attract attention as a symbol of Berlin’s dynamic history.
Flughafen Berlin-Tempelhof
Historische Gebäudeführungen/Building Tours
The building tours start in the former GAT area (General Aviation Terminal).
Tempelhof Damm 1-7 (entry opposite petrol station)
Former GAT area
12101 Berlin
+49 30 200 03 74-41
Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday 09:00 – 16:00
Sunday 09:00 – 16:00
Admission fee
Aircraft collection
| 45-0557
– N106TA | Douglas C-54G Skymaster (DC-4)
Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor Nord 262A-21 |
This is where the American aviation pioneer Orville Wright demonstrated his skills in 1909, and spectators marvelled at the new Zeppelin airships.
Soviet Union blockading part of Berlin on 24 June 1948. Two million inhabitants and the allied occupying forces were suddenly cut off without adequate supplies.
On 26 June 1948, the first aircraft already landed in Tempelhof with relief supplies. For eleven months the Allies sent supplies to West Berlin via an airlift. Planes carrying food, medicine, and heating material landed in Tempelhof almost every two minutes around the clock.
The pilots repeatedly brought sweets with them. The American pilot Gail Halvorsen is said to have started a special tradition: he made small parachutes, tied them to the sweets and threw them to the waiting children after landing. As a result, the American aircraft came to be known as Candy Bombers.
On 12 May 1949, the Soviet Union lifted the Berlin Blockade due to the lack of success and Tempelhof Airport became an international symbol of the free West.
After the blockade Berlin – Tempelhof became Germany’s biggest airport for several years. Tempelhof Airport closed all operations on 30 October 2008.
Guided tours through the former Tempelhof Airport building will show you the most important areas of the airport and provide you with information on the history, architecture, and future of the complex.
Key Features of Flughafen Berlin-Tempelhof:
- Historical Significance:
- Opened in 1923, Tempelhof Airport was one of the world’s oldest airports and a key hub in early aviation history.
- During the Berlin Airlift (1948-1949), it played a central role when Allied forces used it to supply West Berlin with essential goods during the Soviet blockade of the city.
- Tempelhof was also a symbol of Western unity during the Cold War, especially because of its role in the airlift, which defied Soviet attempts to isolate Berlin.
- Architecture:
- The airport’s main terminal building, completed in 1939, is an iconic example of Nazi-era architecture, designed by architect Ernst Sagebiel. It is one of the largest airport terminals in the world and remains an impressive feat of engineering and design.
- The terminal has a neoclassical style, with a vast central hall and long, sweeping wings. The building was meant to symbolize the power and modernity of the Nazi regime.
- Today, the Tempelhof terminal is a protected landmark, admired for its monumental scale and clean lines.
- Berlin Airlift:
- Tempelhof became famous worldwide for its crucial role during the Berlin Airlift when the Soviet Union cut off all land and water access to West Berlin. Allied forces flew over 200,000 flights into the airport to bring in food, fuel, and other supplies to the people of West Berlin.
- The Airlift Memorial on the grounds of the airport commemorates the 77 people who died in the process of supplying Berlin, from crashes to accidents during the airlift.
- Modern Use and Preservation:
- After closing in 2008, Tempelhof’s massive terminal complex and airfield were repurposed for various uses, including being transformed into a public park (Tempelhofer Feld), which is one of the largest urban green spaces in Berlin.
- The former runways are now used for recreational purposes such as cycling, walking, skating, and even kite flying. People can also enjoy picnics or barbecues on the former runway fields, making it a unique combination of history and modern leisure.
- Tempelhof Museum:
- In the airport’s old terminal, visitors can explore a small museum dedicated to the history of Tempelhof Airport, the Berlin Airlift, and the role the airport has played throughout history.
- The museum displays a variety of historic aviation artifacts, photographs, and multimedia installations that trace the development of the airport and its influence on the city’s history.
- There are also guided tours that take visitors through the airport’s impressive building, highlighting its role during key historical moments.
- Cultural Events:
- The Tempelhof site now hosts numerous cultural events, festivals, and activities. From open-air concerts to sports events, the site attracts a wide range of visitors throughout the year.
- The airport’s terminal and surrounding areas have been used for film shoots, exhibitions, and various public events, further embedding the site’s cultural significance.
- Tempelhof as a Symbol of Freedom:
- For many, Tempelhof represents freedom and resilience, especially given its role in the Berlin Airlift. The airport’s defiance of the Soviet blockade and its representation of Western efforts to keep Berlin free during the Cold War have solidified its place in history.
Summary:
Flughafen Berlin-Tempelhof is not just an airport but a historical landmark and symbol of Berlin’s turbulent history, particularly during the 20th century. Its role in the Berlin Airlift cemented its place in the hearts of many, and the iconic architecture continues to awe visitors. Today, the Tempelhofer Feld park and the museum offer a fascinating blend of history, culture, and modern-day urban life, making it an essential stop for anyone visiting Berlin interested in its historical legacy. Whether you’re interested in aviation history, Cold War politics, or simply want to enjoy one of Berlin’s largest public parks, Tempelhof provides a unique and profound experience.
Photos Jeroen Vogelaar