A vast airport with a historical past has undergone a remarkable transformation, completely changing its appearance. Originally constructed in the 1920s in Berlin, Tempelhof Airport was later modified during the Third Reich era. The massive terminal, shaped like a crescent, remains one of the largest single-roof structures globally, stretching an impressive 1.2 kilometers.
Following World War II, Tempelhof Airport symbolized hope during the Berlin Blockade of 1948–49. It played a crucial role in the Berlin Airlift, providing a lifeline for the city. In 2008, the airport ceased operations, officially closing on October 30. Two years later, the area was transformed into Tempelhofer Feld, Berlin’s largest inner-city park, spanning 380 hectares.
Today, the park attracts Berliners who come to enjoy picnics, kite flying, cycling, and basking in the sun. With nearly 750 acres of open fields, the park offers ample space for recreational activities. The terminal building, now repurposed, hosts various events, trade fairs, and concerts, reviving the historical structure. Its iconic roof and facade are meticulously preserved due to its protected status.
Tempelhofer Feld serves multiple purposes, featuring protected natural zones, rare plant species, and wildlife that have made the former runway their habitat. The park also facilitates urban gardening projects, social experiments, and cultural initiatives, preserving the site’s spirit.
Spanning across three neighborhoods in southern Berlin, the park boasts 10 entrances and is twice the size of Monaco. Visitors can explore a six-kilometer loop following the old runways, now used for cycling, skating, and jogging. The once-busy runways, now repurposed, provide a unique recreational space for city residents.
Hollywood actress Glenn Close recently shared on Instagram her filming experience for the upcoming Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise of the Reaping, at the former airport. The site has been a popular filming location for various scenes in the franchise, capturing the authoritarian world of Panem across Berlin.