Berlin Schöneberg And Wilmersdorf

Shöneberg sights are a mix of gorgeous parks and whatever cultural bits and pieces ended up in this largely residential neighborhood. Travelers with limited time in Berlin should note that attractions here are few and far between, and aren't easily and efficiently visited.

Grunewald and the Jagdschloß, Am Grunewaldsee 29 (Access from Pücklerstr.) (www.spsg.de), This 3 sq. km park, with winding paths through wild underbrush, gridded pines, and a peaceful lake, is popular dog-walking turf and a great change from the rest of the bustling Berlin. About a 1km walk into the woods is the Jadgschloß, a restored royal hunting lodge that houses a gallery of portaits and paintings by German artists like Graff and Cranach. The house is the picture of understated elegance, surrounded by even more blooming botany. The one-room hunting lodge is worth skipping, unless you find pottery shards particularly gripping. Instead, walk around the grounds, or take a hike north in the forest to Teufelsberg (“Devil's Mountain”), the highest point in Berlin, made of rubble from World War II piled over a Nazi military school. U3 or U7: Fehrbelliner Pl., or S45 or S46: Hohenzollerndamm then bus #115 (dir. Neuruppiner Str. of Spanische Alle/Potsdamer): Pücklerstr. Turn left on Pücklerstr. following the signs and continue straight into the forest to reach the lodge. Check the Jadgschloß visitor's center for a map. Admission to the hunting lodge €4, €3 students. Tours in German offered on the weekends €1. Open Tu-Su 10am-6pm. No wheelchair access.
Brücke Museum, Bussardsteig 9 (www.brueckemusuem.de), This museum displays an uncommon collection of Brücke art, German impressionism inspired by its French contemporaries. The brief Die Brücke (“The Bridge”) stylistic period was characterized by bright, fierce colors. The Brücke Museum building, inside the Grunewald forest, is a work of contemporary art itself. The staff loves the collection (which says something), and often rotates special exhibitions displaying pieces related to the Brücke period, including the obvious French Impressionist works, but also world art, such as African craft works. U3 or U7: Fehberlliner Pl., then bus #115 (dir. Neuruppiner Str. to Spanische Allee/Potsdammer): Pücklerstr. €4, €3 students. For a ticket including special exhibits, €5/4. Open M and W-Su 11am-5pm.
Gay Memorial, Just outside the Nollendorf U-Bahn station Blink and you might miss it. This unassuming, unmarked memorial is shaped like a Crayola crayon, and striped with as many colors as a box of the art supply. The small monument commemorates the homosexuals killed in World War II. U1, U3, U4, or U9: Nollendorfpl.
St. Norbert Kirche Cemetery, Access from Belzinger Str., between Martin-Luther-Str. and Eisenacher Str. Sunken in a few feet from street level and walled off by unlocked gates, this enchanting cemetery brings R.I.P. to the living. With a mix between manicured shrubs and a patch of wild, over-grown ivy in front of every tomb, a quick stop here on a busy day is beautiful. An adjoining children's playground outside the gates brightens things up. We wouldn't say this is worth a trip itself, but the cemetery is good for a stroll after stepping out of one of Shöneberg's popular cafes. U7: Eisenacherstr. Gate usually locked by 6pm.
Viktoria-Luise-Platz, On Motzstr., where it intersects Winterfeldstr. This relaxed hangout is just a block south of the lively scene on Fuggerstr. Named after the daughter of Wilhelm II, this park channels the extravagance of an older bourgeois Berlin. A large central fountain is encircled by hedges, and a semi-circular stone-worked arch with detailed columns marks one end. This is a favorite summer picnic spot for locals, thanks to the city-maintained gardens. U4: Viktoria-Luise-Pl.
Apostle Paulus Kirche, Klixstr. 2 (Grunewaldstr.) (www.apostel-paulus-gemeinde.de), Apostle Paulus Kirche is the best known and perhaps most architecturally significant church in all of Shöneberg. Black and dark green brickwork intricately patterns the exterior a series of gothic arches. The church is often used by community choirs and a range of other performers who visit for the acclaimed acoustics. U7: Eisenacher Str. Check website for information on upcoming events. Church only open during service hours; Su at 10am, meditative morning prayers every M from 9:15-9:30am.