Treptow-Köpenick, Berlin's largest borough, boasts a 20th-century history packed with fascinating tidbits. This area, an amalgamation of the former boroughs of Treptow and Köpenick, has been a silent witness to numerous historical events.
Early 20th Century and the Weimar Republic
During the early 1900s, Treptow was renowned for its lush Treptower Park, a favorite leisure spot. Meanwhile, Köpenick gained infamy in 1906 through the "Captain of Köpenick" incident. Wilhelm Voigt, a shoemaker, donned a captain's uniform and commandeered the town hall, arresting the mayor and stealing the treasury. This audacious act was later immortalized in literature and film.
Nazi Era and WWII
In the 1930s, Treptow-Köpenick, like much of Berlin, fell under Nazi control. The borough housed several arms factories, contributing to the war effort. Köpenick's historic buildings suffered significant damage during Allied bombings. The Soviet War Memorial in Treptower Park, erected in 1949, stands today as a poignant reminder of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
Cold War and the Berlin Wall
Post-WWII, Treptow-Köpenick found itself in East Berlin, under Soviet influence. The Berlin Wall cut through Treptow, making it one of the most fortified sections. The Plänterwald Park became home to the now-abandoned Spreepark, East Germany's only amusement park, which opened in 1969 and closed in 2001.
Reunification and Modern Era
With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Treptow-Köpenick reunited with West Berlin. In 2001, the boroughs merged officially, forming the modern Treptow-Köpenick. The area has since become known for its serene lakes, such as Müggelsee, and the Köpenick Palace, a baroque beauty now functioning as a museum.
Trivia and Hidden Facts
- The Soviet War Memorial in Treptower Park is one of the largest of its kind outside Russia.
- Spreepark once featured a Ferris wheel that remains a spooky landmark for urban explorers.
- The 1931 film “The Captain from Köpenick” brought Wilhelm Voigt’s story to a wider audience, cementing Köpenick’s place in popular culture.
- Müggelsee is Berlin's largest lake and a popular spot for sailing and swimming.
- Treptow-Köpenick is home to Berlin’s oldest tram line, dating back to 1881.
Treptow-Köpenick remains a charming blend of history and nature, making it an intriguing part of Berlin to explore.