Exploring Berlin's hidden gem: The bavarian quarter in Schöneberg

Living without borders

The Bavarian Quarter, called the Bayerische Viertel in German, is the neighbourhood surrounding Bayerischer Platz in Schöneberg. It was created at the beginning of the 20th century for upper-class citizens in order to generate more tax for the then independent city of Schöneberg. Inhabited by doctors, lawyers, artists, and intellectuals, the neighbourhood became the prefered residence of Berlin's most esteemed. Residents included individuals such as Albert Einstein, Alfred Kerr, Arno Holz, and Eduard Bernstein. Even today the area is regarded as an upscale residential area in the west of the capital. It owes its name mainly to the streets located there, many of which are named after Bavarian towns. The exact location is sometimes debated. The neighbourhood is roughly located between Tauentzienstrasse in the north and Wexstrasse in the south, with Bundestrasse to the west and Martin-Luther-Strasse in the east. However, the boundaries are fluid. Although it lacks clearly defined borders, the neighbourhood’s unspoilt charm is boundless.

Intimately cosmopolitan

Although most of the buildings were destroyed in World War II, stylish Altbaus with elegant details still adorn the streets of the Bavarian Quarter today. But the architecture is not the only attractive element of the area—-the endless possibilities of leisure activities draw visitors from all over the city. Anyone who likes shopping will certainly be delighted by the proximity of the Ku'damm and Tauentzienstrasse which border the neighbourhood. The famous KaDeWe offers an exquisite range of products and attracts people from all over the world. However, tourists rarely get lost deep into the Bavarian Quarter, which is to say that it is well-visited but never crowded. This means that residents don't have to worry about finding a place on a park bench or a seat in their favourite pub.

Pure luck for lovers of good food

There are many potential favourite spots for locals and visitors of the Bavarian Quarter. A balanced breakfast in the Café Geschmackssache, German home cooking for lunch in the Restaurant Elefant, afternoon coffee and sweet treats in the Café Komine, and in the evening Mediterranean food in the Ristorante L'angolo: if there was a culinary calendar, you could plan to eat somewhere different not only for days but for weeks in the Bayerische Viertel. Whether with or without a full stomach, you can round off the evenings afterwards with live music at Rickenbacker's Music-Inn or with first-class cocktails at Stager Lee.

Activities and culture

That being said, you don't have to completely give in to gluttony here - even if you probably could. The Bavarian Quarter also provides a myriad of sports and culture opportunities. You can satisfy your urge to move with Mandiram Yoga, for example, or quench your thirst for art in the mianki Gallery. Your daily dose of fresh air and greenery is provided by the area's many beautiful parks, including Viktoria-Luise-Platz and Rudolph-Wilde-Park. Here you will find an idyllic setting for a leisurely picnic or a morning sports session.

Unforgotten past

During an extended walk, you can also visit the places of remembrance to get to know the area’s eventful history. While in the early 20th century many esteemed Jewish citizens populated the Bayerische Viertel, by 1933 most of them had emigrated. 6,000 Jewish residents of the area surrounding Bayerische Platz were displaced or deported and murdered in the course of the Holocaust. In 1993, an extensive memorial was erected in memory of the Jewish population who fell victim to National Socialism. Brightly coloured signs around Bayerische Platz indicate restrictions and disturbing legislation concering Jewish citizens during the Nazi regime. These eye-catching signs are powerful reminders of the area's dark history.

Available for all

In contrast to its dark history, today the Bayerische Viertel is home to a wonderfully diverse and colourful population. The beautiful Altbaus, green parks, and popular shops attract visitors from all over Berlin and beyond. In addition to its colour, trees, and meadows, Victoria Luise Square and Rudolph Wild Park are also linked by underground line 4, which runs right through the heart of the district. This and other train and bus lines always provide excellent connections to the rest of the city. If Schöneberg’s rich variety of possibilities is calling your name, feel free to check out our portfolio of apartments in the area.

Translated by Catherine Norris