Hilke is a fabulous guide! We loved our Berlin Half Day City tour with her. Hilke was entertaining, informative and flexible. We strongly recommend her if you want to learn about Berlin now and in the past.
Michelle McGregor, Australien,
Okt. 2023
Very enjoyable guiding experience
Lewis Remele, United States
Sept. 2023
Hilke gave our family of 9 a wonderful tour of Berlin. She customized the tour for us and was very knowledgeable. I highly recommend her.
Steven Schleier, United States
Aug. 2023
Hilke was knowledgeable & fun. [...] This was a great tour of the highlights of Museum Island. Coming to Berlin? Book this tour.
Michael Hetsler, United States,
Juni 2023
She was FANTASTIC! She did a lot of pre-work to make sure I received the perfect tour based on my specific requests. Extremely knowledgeable and flexible on the fly. I really enjoyed spending the day with her and learned so much about Berlin!
Holly Linton, United States, Sept. 2022
Wow! Hilke was amazing! Our teenagers were dreading their third tour in 10 days. Hilke was able to adapt our tour to start in the neighborhood where they could see street art and then took us to see the sites that were interesting to them. She gave high level overviews but answered details when we asked. She has an incredible energy that got our kids interested. I wish we could bring her to every city! This is our 4th private tour and by far the best.
Tracie Kiachian, United States, Aug. 2022
Hilke was simply fantastic. Detailed knowledge of all of Berlin both past and current. Went out of her way to meet all of our needs. Would highly recommend. She was such a pleasure to have as our guide. Hope to see her again.
Ron Karpinsky, United States, Juni 2022
Herzlichen Dank noch einmal für die Führung. Es gab nur positive Rückmeldungen, alle waren sehr begeistert!
Internationale Konferenzteilnehmer, Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin, Okt. 2021
Hilke's the best. Recommend her highly.
Harold Rosenberg, United States, Sept. 2021
She was FANTASTIC! She did a lot of pre-work to make sure I received the perfect tour based on my specific requests. Extremely knowledgeable and flexible on the fly. I really enjoyed spending the day with her and learned so much about Berlin!
Holly Linton, United States, Sept. 2022
Wow! Hilke was amazing! Our teenagers were dreading their third tour in 10 days. Hilke was able to adapt our tour to start in the neighborhood where they could see street art and then took us to see the sites that were interesting to them. She gave high level overviews but answered details when we asked. She has an incredible energy that got our kids interested. I wish we could bring her to every city! This is our 4th private tour and by far the best.
Tracie Kiachian, United States, Aug. 2022
Hilke was simply fantastic. Detailed knowledge of all of Berlin both past and current. Went out of her way to meet all of our needs. Would highly recommend. She was such a pleasure to have as our guide. Hope to see her again.
Ron Karpinsky, United States, Juni 2022
Herzlichen Dank noch einmal für die Führung. Es gab nur positive Rückmeldungen, alle waren sehr begeistert!
Internationale Konferenzteilnehmer, Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin, Okt. 2021
Hilke's the best. Recommend her highly.
Harold Rosenberg, United States, Sept. 2021
If you want to see Berlin in its present glory - you need to see it through a tour with Hilke! She is absolutely amazing! ... I cannot recommend Hilke enough!
Peter Connelly, United States, Dez. 2019
Hilke was a delight to spend our first full day in Berlin with!
Ellen Patton, United States, Sept. 2019
… she is a terrific guide, extremely knowledgeable about history, art & architecture …
Katherine McInnes, Australien, Okt. 2019
One of the best tour guides we have ever used! A great start for a Berlin visit!
William Black, United States, Sept. 2019
Hilke is amazing! Very passionate about her city and Germany's history … We strongly recommend her.
Jorge Margain, Mexiko, Sept. 2019
Hilke proved to be an excellent guide creating a vivid and memorable journey around Berlin, based on our request to see some of the less well known sites and the street art of the city.
Adrian Savage, UK, September 2019
Hilke's knowledge, love for the city and kindness are first rate!
Mark Houghton, United States, Juni 2019
Hilke was a fantastic guide ... extremely knowledgeable ... very personable and friendly and just fun to walk and talk with.
David Albert, United States, April 2019
Incredible tour! Hilke was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and made our time with her most enjoyable.
Peter Atkinson, UK, April 2019
... I am glad we were able to spend a full day with Hilke!
Karen Smart, United States, März 2019
... She is a lovely person and made us feel very welcome.
Richard Morgan, United States, Okt. 2018
Hilke was a WONDERFUL guide ... It is hard to imagine a better guide to the highlights of vibrant Berlin.
James Hargrove, United States, Sept. 2018
Wonderful experience ... Highly recommended.
Janet Simula, August 2018
... She is hugely knowledgable and experienced, sociable and with lovely humour as well ...
Karen Lubner, United States, Juni 2018
Wonderful day, Hilke was like touring with a very well informed friend ...
Margaret Eldred, United States, Mai 2018
... We had her focus on the 1930's to mid 1940's, and she was extremely knowledgeable about all of the historical events, as well as the cultural and psychological issues during that time ...
Colleen Harker, United States, Mai 2018
... Knowlegeable, professional and funny. Very engaging. She made a special effort to include our younger daughter which we all appreciated. We would give her the highest of recommendations.
Kerry Wangberg, United States, April 2018
... We REALLY enjoyed her company and feel as if we have a friend in Germany for life! Most highly recommended!
Kevin Roche, United States, Dez. 2017
... We found Hilke to be both warm and accommodating as she shared her vast knowledge and enthusiasm of both cities with us ...
James Lewenauer, United States, Okt. 2017
Hilke was a fantastic guide in every way. She was deeply knowledgeable, sensitive and highly responsive ...
Dan Ross, United States, Okt. 2017
I highly recommend Hilke. She is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and efficient ...
Sarah Henderson, United States, Okt. 2017
Hilke made our Autumn day in Berlin most enjoyable ...
Richard Bartlam, United States
Okt. 2017
... Hilke was fun and personable, very organized, knowledgable, and informative ...
Edwin Ward, United States, Okt. 2017
Hilke was a wonderful guide who made our first trip to Berlin memorable. We were impressed with her ability ...
Deborah Burroughs, United States, Sept. 2017
Ausbuchtung
Der Traum von Orten der Erholung
Es ist, als würde das Wasser an dieser Stelle mehr Platz brauchen: Der Landwehr-Kanal hat hier eine kleine, runde Ausbuchtung. Man kann wunderbar auf der Mauer sitzen und über das Wasser blicken. Doch diese Ausbuchtung ist nicht einfach zur Zierde da, sondern erinnert daran, dass es Zeiten gab, in denen es in Kreuzberg ganz anders aussah als heute: „Das ist der frühere Urbanhafen, hier zweigte einst der Luisenstädtische Kanal ab", erzählt Stadtführerin Hilke Gerdes. „Das war ein Verbindungskanal zwischen der Spree und dem Landwehrkanal." Schon im Jahr 1825 hatte es Planungen gegeben, einen Nord-Süd-Kanal durch die Luisenstadt anzulegen. Realisiert wurden diese Pläne jedoch zunächst nicht. Nachdem aber Friedrich Wilhelm IV. (1795-1861) den Thron bestiegen hatte, beauftragte er den Gartenkünstler und Landschaftsarchitekten Peter Joseph Lenné (1789-1866) mit der Stadtplanung. Der legte die ursprünglichen Pläne zugrunde, die darauf abzielten, einen Verbindungskanal zwischen Landwehrkanal und Spree zu schaffen, außerdem wollte er den Landwehrkanal schiffbar machen. Denn der Verkehr auf der Spree hatte immer mehr zugenommen und der Landwehrkanal, auf dem ab 1705 Holz zum Königlichen Holzplatz am Halleschen Tor transportiert wurde, eignete sich gut als Entlastungskanal. „Auch konnten über den Kanal die Baugrundstücke sowohl entwässert als auch mit Baumaterial beliefert werden", sagt Gerdes. Das war wichtig, „denn Berlin wurde ja gewissermaßen aus dem Kahn erbaut". Nicht zuletzt sei der Luisenstädtische Kanalbau eine Arbeitsbeschaffungsmaßnahme nach der kurz zuvor gescheiterten Märzrevolution (siehe Geheimnis XY) gewesen. „Es wurden beim Bau auch schon Dampfmaschinen eingesetzt, aber dagegen wehrten sich die Arbeiter heftig, sie hatten Angst um ihre Arbeitsplätze", erzählt die Berlinerin. Über 2,3 Kilometer erstreckte sich der Luisenstädtische Kanal. „Es war für Lenné auch wichtig, Orte für die Naherholung zu schaffen", betont Hilke Gerdes, „Plätze, an denen man sich gerne aufhält und an denen man sich entspannen kann." Den Erholungswert von Wasser erkannte man wohl damals schon, jedenfalls sollte ein schöner Kanal Mittelpunkt des Stadtviertels werden.
Doch so schön die Pläne für die idyllische Naherholung waren: So richtig wurde es damit nichts. Allzu oft wurde der Luisenstädtische Kanal nicht befahren, und das Wasser fing an zu stinken, zumal Berlin auch nicht kanalisiert war und das Abwasser direkt im Kanal landete - in dem man sich ungeachtet dessen auch wusch und badete. Also wurde der Kanal 1926 wieder zugeschüttet - auch wieder eine Arbeitsbeschaffungsmaßnahme. „Man verwendete dazu den Erdaushub, den man beim Bau der U-Bahn Richtung Gesundbrunnen gewann", erklärt Hilke Gerdes.
Aber auch jetzt wurde der Wunsch nach einem Naherholungsgebiet nicht fallengelassen: Wo einst Wasser floss, legte man nun eine Grünfläche an. Und auf der kann man sich bekanntlich ebenso gut entspannen. Außerdem: Teilweise gibt es auch hier noch Wasser. Den Indischen Brunnen in der Nähe des nach der Maueröffnung wieder gefluteten Engelbeckens zum Beispiel, an dem unzählige Berliner Tag für Tag beste Erholung finden.
So geht's zur Ausbuchtung:
Der Weg am Landwehrkanal in der Nähe von Fraenkelufer/Erkelenzdamm führt zu der Ausbuchtung am Ufer.
Copyright: Eva-Maria Bast
Copyright: Eva-Maria Bast
Hilke is a fabulous guide! We loved our Berlin Half Day City tour with her. Hilke was entertaining, informative and flexible. We strongly recommend her if you want to learn about Berlin now and in the past.
Michelle McGregor, Australien,
Okt. 2023
Very enjoyable guiding experience
Lewis Remele, United States
Sept. 2023
Hilke gave our family of 9 a wonderful tour of Berlin. She customized the tour for us and was very knowledgeable. I highly recommend her.
Steven Schleier, United States
Aug. 2023
Hilke was knowledgeable & fun. [...] This was a great tour of the highlights of Museum Island. Coming to Berlin? Book this tour.
Michael Hetsler, United States,
Juni 2023
She was FANTASTIC! She did a lot of pre-work to make sure I received the perfect tour based on my specific requests. Extremely knowledgeable and flexible on the fly. I really enjoyed spending the day with her and learned so much about Berlin!
Holly Linton, United States, Sept. 2022
Wow! Hilke was amazing! Our teenagers were dreading their third tour in 10 days. Hilke was able to adapt our tour to start in the neighborhood where they could see street art and then took us to see the sites that were interesting to them. She gave high level overviews but answered details when we asked. She has an incredible energy that got our kids interested. I wish we could bring her to every city! This is our 4th private tour and by far the best.
Tracie Kiachian, United States, Aug. 2022
Hilke was simply fantastic. Detailed knowledge of all of Berlin both past and current. Went out of her way to meet all of our needs. Would highly recommend. She was such a pleasure to have as our guide. Hope to see her again.
Ron Karpinsky, United States, Juni 2022
Herzlichen Dank noch einmal für die Führung. Es gab nur positive Rückmeldungen, alle waren sehr begeistert!
Internationale Konferenzteilnehmer, Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin, Okt. 2021
Hilke's the best. Recommend her highly.
Harold Rosenberg, United States, Sept. 2021
She was FANTASTIC! She did a lot of pre-work to make sure I received the perfect tour based on my specific requests. Extremely knowledgeable and flexible on the fly. I really enjoyed spending the day with her and learned so much about Berlin!
Holly Linton, United States, Sept. 2022
Wow! Hilke was amazing! Our teenagers were dreading their third tour in 10 days. Hilke was able to adapt our tour to start in the neighborhood where they could see street art and then took us to see the sites that were interesting to them. She gave high level overviews but answered details when we asked. She has an incredible energy that got our kids interested. I wish we could bring her to every city! This is our 4th private tour and by far the best.
Tracie Kiachian, United States, Aug. 2022
Hilke was simply fantastic. Detailed knowledge of all of Berlin both past and current. Went out of her way to meet all of our needs. Would highly recommend. She was such a pleasure to have as our guide. Hope to see her again.
Ron Karpinsky, United States, Juni 2022
Herzlichen Dank noch einmal für die Führung. Es gab nur positive Rückmeldungen, alle waren sehr begeistert!
Internationale Konferenzteilnehmer, Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin, Okt. 2021
Hilke's the best. Recommend her highly.
Harold Rosenberg, United States, Sept. 2021
If you want to see Berlin in its present glory - you need to see it through a tour with Hilke! She is absolutely amazing! ... I cannot recommend Hilke enough!
Peter Connelly, United States, Dez. 2019
Hilke was a delight to spend our first full day in Berlin with!
Ellen Patton, United States, Sept. 2019
… she is a terrific guide, extremely knowledgeable about history, art & architecture …
Katherine McInnes, Australien, Okt. 2019
One of the best tour guides we have ever used! A great start for a Berlin visit!
William Black, United States, Sept. 2019
Hilke is amazing! Very passionate about her city and Germany's history … We strongly recommend her.
Jorge Margain, Mexiko, Sept. 2019
Hilke proved to be an excellent guide creating a vivid and memorable journey around Berlin, based on our request to see some of the less well known sites and the street art of the city.
Adrian Savage, UK, September 2019
Hilke's knowledge, love for the city and kindness are first rate!
Mark Houghton, United States, Juni 2019
Hilke was a fantastic guide ... extremely knowledgeable ... very personable and friendly and just fun to walk and talk with.
David Albert, United States, April 2019
Incredible tour! Hilke was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and made our time with her most enjoyable.
Peter Atkinson, UK, April 2019
... I am glad we were able to spend a full day with Hilke!
Karen Smart, United States, März 2019
... She is a lovely person and made us feel very welcome.
Richard Morgan, United States, Okt. 2018
Hilke was a WONDERFUL guide ... It is hard to imagine a better guide to the highlights of vibrant Berlin.
James Hargrove, United States, Sept. 2018
Wonderful experience ... Highly recommended.
Janet Simula, August 2018
... She is hugely knowledgable and experienced, sociable and with lovely humour as well ...
Karen Lubner, United States, Juni 2018
Wonderful day, Hilke was like touring with a very well informed friend ...
Margaret Eldred, United States, Mai 2018
... We had her focus on the 1930's to mid 1940's, and she was extremely knowledgeable about all of the historical events, as well as the cultural and psychological issues during that time ...
Colleen Harker, United States, Mai 2018
... Knowlegeable, professional and funny. Very engaging. She made a special effort to include our younger daughter which we all appreciated. We would give her the highest of recommendations.
Kerry Wangberg, United States, April 2018
... We REALLY enjoyed her company and feel as if we have a friend in Germany for life! Most highly recommended!
Kevin Roche, United States, Dez. 2017
... We found Hilke to be both warm and accommodating as she shared her vast knowledge and enthusiasm of both cities with us ...
James Lewenauer, United States, Okt. 2017
Hilke was a fantastic guide in every way. She was deeply knowledgeable, sensitive and highly responsive ...
Dan Ross, United States, Okt. 2017
I highly recommend Hilke. She is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and efficient ...
Sarah Henderson, United States, Okt. 2017
Hilke made our Autumn day in Berlin most enjoyable ...
Richard Bartlam, United States
Okt. 2017
... Hilke was fun and personable, very organized, knowledgable, and informative ...
Edwin Ward, United States, Okt. 2017
Hilke was a wonderful guide who made our first trip to Berlin memorable. We were impressed with her ability ...
Deborah Burroughs, United States, Sept. 2017
Hilke is a fabulous guide! We loved our Berlin Half Day City tour with her. Hilke was entertaining, informative and flexible. We strongly recommend her if you want to learn about Berlin now and in the past.
Michelle McGregor, Australien,
Okt. 2023
Very enjoyable guiding experience
Lewis Remele, United States
Sept. 2023
Hilke gave our family of 9 a wonderful tour of Berlin. She customized the tour for us and was very knowledgeable. I highly recommend her.
Steven Schleier, United States
Aug. 2023
Hilke was knowledgeable & fun. [...] This was a great tour of the highlights of Museum Island. Coming to Berlin? Book this tour.
Michael Hetsler, United States,
Juni 2023
She was FANTASTIC! She did a lot of pre-work to make sure I received the perfect tour based on my specific requests. Extremely knowledgeable and flexible on the fly. I really enjoyed spending the day with her and learned so much about Berlin!
Holly Linton, United States, Sept. 2022
Wow! Hilke was amazing! Our teenagers were dreading their third tour in 10 days. Hilke was able to adapt our tour to start in the neighborhood where they could see street art and then took us to see the sites that were interesting to them. She gave high level overviews but answered details when we asked. She has an incredible energy that got our kids interested. I wish we could bring her to every city! This is our 4th private tour and by far the best.
Tracie Kiachian, United States, Aug. 2022
Hilke was simply fantastic. Detailed knowledge of all of Berlin both past and current. Went out of her way to meet all of our needs. Would highly recommend. She was such a pleasure to have as our guide. Hope to see her again.
Ron Karpinsky, United States, Juni 2022
Herzlichen Dank noch einmal für die Führung. Es gab nur positive Rückmeldungen, alle waren sehr begeistert!
Internationale Konferenzteilnehmer, Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin, Okt. 2021
Hilke's the best. Recommend her highly.
Harold Rosenberg, United States, Sept. 2021
She was FANTASTIC! She did a lot of pre-work to make sure I received the perfect tour based on my specific requests. Extremely knowledgeable and flexible on the fly. I really enjoyed spending the day with her and learned so much about Berlin!
Holly Linton, United States, Sept. 2022
Wow! Hilke was amazing! Our teenagers were dreading their third tour in 10 days. Hilke was able to adapt our tour to start in the neighborhood where they could see street art and then took us to see the sites that were interesting to them. She gave high level overviews but answered details when we asked. She has an incredible energy that got our kids interested. I wish we could bring her to every city! This is our 4th private tour and by far the best.
Tracie Kiachian, United States, Aug. 2022
Hilke was simply fantastic. Detailed knowledge of all of Berlin both past and current. Went out of her way to meet all of our needs. Would highly recommend. She was such a pleasure to have as our guide. Hope to see her again.
Ron Karpinsky, United States, Juni 2022
Herzlichen Dank noch einmal für die Führung. Es gab nur positive Rückmeldungen, alle waren sehr begeistert!
Internationale Konferenzteilnehmer, Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin, Okt. 2021
Hilke's the best. Recommend her highly.
Harold Rosenberg, United States, Sept. 2021
If you want to see Berlin in its present glory - you need to see it through a tour with Hilke! She is absolutely amazing! ... I cannot recommend Hilke enough!
Peter Connelly, United States, Dez. 2019
Hilke was a delight to spend our first full day in Berlin with!
Ellen Patton, United States, Sept. 2019
… she is a terrific guide, extremely knowledgeable about history, art & architecture …
Katherine McInnes, Australien, Okt. 2019
One of the best tour guides we have ever used! A great start for a Berlin visit!
William Black, United States, Sept. 2019
Hilke is amazing! Very passionate about her city and Germany's history … We strongly recommend her.
Jorge Margain, Mexiko, Sept. 2019
Hilke proved to be an excellent guide creating a vivid and memorable journey around Berlin, based on our request to see some of the less well known sites and the street art of the city.
Adrian Savage, UK, September 2019
Hilke's knowledge, love for the city and kindness are first rate!
Mark Houghton, United States, Juni 2019
Hilke was a fantastic guide ... extremely knowledgeable ... very personable and friendly and just fun to walk and talk with.
David Albert, United States, April 2019
Incredible tour! Hilke was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and made our time with her most enjoyable.
Peter Atkinson, UK, April 2019
... I am glad we were able to spend a full day with Hilke!
Karen Smart, United States, März 2019
... She is a lovely person and made us feel very welcome.
Richard Morgan, United States, Okt. 2018
Hilke was a WONDERFUL guide ... It is hard to imagine a better guide to the highlights of vibrant Berlin.
James Hargrove, United States, Sept. 2018
Wonderful experience ... Highly recommended.
Janet Simula, August 2018
... She is hugely knowledgable and experienced, sociable and with lovely humour as well ...
Karen Lubner, United States, Juni 2018
Wonderful day, Hilke was like touring with a very well informed friend ...
Margaret Eldred, United States, Mai 2018
... We had her focus on the 1930's to mid 1940's, and she was extremely knowledgeable about all of the historical events, as well as the cultural and psychological issues during that time ...
Colleen Harker, United States, Mai 2018
... Knowlegeable, professional and funny. Very engaging. She made a special effort to include our younger daughter which we all appreciated. We would give her the highest of recommendations.
Kerry Wangberg, United States, April 2018
... We REALLY enjoyed her company and feel as if we have a friend in Germany for life! Most highly recommended!
Kevin Roche, United States, Dez. 2017
... We found Hilke to be both warm and accommodating as she shared her vast knowledge and enthusiasm of both cities with us ...
James Lewenauer, United States, Okt. 2017
Hilke was a fantastic guide in every way. She was deeply knowledgeable, sensitive and highly responsive ...
Dan Ross, United States, Okt. 2017
I highly recommend Hilke. She is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and efficient ...
Sarah Henderson, United States, Okt. 2017
Hilke made our Autumn day in Berlin most enjoyable ...
Richard Bartlam, United States
Okt. 2017
... Hilke was fun and personable, very organized, knowledgable, and informative ...
Edwin Ward, United States, Okt. 2017
Hilke was a wonderful guide who made our first trip to Berlin memorable. We were impressed with her ability ...
Deborah Burroughs, United States, Sept. 2017
