Want to get out into nature, sit in an idyllic setting, grab a bite to eat and a drink, and maybe even browse through some small shops afterward? Finding all of that in one place isn’t all that easy. But there are actually a few spots in Berlin that offer exactly this combination. The Café am Neuen See, for example, is perfect for relaxing in the beer garden surrounded by greenery or renting a boat for a little break on the water. If you’re still in the mood for a leisurely stroll afterward, you should make a note of a very special courtyard complex for this summer: the Heckmann-Höfe. Tucked away right in the heart of Berlin-Mitte is a little oasis of historic courtyards, restaurants, studios, and arts and crafts —a place that even many Berliners haven’t discovered yet.
The Heckmann-Höfe are located at Oranienburger Straße 32 in Berlin-Mitte. The nearest stations are the Oranienburger Tor U-Bahn station, as well as the Oranienburger Straße and Hackesche Markt S-Bahn stations.
The history of the Heckmann-Höfe dates back to the 18th century . At that time, the area was part of the emerging Spandauer Vorstadt and was initially used for residential buildings, stables, and the timber trade . In 1858, a lumberyard with a carriage house for horses and carriages was built on the site. The striking horse’s head on the carriage house has been preserved to this day and serves as a reminder of the complex’s early history.
In 1905, the Heckmann family of industrialists purchased the property, which is how the courtyards got their current name. After World War II, the buildings were nationalized and used by the municipal housing authority during the GDR era. It wasn’t until after reunification that the historic buildings were extensively renovated and revitalized as a cultural and creative hub.
What makes the Heckmann-Höfe so special is above all their quiet and almost hidden atmosphere. While the neighboring Hackesche Höfe are often overrun with visitors, the vibe here is much more relaxed. The courtyards, with their cobblestone paths, small fountains, roses, and brick facades, have an almost Mediterranean feel and give you the sense of having discovered a secret corner of Berlin.
Today, the Heckmann-Höfe have evolved into a small creative quarter. The historic buildings house unique boutiques, design studios, art studios, galleries, and arts-and-crafts shops. Instead of large chains, the Höfe deliberately focus on small, independent concepts and creative craftsmanship.
The courtyards also have a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. Several restaurants and cafés invite you —especially during the summer months—to sit in the courtyards and enjoy the special atmosphere. The cozy outdoor areas create an almost Southern European vibe right in the heart of Berlin.
