Many people feel Berlin’s almost mystical attraction. And that makes sense, because here everyone can be who they are or want to be. Mostly without being looked at obliquely. But it’s not just Berlin’s unbiased nature that makes it so tasty. There are also plenty of mystical places to explore at, which add to the unique appeal.
Of course, it’s not as mysterious here as on Ireland’s fairy hills or Brandenburg’s lake regions. But the capital also has a certain magic to offer between concrete and Berghain. Join us on a mysterious exploration tour!
Mystical island
Peacock Island, an enchanting natural paradise, looks back on a rich history that is also linked to an enigmatic alchemist. Its mystical appeal is based on its diverse fauna, picturesque landscapes and relics of its past. Embedded in the Havel, the island looks back on a long history of use as a royal menagerie, electoral rabbit farm and residence of an alchemist .
The latter lived here in the 17th century and experimented with fire, glass and elixirs. However,dark clouds of smoke and acrid smells quickly gave rise to suspicions of black magic and after a devastating fire, the alchemist’s laboratory burned down completely. His ghost, however, is said to still move as a shadow over the otherwise idyllic island.
Magic fountain
The fairytale fountain is a wondrous structure that exudes an enchanting charm. This enchanting fountain in Volkspark Friedrichshain brings beloved fairy tales to life with artistic sculptures of famous characters. The unique design of the fountain stimulates the imagination of visitors and its magnificent construction acts like a mystical portal into the world of fairy tales.
And in a way, it is: In the middle of the bustling city, it serves as a quiet oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, at least for a few moments. A small warning in passing: Between the end of October and the end of March, the fountain is in a snow-white sleep. The fairytale figures are then covered with small wooden houses to protect them from the harsh winter climate.
Enchanted abbey
The former Franciscan monastery is located in the middle of Berlin’s historic core just a few minutes’ walk from Alexanderplatz. The sacred building, also known as the Grey Monastery, was built around 1250, making it one of the oldest buildings in Berlin.
It is said to be the site of a mystical legend about the common monk Roderich, who is said to have wreaked havoc here during his lifetime. He is said to have ordered criminals to make two of his hated brothers disappear and to have walled up his own son in the cellar of the monastery. According to legend, you can still hear the monk’s lamentations in the halls of the ruins at night …
Buddhist house in Frohnau
We find our next spot just on the border with Brandenburg in the north of Berlin. The most important place of worship of Buddhism in Western Europe can be found in the cozy Frohnau: The Buddhist House. The mystical main building, whose pagoda-like tower is decorated with Sinhalese style elements, is located on a hill. A library in Ceylonese style is nestled right next to it. Evening meditation sessions are also offered here several times a week, promising respite from the madness of the big city.
Ancient place of worship
The next mystical spot in Berlin is the Pergamon Altar, which is located in the house of the same name on the Museum Island is to be found. Its monumental friezes from the Hellenistic period depict the epic battle between gods and titans and convey a sense of supernatural power.
Looking closely at the confused scenes of supernatural confrontation, the mysticism of the altar unfolds like a portal into the world of antiquity. It also has a mysterious reputation in modern times: In conspiracy circles, it is believed that the ancient altar is still used for sinister rituals.
Sunken library
We find our last mystical place again in the center of Berlin. This time on Bebelplatz. There, a monument shows what is missing. The sunken library lies underground and has almost disappeared, but is still almost within reach. Empty white shelves are a reminder of the deeds of the Nazis. They symbolically offer space for around 20,000 books roughly the number of books that were set on fire by National Socialists at this very spot on May 10, 1933. The monument was designed by Israeli artist Micha Ullman and was inaugurated on March 20, 1995.
In fact, there are no supernatural anecdotes about this commercial. Rather, it is haunted by the ghosts of human abysses that painfully remind us of this: Man is a wolf to man.