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 strangely. But it’s not just Berlin’s unbiased nature that makes it so appealing. The many mystical places that want to be explored also contribute to the unique appeal.
Sure, it’s not as mysterious as Ireland’s fairy hills or Brandenburg’s lake districts. But the capital also has a certain magic to offer between concrete and Berghain. Join us on a mysterious exploration tour!
The strangely cold lake
At around 35 meters, the airport lake in Tegel is the deepest lake in Berlin. But it’s not just its depth that is fascinating – its peculiar coldness also sometimes causes astonishment. On some days, the water seems to shimmer almost electrically, as if it carries a hidden energy. Legends tell of mysterious lights beneath the surface and a quiet hum that can only be heard in complete silence.
Mystical island
Peacock Island, an enchanting natural paradise, looks back on a rich history that is also linked to an enigmatic alchemist. Its mystical allure is based on its diverse fauna, picturesque landscapes and relics of its past. Nestled 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 spirit, however, is said to still move as a shadow over the otherwise idyllic island.
Magic well
The Fairytale Fountain is a wondrous structure that exudes an enchanting charm. This enchanting fountain in Volkspark Friedrichshain brings beloved fairy tales to life through ornate sculptures of famous characters. The unique design of the fountain stimulates the imagination of visitors and its magnificent construction acts as 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 peaceful 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 Snow White hibernation. 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 heart of Berlin’s historic center, 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 monks disappear and to have walled up his own son in the monastery cellar. According to legend, the monk’s lamentations can still be heard 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 cozy town of Frohnau is home to the most important Buddhist place of worship in Western Europe: the Buddhist House. The mystical main building, whose pagoda-like tower is decorated with Sinhalese style elements, is located on a hill. A Ceylonese-style library is nestled right next to it. Evening meditations are also offered here several times a week, promising respite from the madness of the city.
Ancient place of worship
The next mystical spot in Berlin is the Pergamon Altar, which can be found in the building of the same name on Museum Island. 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 intricate scenes of supernatural confrontation, the mysticism of the altar unfolds like a portal into the world of antiquity. Even in modern times, it has a mysterious reputation: in conspiracy circles, it is believed that the ancient altar is still used for dark 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 exact spot on May 10, 1933. The memorial was designed by Israeli artist Micha Ullman and was inaugurated on March 20, 1995.
In fact, there are no supernatural anecdotes about this spot. Rather, it is haunted by the ghosts of human abysses that painfully remind us that man is a wolf to man.