There’s no question about it: Berlin is full of iconic landmarks. Even a short walk through the city takes you past buildings known around the world. And they don’t always have to be grand structures: several housing estates in Berlin are also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hufeisensiedlung in Neukölln is one of them. It has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008—and for good reason.
Liveable housing – at low rents
The Hufeisensiedlung was built between 1925 and 1933. Like other famous housing estates, it was designed by architect Bruno Taut and urban planner Martin Wagner. It was intended as a response to the acute housing shortage following World War I.
The centerpiece of the complex is the eponymous horseshoe-shaped building, which is arranged around a small glacial pond. This massive building is 350 meters long and, with its curved shape, almost resembles a modern amphitheater. What makes it special is the radical departure from the traditional courtyard layout: instead of narrow alleys, there are expansive green spaces and tenant gardens. The architecture was designed to offer residents light, air, and a high quality of life—all at affordable rents.
A “red housing estate” in gray Neukölln
Bruno Taut used color almost like a building material. As you stroll through the housing estate, you’ll experience a play of colors and shapes. The horseshoe was positioned precisely to amplify the acoustic effect of the pond at its center: an early attempt to harmonize nature and urban acoustics.
Moreover, the housing estate was politically highly charged: It was regarded as a “red estate” where many trade unionists and Social Democrats lived, which is why it immediately came under surveillance after the National Socialists seized power, and Bruno Taut was forced to flee Germany .
Today, the Hufeisensiedlung is a living monument that inspires architects and urban planners worldwide. An absolute highlight for visitors is the “Tautes Heim” museum. This row house in the settlement was restored by its owners in the style of the 1920s. It is the only World Heritage Site where you can actually stay overnight. Experience the spirit of modernism up close!
