Living in Zehlendorf, Berlin
The residential south-west of Berlin. Art-nouveau villas, tree-lined avenues, lakes a bike ride away. One of the greenest and wealthiest parts of the city.
History and identity
Zehlendorf started as a medieval village of fishermen and farmers, and for centuries was a small agricultural settlement south-west of Berlin. Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the railway line linking it to the capital, the Berlin bourgeoisie began building villas and gardens here to escape the city. The neighbourhood was incorporated into Berlin in 1920. After the war Zehlendorf fell within the American occupation zone, and during the Cold War remained one of the most "Western-leaning" districts — home to the Free University Berlin (FU) in Dahlem, US military barracks, and a wealthy population. Today it's part of the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district.
What to expect
Art-nouveau and rationalist villas, single-family houses with gardens, a few elegant condominiums. Wide tree-lined streets, well-kept pavements. Density is low. The population is mostly affluent Germans: families, academics, professionals, older residents. Few expats, high prices. Quiet life with a small lively centre around Mexikoplatz and Schloßstraße / Teltower Damm. Safety and order come first. Almost an American-suburb residential feel.
Transport
S-Bahn S1 (Zehlendorf, Sundgauer Straße, Mexikoplatz), S7 (Wannsee, Nikolassee). U-Bahn U3 (Onkel Toms Hütte, Krumme Lanke). Buses M48, X11, 101, 118. Mitte reachable in 30-35 minutes by S-Bahn. Cycling is excellent: lake-side paths, flat terrain. A car is useful for the more outlying houses.
What to do in the neighbourhood
Schlachtensee and Krumme Lanke, two lakes a bike ride away where Berliners come to swim (FKK in some areas). Wannsee at the edge: Berlin's most famous bathing lake, with the Strandbad Wannsee (Europe's largest lake beach). Pfaueninsel, peacock island with the white neo-Gothic castle (UNESCO). Mexikoplatz, a picturesque little square with cafés and a Saturday market. Onkel Toms Hütte, the modernist housing estate by Bruno Taut (1929). Allied Museum. Düppeler Forst for jogging. Schloss Glienicke on the border with Potsdam.
Who it's ideal for
Affluent families seeking space, green, safety and good schools (FU nearby, international schools). Academics and FU researchers. Diplomats, senior professionals. Older residents wanting high quality of life. Less suited to those looking for affordable prices, nightlife, or a young international atmosphere.