Living in Adlershof, Berlin
Berlin's science and technology district. Humboldt University natural-sciences campus and WISTA, one of Europe's largest science parks. New buildings, young international atmosphere.
History and identity
Adlershof started in the 19th century as a small rural settlement at the confluence of Berlin and Köpenick. Its modern identity began in 1909 with the founding of Germany's first powered airfield (the "Johannisthaler Flugplatz"). Between the wars it hosted important aviation and research firms. During the GDR it became the country's main scientific campus: the Akademie der Wissenschaften, DEFA film studios, GDR television (DFF) were all based here. After reunification Berlin decided to relaunch the site as WISTA – Wissenschafts- und Wirtschaftsstandort Adlershof, one of Europe's largest science and technology parks. From 1998 Humboldt University moved its natural sciences faculties (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, geography) here. Today Adlershof is Berlin's scientific-technological pole, part of the Treptow-Köpenick district.
What to expect
Strongly heterogeneous fabric: single-family houses of the old village, GDR social housing blocks, and especially new buildings (university campus, companies, housing for students and professionals). The population is young: Humboldt students (15,000+ here), researchers, engineers, startup scientists, tech professionals, internationals from everywhere. Long-standing German families of the old Adlershof live alongside. Campus atmosphere, dynamic by day but quiet at night (students often live more centrally).
Transport
S-Bahn S8, S9, S45, S46 (Adlershof, Schöneweide). Trams 60, 61, 63, 67. Buses 162, 163, 164. Alexanderplatz reachable in 20-25 minutes. Excellent for cycling: campus designed for bikes, bike lanes everywhere. BER airport reachable in 15 minutes by S-Bahn.
What to do in the neighbourhood
HU Berlin Adlershof Campus — modern campus open to the public, with libraries, cafeteria, events. WISTA — the technology park, visible from the pedestrian path. Forum Adlershof, gathering place for students and researchers. Aerodynamischer Park — old 1930s aerodynamic installations (wind tunnel) transformed into scientific monuments. Bärenquell Brauerei (ex-brewery now cultural hub on the edge). Wuhletal reachable by bike. Königsheide, forest to the south. Karower Teiche for nature outings. University cafés, Vietnamese and German restaurants.
Who it's ideal for
Humboldt science students, researchers, engineers, startup scientists, tech professionals, international families of the science hub, BER airport workers. Less suited to those wanting historic centre life, gourmet restaurants, "classic Berlin" atmosphere.