Living in Reinickendorf, Berlin
Far north of Berlin, between the former Tegel airport and the city's edge. Single-family houses, social blocks, slow rhythm, accessible prices.
History and identity
Reinickendorf is documented from the 14th century as a rural Brandenburg village. In the 19th century, with Berlin's expansion, it gradually became a working-class periphery, especially with the construction of the Nordbahn railway. Annexed to Berlin in 1920, it gave its name to the whole district. During the Cold War it was part of West Berlin, home to the Tegel airport (Tegel TXL, West Berlin's main airport until 2020). A large French military base was here. After Tegel closed in 2020, the area is being transformed: the former airport is becoming a science-technology park and a new residential zone ("Urban Tech Republic" and "Schumacher Quartier").
What to expect
Heterogeneous fabric: a historic core around the old village Anger, single-family houses with gardens, 1920s and 1960s blocks, modern condominiums. Wide streets, tree-lined avenues, local parks. The population is mostly middle- and working-class Germans, some long-standing immigration (Turkish, Polish), few expats. Authentic neighbourhood life, supermarkets, weekly markets, schools, kindergartens. Quiet evenings. No tourism, no nightlife.
Transport
U-Bahn U8 (Paracelsus-Bad, Lindauer Allee, Karl-Bonhoeffer-Nervenklinik, Wittenau terminus). S-Bahn S1, S25 (Schönholz, Wilhelmsruh, Eichborndamm). Tram M1 in the north-eastern parts. Buses M21, X33, 122, 222. Mitte reachable in 25 minutes by S-Bahn or U-Bahn. Cycling works: bike lanes available.
What to do in the neighbourhood
Schloss Tegel (Humboldt-Schloss) on the edge with Tegel — residence of Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt, park and museum. Mörikepark and other local parks. Russische Botschaft am Schäferberg (historic spot). Märchenbrunnen in Borsigwalde. The historic village heart of Alt-Reinickendorf with the medieval Dorfkirche (13th c.). Borsigwerke, the former Borsig (locomotive) factory with iconic tower, now converted into a shopping and cultural centre. Reinickendorfer Stadtgarten. Tegeler Forst and Tegeler See reachable by bike. Traditional German and Turkish restaurants.
Who it's ideal for
German families and newcomers seeking space, accessible prices and decent connections to the centre. Commuters working downtown who want to live in a quiet district. Older residents. People who appreciate the "quiet West Berlin" atmosphere. Less suited to those wanting a central feel, nightlife, gourmet restaurants, an international scene.