Living in Rummelsburg, Berlin
The south-western tip of Lichtenberg, on the Rummelsburger See. A neighbourhood in full transformation: former industry on the water, new buildings, bike lanes, a life on the lake minutes from the centre.
History and identity
Rummelsburg developed in the second half of the 19th century as an industrial zone along the Spree — textile mills, tanneries, glassworks, railway workshops — and was home to the Rummelsburg prison, active from 1879 to 1990 (one of the GDR's notorious political detention sites). Annexed to Berlin in 1920. After reunification, the closure of factories and prison left an abandoned area on the Rummelsburger See. In the 2000s-2020s a major redevelopment plan was launched: the prison became housing ("Stadthäuser"), many sheds were converted into lofts, and new residential districts ("Wasserstadt Rummelsburg") rose on the waterfront. Today it's one of Berlin's most rapidly transforming neighbourhoods, part of the Lichtenberg district.
What to expect
A transforming fabric: new residential buildings on the lake (2000s-2020s), restored Wilhelmine Altbau, industrial sheds converted into lofts or creative spaces. The population is young and mixed: new owners in recent buildings (German professionals and expats), creatives in lofts, a few long-standing families. Contemporary, lakeside, cycle-friendly atmosphere. Very little tourism (except a few visitors to the prison memorial). Quiet evenings, but a growing offer of bars and restaurants.
Transport
S-Bahn S3 (Rummelsburg, Betriebsbahnhof Rummelsburg), S5, S7, S75 (Nöldnerplatz, Karlshorst nearby). Trams 21, 37. Buses 240, 296. Alexanderplatz reachable in 15-18 minutes. Excellent for cycling: bike path along the Spree and the lake.
What to do in the neighbourhood
Rummelsburger See and the Paul-und-Paula-Ufer — the lakeside named after the GDR cult film "Die Legende von Paul und Paula" (1973, shot here). 4 km walk around the lake. Gedenkstätte Geschlossener Jugendwerkhof Rummelsburg — historic memorial in the former prison. Hauptstadtsegler (marina). Halbinsel Stralau reachable by bridge. Treptower Park nearby on the other bank. Kraftwerk Klingenberg, decommissioned thermoelectric plant (guided tours available). Emerging cafés and restaurants on Hauptstraße. Markthalle Acht (modern covered market).
Who it's ideal for
Young professionals, couples, young families seeking new buildings on the lake 15 minutes from the centre, remote workers, creatives in the loft conversions. People interested in urban transformation. Less suited to those wanting a settled historic atmosphere, "traditional Berlin" neighbourhood life, established restaurants.