Tempelhofer Feld: walking the runways of the former airport

Updated on October 1, 2026

Tempelhofer Feld is the former airfield of Tempelhof Airport, south of central Berlin, between the districts of Tempelhof, Neukölln and Kreuzberg. Closed to air traffic in 2008 and opened to the public in 2010, it offers more than 300 hectares of open space where people walk, cycle, skate or fly kites on the old runways, each about 2 km long. Entry is free; the gates open and close at times that change every month, from 7:00 to 19:00 in October. The site welcomed aviation pioneers from the late 19th century, then the airport built under the Nazi regime. In 1948 and 1949, during the Berlin Blockade, the planes of the Allied airlift landed here to supply the western sectors of the city. In 2014, a referendum protected the field from any construction.

Highlights

The runways of the former airport

The two runways, each about 2 km long, and the taxiways form a vast flat area for walking, cycling, inline skating and skateboarding. Bikes and skates are allowed on paved surfaces only; the meadows, where skylarks among others nest, are partly fenced off during the breeding season.

Kites and kiteboarding

The wind sweeping across the field draws kite flyers, land kitesurfers and kite skaters, in the areas set aside for them. One windy afternoon is enough to see the sky fill with sails.

The airport building and its guided tours

The huge curved terminal, with its canopy over the former apron, can be visited with a guide. The "Mythos Tempelhof" tour (about 2 hours) takes in the check-in hall, the American areas and the gangways overlooking the field: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 13:30, Saturday and Sunday at 13:30 and 14:30. The "Hidden Places" tour (air-raid shelters, bunkers, intelligence service areas), on Saturdays at 10:30, requires closed-toe shoes and is not wheelchair accessible. Each tour costs €17.50, or €12 reduced; book about 4 weeks ahead, online or at the CHECK-IN visitor centre on Platz der Luftbrücke, card payment only.

The THF Tower and its terrace

In one of the terminal's towers, at Tempelhofer Damm 45, a wood-decked roof terrace looks out over the city and the field. From 1 October 2026 it opens Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, with the exhibition "Lufthansa. Berlin-Tempelhof 1926–1945"; entry €5, or €3 reduced. The terrace may close at short notice in bad weather.

Gardens, barbecues and dogs

The Allmende-Kontor community garden, created in 2011, has more than 250 beds tended by volunteers over 5,000 m². Three barbecue areas lie near the Tempelhofer Damm, Oderstraße and Columbiadamm entrances, and three fenced areas let dogs run off the lead; elsewhere, dogs must be kept on a lead. In season, beer gardens and food trucks set up near the entrances.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Check the month's closing time before you go: the gates close in the evening and the field is vast, so allow a good half hour to cross it on foot. There is very little shade: bring water, sunscreen and a windbreaker. Parking spaces are scarce; come by public transport. Prices checked in October 2026.

How to get there

Three main entrances, all wheelchair accessible. West: Tempelhofer Damm, about 3 minutes from Tempelhof station (S-Bahn S41, S42 and S47, U-Bahn U6); side entrance near U6 Paradestraße. East: Oderstraße at Herrfurthstraße, and five more entrances along Oderstraße, 5 to 7 minutes from U8 Leinestraße or Boddinstraße. North: Columbiadamm at Lilienthalstraße, and Columbiadamm at Golßener Straße (bus M43). The airport building and the tour visitor centre are on Platz der Luftbrücke (U6 Platz der Luftbrücke, buses 248 and M43). The [Kreuzberg](/fr/articles/kreuzberg-berlin) district begins across Columbiadamm; [Treptower Park](/fr/attractions/treptower-park) is a few S-Bahn stops away on the Ring.