Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin Travel Guide

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Explore Berlin's oldest water tower in Prenzlauer Berg, a historical landmark with a park offering city views and a glimpse into the past.

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Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg

The Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin's oldest water tower, stands as a testament to the city's 19th-century infrastructure. Completed in 1877, the yellow brick tower supplied water to the surrounding working-class district until 1952. Today, it's a protected monument surrounded by a park, offering a tranquil escape and a glimpse into Berlin's past, including its dark history as a Nazi concentration camp site.

A brief summary to Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg

Knaackstraße 23, Berlin, Pankow, 10405, DE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg.

Visit the Kollwitzplatz, a lively square with a weekly market, near the Wasserturm for a local experience.
Explore the Mauerpark, known for its flea market and karaoke sessions, a short distance from the Wasserturm.
Check out the website of Förderverein “Weingarten Berlin” e.V. for tour opportunities to explore the underground cisterns.

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Getting There

Public Transport

The Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg is easily accessible via Berlin's efficient public transport system. From Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), take the M2 tram towards Heinersdorf to the Knaackstraße stop. Alternatively, take the U2 subway line to Eberswalder Straße station, which is a short walk to the tower. A single fare for zones A and B is €3.80. A short trip ticket, valid for three stops on the S-Bahn or U-Bahn, or six stops on buses and trams, costs €2.60. Purchasing a day ticket for zones AB costs €10.60.
Walking

From Eberswalder Straße U-Bahn station, the Wasserturm is approximately a 3-minute walk. Exit the station and walk south on Danziger Straße, then turn left onto Knaackstraße. The Wasserturm will be on your right. The walk is straightforward and well-signposted.
Taxi

A taxi or ride-sharing service from Berlin Central Station to the Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg typically costs between €14 and €18, and the journey takes around 8 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are readily available at the station.

Discover more about Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg

The Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg, located at Knaackstraße 23, is more than just a historical landmark; it's a symbol of Prenzlauer Berg's evolution. Completed in 1877, it is Berlin's oldest water tower, designed by Henry Gill and built by the English Waterworks Company. The tower provided essential water services to the burgeoning working-class district until 1952.The area's origins trace back to 1827 when Berlin expanded beyond its city walls. James Hobrecht's urban planning in the mid-19th century shaped Prenzlauer Berg, leading to the water tower's construction to address sanitation concerns. Before a centralized water system, residents relied on wells prone to contamination. The Wasserturm offered a safer, more reliable water supply.Below the water tank were apartments for the machinery operators; these apartments remain highly sought after. During the Nazi era, the site became a concentration camp in 1933, a grim chapter memorialized today. By 1937, the area was transformed into a public park, offering a place for leisure and reflection.Today, the Wasserturm is the heart of Prenzlauer Berg, with its elevated park providing city views. While the tower itself isn't always open, visitors can explore it during occasional art installations or guided tours. The surrounding park invites leisurely strolls and picnics, offering a blend of history and recreation.