My parents were in Berlin and since we’ve seen a lot inside the city already, we decided to take a day trip to the Beelitzer Heilstätten. It had been a while since I’d gone there to take a tour of the old surgical ward. This time we drove out without a plan and checked which tours were available upon arrival. An hour later we met our Austrian guide outside of the Alpenhaus. A lot of the information he gave was about the Heilstätten in general. I’d already heard it, but it was a nice refresher of the history of this fascinating place. And then we got a glimpse of the old glory of the Alpenhaus.
They really don’t make buildings like this anymore. Even the richest among us have nice houses, but nothing compared to some of the architecture of the past. The curious thing about this particular place, is that it was a recovery center for the general population, the people working in the factories of Berlin. When they got tuberculosis, they got to come here to rest and strengthen up until they were ready to report back for work. But the buildings had grandeur. The surroundings were impressive. The food was of high quality. These days many would pay good money for this type of wellness experience. In the 1900s the environment here posed a stark contrast to the harsh life of industrial Berlin. Now, what is left are ruins, overgrown by trees and bushes. But the buildings still impress. And they have a great story to tell.
The Alpenhaus is named after the Beelitzer Alps, the hills that were created to let patients breath in the fresh air and go on guided hikes through the surrounding hills. Yes, there was even an Alpine guide, even though the hills were not that high at all. But imagine how peaceful it was for patients to spend time here, while strengthening their bodies through sunbathing and decent meals. It’s hard to imagine what it was like to be here. And yet, there is so much history preserved in these buildings. The Alpenhaus was ruined by fire and several floors got lost, but walking through the building is still a great experience. There are old bed post, baths, tiles and plaster work. Since its closure, artists have added graffiti and films have been shot here. Nature has reclaimed the land and animals live on the rooftop. Now, it’s an amazing place to spend a sunny afternoon: taking a tour and walking along the treetop walkway. Peeking inside the ruined buildings, having a picnic, or grabbing a coffee from one of the many cafés. I can only recommend visiting this fascinating place, having a moment of peace and fresh air for yourself, and learning about its history.
