Spandau

Spandau is a district in western Berlin that spreads along both banks of the Havel River and includes large forested areas, lakes and waterways. The district stretches from Hahneberg in the south to Hakenfelde in the north, connecting dense residential neighborhoods with natural landscapes.

The settlement emerged in the 13th century as an independent town and kept its autonomy until merging with Greater Berlin in 1920. The fortress was built in the 16th century and served as a military installation for centuries.

The old fortress with its thick walls and towers by the water now hosts concerts and exhibitions throughout the year. In the vaulted chambers below, thousands of bats roost and can be observed during guided tours.

The railway station connects regional trains toward Hamburg and Hanover with the local urban rail network. The wide green spaces and riverside promenades along the Havel invite walking and cycling throughout the district.

The housing estate Siemensstadt was built in the 1920s as a modernist project and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The buildings show clean lines, light facades and generous green spaces between the apartment blocks.

Location: Berlin

Inception: October 1, 1920

Shares border with: Reinickendorf, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Steglitz-Zehlendorf

Website: http://spandau.de

GPS coordinates: 52.55000,13.20000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:30