Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg is an administrative borough in eastern Berlin that runs along the Spree riverbanks, merging former East and West Berlin neighborhoods. The area includes residential blocks with older buildings, tree-lined streets, and several green spaces spread across both sides of the river.

The merger of the two districts took place in 2001, bringing together areas that had been separated by the Berlin Wall. This division lasted from 1961 to 1989 and shaped the development of each side differently.

The name combines two historical references, while today street art covers many walls in courtyards and alleyways where studios and small shops operate. On weekends, markets draw neighbors from different backgrounds, and food stands serve dishes from Turkey alongside German bakeries.

Several subway lines cross the borough and connect neighborhoods with each other and with other parts of the city. Bike paths run along the river and through side streets, while buses also reach less central corners.

Every summer, a playful battle takes place on Oberbaum Bridge, where residents from the two former district halves throw vegetables at each other. This tradition recalls the earlier division but is now celebrated as a festival.

Location: Berlin

Inception: 2001

Shares border with: Pankow, Lichtenberg, Treptow-Köpenick, Neukölln, Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Bezirk Mitte von Berlin

Website: https://berlin.de/ba-friedrichshain-kreuzberg

GPS coordinates: 52.50000,13.45000

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:05