Hufeisensiedlung, Housing estate in Britz, Germany.
Hufeisensiedlung is a residential complex in the Neukölln district where apartment blocks and single-family homes are arranged in a distinctive horseshoe shape around a central pond. The three-story buildings and surrounding green spaces form a compact, self-contained community layout.
The estate was built between 1925 and 1933 in response to a severe housing shortage after World War I. It represented a new approach to urban housing and community planning of that era.
The design brings together efficient construction methods and social ideals of the time, making housing accessible to ordinary workers. Walking through, you notice how the horseshoe layout and surrounding gardens create a cohesive living environment that feels separate from the busy city.
The complex is freely accessible and can be easily explored on foot, with paths circling the pond and winding between the houses. The grounds offer several spots to sit and watch daily life unfold from different angles.
The estate joined UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2008 as a significant example of early modern housing design. This recognition highlights its importance in the story of 20th-century building and living practices.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
