Cold War Surveillance Installation 

In 1963, the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) established a significant listening station atop Teufelsberg, known as Field Station Berlin. This facility was part of the global ECHELON intelligence-gathering network, aimed at monitoring military communications from the Soviet Union, East Germany, and other Warsaw Pact countries. The station featured distinctive radome structures housing antenna systems and operated around the clock until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Post-reunification, the site continued to serve as a civilian air traffic control radar facility in 1994, after which it was decommissioned and the equipment removed. The site's history as a strategic intelligence hub remains a key aspect of its identity.

From Nazi Foundations to Abandoned Ruins

The remains of a Nazi military-technical college, designed by Albert Speer, lie beneath Teufelsberg’s rubble. The structure was too robust to demolish with explosives, leading to its burial under millions of cubic meters of debris. Over time, the hill was landscaped and forested, blending into the surrounding Grunewald woodland. Following its creation, Teufelsberg saw various ownership and development attempts. In the 1990s, investors proposed constructing hotels, apartments, and a spy museum, but financial difficulties and public opposition halted these plans. The site fell into neglect, becoming a canvas for graffiti artists and a destination for urban explorers. In 2018, recognizing its historical and architectural significance, Berlin's authorities placed Teufelsberg under monument protection.

"Teufelsberg is an abandoned listening station used during the Cold War that is now covered with graffiti."

Visitor Experience

Visitors to Teufelsberg can explore its rich history through guided tours lasting approximately 90 minutes. These tours detail its Cold War intelligence role and post-war development. The "Declassified – The Secret of the Teufelsberg" exhibition offers insights into espionage activities, featuring multimedia stations and interviews. Teufelsberg is also a hub for street art, with over 400 artworks created by international artists. The former radar station’s ruins serve as a canvas for evolving murals, reflecting Berlin’s vibrant art culture. Visitors can ascend the site’s towers for panoramic views of Berlin, making it a distinctive experience combining history, art, and urban exploration.