Tempelhof Airport, Berlin, Germany

Tempelhof was designated as an airport by the Ministry of Transport on 8 October 1923. The old terminal was originally constructed in 1927. In anticipation of increasing air traffic, the Nazi government began a massive reconstruction in the mid-1930s. While it was occasionally cited as the world's oldest operating commercial airport, the title was disputed by several other airports, and is no longer an issue since its closure.

Tempelhof was one of Europe's three iconic pre-World War II airports, the others being London's now defunct Croydon Airport and the old Paris – Le Bourget Airport. It acquired a further iconic status as the centre of the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49. One of the airport's most distinctive features is its large, canopy-style roof, which was able to accommodate most contemporary airliners in the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s, protecting passengers from the elements. Tempelhof Airport's main building was once among the top 20 largest buildings on earth; in contrast, it formerly had the world's smallest duty-free shop.

Tempelhof Airport closed all operations on 30 October 2008, despite the efforts of some protesters to prevent the closure. A non-binding referendum was held on 27 April 2008 against the impending closure but failed due to low voter turnout.

Tempelhof has been used since closing to host numerous fairs and events. The fields will be used as a park indefinitely.

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User Reviews

F Schneider (6 months ago)
If you know about the history of Tempelhof airport, that would be a great chance to take a guided tour.you can learn a lot about the history of Berlin.

Alan Barker (7 months ago)
Really glad they saved and preserved this historic airport. Hope they preserve the open space of the airfield.

Sam Farahzad (10 months ago)
One of my favorite experiences here in Berlin. For fans of history, architecture, and liminal spaces, this is a MUST-VISIT! I highly recommend booking the guided tour as you’ll not only get to see incredible parts of the old airport but also learn a ton from the incredible tour guide! The tour itself takes about 75 minutes and you do a bit of walking both inside and outside. Remember, you can take pictures to your heart’s content but no video or sound are allowed.

Stephen Snow (12 months ago)
It was a great experience to see this massive complex and to learn the history and of the important role it played following WWII. The Berlin Airlift, with the daily tons of food and supplies that were flown in, saved the starving German people. Our tour guide thankfully spoke English, as we walked to various rooms, sections and what their functions were. Numerous stairs were climbed and it was a hot day in July. The grand concourse was just that. GRAND. The scale of that interior was truly amazing. And in Art Deco design. Outside, wander the ramp area, all under a vast roof for protection of the passengers. Stroll the runway or rent scooters and buzz around. The snack bar was open and seating is provided.

Nick Monaghan (12 months ago)
Cool and historic location that is definitely worth visiting. Walk through an abandoned art deco styled airport from the 1930s Site of Germany's first powered flight by Orville Wright in September 1909. Designated as one of the world's first airports in 1923. Used as takeoff location for German bombers during WW2. Integral to Berlin airlift of 1948-1949 And finally closed as an airport 2008. Today it is a large park area set in the remnants of old terminal buildings and aircraft.

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