Reinickendorf

Reinickendorf
Name	Reinickendorf
Coordinates	52.5667°N 13.3333°E
State	Berlin
Area	89.46
Population	266,408
Pop date	2022
Density	2,978
Mayor	Frank Balzer (CDU)
Party	CDU / SPD / Greens

Reinickendorf is the twelfth borough of Berlin, located in the city's northwestern sector. Characterized by significant green spaces like the Tegeler See and a mix of residential areas, industrial heritage, and modern technology parks, it has evolved from a historic village into a key administrative and economic district. The borough is known for its distinct localities such as Tegel, Wittenau, and Heiligensee, each contributing to its diverse urban fabric.

History

The area's earliest settlements date to the Slavic period, with the village of Reinickendorf first documented in 1345. For centuries, it remained an agricultural community within Brandenburg. The 19th century brought transformative development with the opening of the Berlin Northern Railway and the establishment of the Borsigwerke factory in Tegel, a major locomotive manufacturer that spurred industrial growth. Following the Greater Berlin Act of 1920, it was incorporated into Berlin. During the Cold War, it formed part of the French sector of Berlin, with the Berlin Tegel Airport becoming a vital lifeline during the Berlin Blockade. The Allied Control Council maintained a presence, and the borough later saw significant housing developments like the Märkisches Viertel in the 1960s.

Geography

Reinickendorf is bordered by the Berlin borough of Pankow to the east, Mitte and Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf to the south, and the Brandenburg municipalities of Oberhavel district and Havelland district to the north and west. Its landscape is defined by numerous waterways and forests, including the Havel river, the Tegeler See—one of Berlin's largest lakes—and the Berlin-Spandau Ship Canal. Large wooded areas such as the Tegeler Forst and the Jungfernheide park are prominent features. The borough comprises twelve localities, notably Frohnau, Hermsdorf, and Lübars, the latter retaining a historic village center.

Demographics

As of 2022, Reinickendorf has approximately 266,408 inhabitants. The population includes a significant number of residents with a migration background, particularly communities from Turkey, Poland, and the Middle East. Districts like Märkisches Viertel are known for their high density and social housing. The borough has an aging population trend, but family-oriented neighborhoods such as Frohnau and Waidmannslust maintain a relatively balanced age structure. Religious communities are diverse, with notable Protestant and Catholic parishes, as well as Islamic cultural centers.

Economy and Infrastructure

Historically anchored by heavy industry like the Borsigwerke, the economy has shifted towards technology, logistics, and services. The decommissioned Berlin Tegel Airport is being transformed into the Urban Tech Republic, a major research and industrial park focused on green technology. Major companies such as Bombardier Transportation and Beiersdorf have operations here. Transportation networks are robust, including the Berlin S-Bahn lines S1, S25, and S85, the Berlin U-Bahn line U8, and the A111 autobahn. Important institutions include the Bundeswehr's Bundeswehr Medical Service headquarters in Wittenau and the Berlin-Tegel prison.

Culture and Sights

Cultural highlights include the Borsig Villa, the Tegel Palace estate associated with Alexander von Humboldt, and the Museum Reinickendorf. The annual Tegeler Hafenfest and the Frühling am Tegeler See festival attract many visitors. Architectural landmarks range from the historic Dorfkirche Alt-Lübars to the modernist Märkisches Viertel housing estate. Recreational areas are plentiful, notably the Tegeler See shores, the Freizeitpark Lübars, and the Schlosspark Tegel. The Atrium Theater in Märkisches Viertel and the Galerie Pankow branch are key cultural venues.

Politics

The borough assembly (Bezirksverordnetenversammlung) has been traditionally led by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The current borough mayor is Frank Balzer of the CDU, leading a coalition with the SPD and The Greens. Major political issues include urban development at the Urban Tech Republic, housing policy, and climate adaptation. Reinickendorf is part of the Berlin electoral districts for the Bundestag, currently represented by members of the CDU/CSU and SPD.

Category:Boroughs of Berlin Category:Localities of Berlin