A vast airport with a historical past has undergone a remarkable transformation, rendering it unrecognizable from its earlier days. Originally constructed in the 1920s in Berlin, Tempelhof Airport was revamped in the 1930s to showcase the might of the Third Reich. With a massive crescent-shaped terminal spanning an impressive 1.2 kilometers, it stands as one of the world’s largest single-roof structures.

Following World War II, Tempelhof Airport symbolized hope as it served as a vital lifeline during the Berlin Airlift, countering Soviet attempts to control the city. In 2008, the airport saw its final flight before officially closing on October 30. Two years later, the city repurposed the 380-hectare airfield into Tempelhofer Feld, Berlin’s largest inner-city park.

Today, the park attracts Berliners who come to enjoy picnics, kite flying, cycling, and basking in the sun across its sprawling 750-acre open fields. The terminal building, now repurposed, hosts various events, trade fairs, and concerts, breathing new life into the historic structure while preserving its iconic roof and facade.

The park also boasts natural zones, rare plant species, and wildlife inhabiting its former runway. Urban gardening projects, social experiments, and cultural initiatives contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the site. With 10 entrances spread across three neighborhoods in southern Berlin, the park’s expanse is twice the size of Monaco, offering diverse recreational opportunities.

Visitors can explore a six-kilometer loop tracing the old runways, repurposed for activities like cycling, skating, and jogging. The former airstrip, once a landing spot for bombers, now serves as a recreational hub for city residents. Hollywood actress Glenn Close recently shared on Instagram her filming experience at the site for the upcoming Hunger Games prequel Sunrise of the Reaping, adding to the list of productions that have utilized the location to depict fictional worlds.