Berlin’s new riverside staircase links Humboldt Forum to the Spree by 2023
Berlin’s Humboldt Forum area is preparing for major changes. A new riverside staircase, named Schlossfreiheit, will connect the museum complex to the Spree. The project is part of a broader effort to reshape the surrounding district with landscaping, transport upgrades, and new monuments.
Funding of €6.4 million has been secured from both the state of Berlin and the federal government. The staircase, due to start construction in 2021, will be built from granite and sandstone and feature a landing stage. However, swimming in the Spree will remain off-limits even after its completion in 2023.
The idea for a public river bathing site in Berlin’s Spree Canal has been championed by Flussbad Berlin e.V. for years. The group gained official backing from the Berlin Senate after hosting exhibitions in December 2018. They also organise an annual swimming competition in the Spree, keeping public interest alive.
The new staircase will descend from the Humboldt Forum down to the water, reshaping the riverside promenade. While the structure will enhance access to the river, safety and water quality concerns mean swimming will not be permitted straight away. The project forms one piece of a larger transformation in the area, which includes finishing nearby transport hubs and erecting new landmarks.
Despite the delay in opening the Spree for bathing, the staircase itself is set to become a focal point. Its design and materials aim to blend with the historic surroundings while offering a modern public space. The investment reflects a joint effort by city and national authorities to revitalise the heart of Berlin.
The Schlossfreiheit staircase will complete in 2023, adding a striking feature to the Humboldt Forum’s waterfront. Though swimming will not be allowed immediately, the structure will improve riverside access and boost the district’s appeal. Further developments, including landscaping and infrastructure upgrades, are expected to follow in the coming years.
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