History of the Berlin Airlift Memorial
The Berliner Luftbrücken Veteran, officially the Luftbrückendenkmal, stands at the former Tempelhof Airport to commemorate the Allied airlift that kept West Berlin alive during the Soviet blockade. Between June 1948 and May 1949, more than 2.3 million tons of food, coal, and medicine arrived by plane, with 79 airmen losing their lives. The three-pronged concrete sculpture, nicknamed the “Hunger Claw,” symbolizes the three air corridors used by American, British, and French aircraft.
Visiting the Monument
Walk around the base to read the names of the fallen and the inscriptions in English, German, and French. The adjacent open plaza offers unobstructed views of the memorial against the backdrop of the historic Tempelhof terminal building. Visitors often combine the site with a stroll through the vast Tempelhofer Feld park, where former runways now serve as cycle paths and picnic areas.
How to Get There
Take the U6 line to Platz der Luftbrücke station; the monument is a two-minute walk from the exit. Buses 104 and 248 also stop directly in front. Cyclists can follow the marked path along the former airport perimeter. Allow at least 30 minutes for quiet reflection and photos.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and early autumn provide mild weather and fewer crowds. June 26, the anniversary of the airlift’s start, sometimes features wreath-laying ceremonies. Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal for photography, especially when the sun catches the monument’s angular forms.
Nearby Attractions
- Tempelhofer Feld – 355 hectares of open parkland for walking, skating, and kite flying.
- Columbia Höfe – nearby street-art courtyards and cafés in former barracks buildings.
- Britz Garden – a short S-Bahn ride away, offering formal gardens and a baroque palace.
The site remains free and accessible at all hours, though evening visits are best enjoyed with a companion as the surrounding park can feel isolated after dark.
