Author: Peter Johannes

Do not expect a scientific depiction on the history of the airport Johannistahl-Adlershof as I can only share a short version with simple words without claim to completeness. At all times, man dreamed of flying like a bird. In the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci - a brilliant painter, sculptor, inventor - already made scientific observations of the flight of birds. From this knowledge he built a device suitable for flying, which inspired many inventors to continue this work. Over the centuries, the aircraft as we know it today was developed. The dream of flying cost many great inventors not only a lot of money, but also their lives. The breath of history also touches our urban district of Treptow-Köpenick in Adlershof-Johannistahl. The former airfield "Johannistahl-Adlershof" was opened in 1909 as one of the first airfields in Germany. The term airfield goes back to Otto Lilienthal (1848-1896), who made his first gliding flights on an artificial hill in Lichterfelde. During one of his flights he crashed and died of the consequences of the fall on 10.08.1896.

Because the military did not allow any halls for aircraft at the Tempelhof drill ground, it was necessary to switch to a piece of woodland between Johannistahl and Adlershof. Despite constant financial problems the airfield became an international attraction. 1914 the airfield was used for military purposes and 1919 the history of the German airmail was introduced. With the opening of the Tempelhof airfield in 1923, Johannistahl-Adlershof lost its significance as a civil airport. However, military use continued. After the Second World War, the Soviet victorious power used the site for another year. In 1995, Johannistahl-Adlershof Airport experienced a sad incident. During a flight event to remember the airfield's history German astronaut Reinhard Furrer was killed. If you drive along the Rudower Chaussee today, you will see modern buildings, universities, residential complexes and industrial enterprises. At the end of the street you can see two huge hangars, which still today bear witness to the moving history of Johannistahl-Adlershof Airport.

Photo: Photo by Adetunji Paul on Unsplash