As you pass through Teltow and step off the bus at Stansdorf, the first thing you’ll see is a two-story building perched on the corner. And the first thing you’ll smell is the freshness of the lush green park opposite. Marktplatz Waldschänke is a heritage site, built in the late 1910s, with cottage character. It reminds me of an enchanted gingerbread house. You can imagine what it means to the local community, nothing short of an icon — beloved and cherished. More than just the building itself, it stands surrounded by a beer garden, a large dining courtyard at the cafe, a spot to chill by the fire or make woodfired pizza, swings to swing on, an ice-cream bar, or some freshly baked bread from Domberger Brot-Werk. The bread station is an ex-military trailer with a built-in wood fire oven. There are so many layers and elements to this space, nooks and crannies to explore, you’d need at least half a day to take it all in.
My favorite component is the barn house, replenished and revamped into a beautiful dining space to sit and enjoy coffee and cake. Our favorite is the vegan carrot cake and the lemon cheesecake. Alternatively, you can reserve it for a private function. The furniture has either been built from scraps by Adrian Schefer and his team or donated by the community. There’s a huge sense of nostalgia — finding the joy in how nothing matches, and pieces had a whole other life before arriving here. The entire space is designed to bring people together while supporting the local community. A lot of love and contribution has gone into Walderschänke, whether it be from material donations, labour efforts, or simply sharing the space with other business owners. Adrian, with his deep knowledge of Waldschänke’s history, years of experience opening and running businesses in Berlin, and a passion for up-cycling, has been slowly and carefully reviving the space. There’s still plenty to do, so an “all hands on deck” spirit is welcome. Visitors can stop by Thursday through Sunday or book for private events.
Text & photos: Ruby Watt
Marktplatz Waldschänke, Wannseestr.21, 14532, Berlin–Stahnsdorf; map
@marktplatz_waldschaenke
