The history of Schönefeld dates back to the Middle Ages. The settlement was first mentioned in historical documents in 1242 under the name Sconenvelde. This name, which can be translated as "beautiful field," speaks volumes about how the first inhabitants perceived this area—as fertile land suitable for living.
Key Factors of Development
The development of Schönefeld was determined by several important circumstances that shaped its character for centuries to come:
Geographic Location: Located within the historical region of Brandenburg, the settlement was ideally situated in close proximity to Berlin and Köpenick, which facilitated trade relations.
Layout: Schönefeld developed as a typical Angerdorf—a village built around a central square or meadow, which often featured a pond and a church. This structure was characteristic of the German colonization of eastern lands.
Early Cultural and Economic Features
In the early period, Schönefeld's economy was based exclusively on agriculture. Local residents were engaged in cultivating fields and livestock farming, taking advantage of the region's fertile soils.
The center of spiritual and social life was the village church, built in the second half of the 13th century. This massive fieldstone structure has survived to this day and serves as a visual reminder of the town's deep historical roots, long preceding its modern role as a major transport hub.
Timeline
Major Historical Milestones
The history of Schönefeld is a journey from a small agricultural village to a location of international significance. Below are the key dates that shaped the modern face of the municipality.
1242 — The first documented mention of the settlement under the name Sconenvelde in a charter by Margrave Henry III.
Mid-13th Century — Construction of the stone village church, which survives to this day and is the oldest building in the town.
1900 — Opening of the railway station, which significantly improved transport links with Berlin and encouraged population growth.
1934 — Commencement of the construction of aviation industrial facilities, defining the region's future specialization in aviation.
1946 — Foundation of the civil airport based on the existing airfield infrastructure.
1955 — Start of regular civil passenger flights, turning the airport into the main air gateway of East Berlin.
1976 — Commissioning of a new passenger terminal, which served as the airport's main building for many years.
1992 — Commencement of large-scale planning for a single major airport for the Berlin-Brandenburg region on the territory of Schönefeld.
2003 — Municipal reform, during which the current municipality of Schönefeld was formed by merging several neighboring villages.
2006 — Official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).
2020 — Opening of BER Airport and the integration of Schönefeld's old infrastructure into the new aviation hub as "Terminal 5."
Milestones
Evolution of Development: From Agrarian Settlement to Aviation Hub
The transformation of Schönefeld is an example of how one major infrastructure project can completely reshape the fate of a small settlement. Below are the key stages that defined the economic and urban landscape of the modern municipality:
Industrialization of the 1930s. The establishment of the Henschel Flugzeug-Werke aircraft factory was a turning point. This event shifted the settlement's economy from agrarian to industrial, attracted thousands of skilled workers, and stimulated the first large-scale housing construction, changing the region's demographics.
Establishment of the "Air Gateway" (1950s–1980s). During the GDR period, Schönefeld acquired strategic status, becoming home to East Germany's main civil airport. This ensured stable funding for infrastructure and full employment, turning the municipality into a company town serving aviation.
Decision to Create a Unified Aviation Hub (1996). After the reunification of Germany, a fundamental political and economic decision was made to close Berlin's inner-city airports and concentrate all air traffic in Schönefeld. This launched a global redevelopment of the area and an influx of multi-billion dollar investments.
Municipal Reform of 2003. The administrative merger of Schönefeld with neighboring villages (Großziethen, Waßmannsdorf, Selchow, etc.) created the modern territorial structure. This allowed the authorities to plan land use comprehensively, designating zones for logistics parks and new residential quarters away from noisy runways.
Development of the "Airport City" Business Cluster. Parallel to the construction of the new terminal, a powerful commercial zone began to form around the airport. The emergence of office centers, international hotels, and logistics hubs diversified the town's economy, making it less dependent on state subsidies.
Opening of BER Airport (2020). The launch of Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt was the culmination of decades of planning. This event finally secured Schönefeld's status as one of the most important transport and economic centers in the federal state of Brandenburg.
A New Type of Urbanization (Modern Stage). In recent years, the town has been actively forming a full-fledged center not directly tied to airport functions. The construction of a new town hall, a secondary school, a swimming pool, and residential complexes is transforming Schönefeld from a transit zone into a comfortable place for families to live permanently.
Architecture
Architectural Contrasts: From the Middle Ages to High-Tech
The architectural landscape of Schönefeld is unique due to its sharp contrasts. There is almost no smooth evolution of styles here, typical of old bourgeois towns. Instead, the municipality demonstrates a surprising proximity of ancient sacred structures made of fieldstone and ultra-modern glass and steel constructions, dictated by the needs of international aviation.
Historical Styles and Iconic Buildings
The municipality's architecture is clearly divided into several key eras, each of which has left its mark on the urban fabric:
Early Gothic and Romanesque Style (13th Century): The most significant historical monument is the Schönefeld Village Church (Dorfkirche). It is a classic example of the medieval architecture of the March of Brandenburg—a massive defensive structure made of untreated fieldstone. Similar churches, combining Romanesque solidity with Early Gothic elements, have also been preserved in the districts of Waßmannsdorf and Selchow.
Socialist Modernism and Functionalism (1950s–1980s): The GDR era brought pragmatism to the town's appearance. This period is characterized by the construction of standard residential blocks (Plattenbau) for aviation industry employees and the development of the old airport's infrastructure. Buildings from this period are distinguished by their austere forms, utility, and lack of decorative excesses.
Modern High-Tech and Neo-Modernism (21st Century): The undisputed architectural landmark is Terminal 1 of Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). Designed by the gmp architectural firm, the building’s style references the traditions of the Bauhaus school and the classical modernism of Mies van der Rohe: clean horizontal lines, colonnades, extensive glazing, and the use of natural materials (Jurassic limestone, walnut wood) in the interior.
Urban Development and Zoning
The spatial organization of Schönefeld clearly demonstrates the transition from a rural lifestyle to a new type of urbanization:
Historical Cores (Angerdorf): The traditional German layout of a village built around a central meadow or pond with a church in the middle is preserved in the old districts (Schönefeld, Großziethen). Low-rise buildings with gabled roofs predominate here.
"Airport City" Business Cluster: A modern business district has formed around the terminal. The architecture here features office buildings and hotels with mirrored facades and strict geometry, creating the image of a "city within a city."
New Living Environment: The current stage of development is characterized by the construction of "urban villas" and medium-rise residential complexes in vacant spaces. These projects aim to visually unite the disparate parts of the municipality, creating a unified urban space with parks and public areas.
Notable People
Iconic Figures in the Municipality's History
The history of Schönefeld and its districts (such as Großziethen) is intertwined with the lives of artists, aristocrats, and figures who defined the region's modern aviation status. Below are key figures associated with this area.
Hans Caspar von der Gröben (1662–1705) Aristocrat, landowner
A representative of an ancient noble family who owned an estate in Großziethen (now a district of Schönefeld). His activities contributed to the development of agriculture and the architectural appearance of the settlement during the Baroque era. The preserved historical church in Großziethen is inextricably linked to his family's history.
Theodor Fontane (1819–1898) Writer, poet, and traveler
The famous German novelist immortalized the surroundings of Schönefeld in his monumental work "Wanderings through the March of Brandenburg." Thanks to his detailed descriptions of the daily life, landscapes, and architecture of local villages in the 19th century, we have a clear picture of the region's historical appearance before industrialization began.
Walter Jacob (1893–1964) Expressionist painter
A renowned painter and graphic artist whose works were exhibited in Germany's leading galleries. He spent the last years of his life in Großziethen. Jacob is known for his expressive landscapes and portraits, and his presence in the municipality left a notable mark on local cultural history.
Rosemarie Clausen (1907–1990) Theatre photographer
One of the most significant German female photographers of the 20th century. She lived and worked in the Großziethen district. Clausen became famous for her unique portraits of actors and shots of theatrical productions, creating a visual chronicle of mid-century German theater.
Willy Brandt (1913–1992) Federal Chancellor, Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Although the politician did not live in the municipality itself, his name is inextricably linked to modern Schönefeld. The Berlin Brandenburg International Airport (BER) located here bears Willy Brandt's name, symbolizing the openness to the world and international cooperation that the Chancellor championed.
Meinhard von Gerkan (1935–2022) Architect
Founder of the gmp architectural firm and the designer of the main terminal of BER Airport. His architectural vision defined the modern look of Schönefeld, transforming it from a suburb into a location with futuristic design and modern infrastructure.