Rixdorf – Czech village in the middle of Neukölln

Rixdorf is one of Berlin's numerous villages. Like every big city, Berlin has grown up devouring the surrounding villages and towns. In fact, Berlin rural structure has not disappeared. Several districts of Berlin bear country names and are often actually villages preserved within the urban organism: Britz, Rudow, Wittenau, Reinickendorf, Lübars, Glienicke, Kladow, Zehlendorf, Dahlem etc. The center of such an urban village is a small church with a cemetery, big trees, village pub called "Krug" (eng. jug), nearby mansion and a few small houses in rural style. Actually you have everything which is typical for the village.

Are you wondering why is the Czech Village in the middle of Neukoelln ? The Moravian Protestants settled in this part of Neukölln (not Berlin yet) in 1737 after escaping from Eastern Moravia (mainly from the area of Ustí nad Orlicí) from religious persecution. The Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm I allowed them to settle in Kirchgasse (today Richardstr). The traces of their culture and settlement are still visible today. You can learn more about this by visiting Museum im Böhmischen Dorf.

Nearby attractions include the Comenius Garten, the Bethlehem church, the old smithy, the stable of Gustav Schön.

What I like the most in Rixdorf is Comenius Garten. It’s not the easiest place to visit since it’s not open on a regular basis, but if you’re lucky you can press the buzzer on the right hand side of the entrance and find yourself in front of a small pathway that led visitors into a tiny oasis of fruit trees, a tranquil pond, and a pavilion. It's hard to believe that this amazing and calm place is in the heart of Neukoelln. It’s take all of 15-minutes to explore, but its reflective aura is timeless and it’s worth taking a seat on one of the benches that invite temporary escape from the city bustle. I'm lucky that Comenius Garten is on my way to work.

If you visit Berlin you should definitely visit Rixdorf with all cafes, bars, bookshops and community gardens. As winter is coming you have a chance to drink glühwein in the most beautiful Weihnachtsmarkt in Berlin which take place in the middle of Rixdorf – Richardplatz.

The splendor of the trees littered with countless petroleum lamps and fairy lights makes the Christmas market something special. I'm not a big fun of festive crowd but this one is very special and dignified. If you will feel tired of walking through the Czech village, I recommend to visit one of the bars and have a  Neukölln craft beer or a glass of local vodka.