Mayor Michael Ludwig travelled to Berlin from 17 to 20 September with a delegation from Vienna's Floridsdorf district. The varied programme included political discussions, insights into current urban development projects, and meetings with representatives from Berlin's politics and society, as well as visits to different parts of Berlin.
The visit began in the district of Treptow-Köpenick, which shares many similarities with Floridsdorf. Both districts are characterised by growth and major development projects. They also face the challenge of balancing new residential and working spaces, infrastructure and quality of life.
The visit to Spreepark offered particularly interesting insights. The new public park is being created on the site of the former amusement park, combining its history with art, nature and recreation. Old structures and rides are being integrated into the future park concept, which was developed with extensive participation from Berlin residents. The park is scheduled to open in spring 2027, while the main construction work is still under way.
The delegation was then welcomed at Treptow Town Hall by District Mayor Oliver Igel (SPD - Social Democratic Party of Germany), where they discussed the development of the two districts.
The Estrel Tower: Berlin's new landmark
The delegation then visited the Estrel Tower in the Neukölln district. At 176 metres and 45 storeys, it will be Berlin's tallest high-rise building once completed. Only the television tower at Alexanderplatz is taller, although it is classified as a technical structure. The project, developed by the Streletzki family, expands the long-established Estrel congress and events venue and highlights the importance of private investment in urban development. At the Berlin House of Representatives, Mayor Ludwig met Vice-President Dennis Buchner. The programme also included a visit to the historical photo exhibition "A Berlin Suitcase" at the Willy Brandt House, where curator Thomas Struck gave a guided tour.
Current economic and urban policy issues were discussed over lunch with Senator Franziska Giffey. The exchange focused on Berlin's development as a growing metropolis.
Exchange on crisis preparedness with State Secretary Hauer
Michael Ludwig also met State Secretary Florian Hauer (CDU - Christian Democratic Union of Germany) for talks. The discussion centred on lessons learned from the cyberattack on two Berlin Senate departments, as well as the management of critical infrastructure and potential blackout scenarios. The experiences surrounding the power outage in Berlin were also addressed. For major cities, learning from one another in the area of crisis preparedness is particularly important. A meeting with Ambassador Alexander Marschik at the Austrian Embassy rounded off the day.
Focus on remembrance culture
To conclude the visit, the delegation visited the "Topography of Terror"- documentation centre where they examined the structures of the Nazi regime. It is located at the historic site of the former Gestapo and SS headquarters and presents the history of Nazi terror. A group of school students from Vienna's Donaustadt district was also there and took the opportunity to have a group photo with the mayor.
Finally, the delegation met former mayor of Berlin Michael Müller (SPD) at the Setzerei, a venue for political and cultural events in Charlottenburg, where they discussed housing policy in particular. The exchange is another example of the close cooperation between Vienna and Berlin and opens up new perspectives for urban development in both cities.
Further Information
- Austrian Embassy Berlin (German)
- Berlin House of Representatives
- Treptow-Köpenick - City of Berlin
- Floridsdorf - City of Vienna (German)
- Topography of Terror
- Exhibition "A Berlin Suitcase" at the Willy Brandt House (German)