Visit to Karlsruhe

Instead of a trip to Karlsruhe Central Station

Who would have thought! Weather forecast for Corpus Christi: rain! And it started quite heavily during the night, then became a little lighter, then sunshine again, which was replaced by the next shower after a few minutes. And then the dry phase of the day began.

Shoes on, umbrella packed and weatherproof jacket and cap on. Armed like this, we set off towards the main station in Karlsruhe. This is where the "Main Station South" tour with Georg Hertweck started. Surprisingly, it was quite a large group - more than 20 people set out to explore the area south of the station.

Past the "old" bicycle garage to the still fairly "new" car garage. We could only see the former shelters behind locked doors via photo.

The listeners were also not aware that the current underground car park was once planned and built as a shelter.

A few more explanations about the entrance and insights into the planning of the site revealed that (fortunately!) not as many high-rise buildings were built as planned many years ago. At least there are enough multi-storey office spaces at the southern entrance.

The square at the south entrance to the station has been redesigned. The timed water features may be refreshing in the heat, but they are nothing special. The 21 newly planted trees, on the other hand, are. They were planted after their

Adaptability was chosen. Unfortunately, they forgot to give each tree a name tag. So only the city or the gardening department can provide information about the collection. They were read out to us, but no one in the group had ever heard any of the names. The gardeners have, however, thought of and implemented a good solution for watering the trees: the gaps between the floor slabs get wider towards the trees; they have been filled with small plants and bring rainwater to the roots of the trees. Good idea, if there weren't always cigarette butts lying around in them.

Then there is the new bicycle garage. Super bright and friendly, enough space for cargo bikes, and there will also be a workshop. Parking fee for one day:

1 Euro, only payable by card. The turnstile only opens when the sensor in the floor detects metal. Bamboo and carbon wheels cannot open the entrance due to the lack of metal.

A few steps further on, the old boiler house has been given a new look. It now houses the canteen of an office building. Unfortunately, there was no opportunity to stop here for a coffee or something - it's a public holiday in BW. One of the old houses that, together with the old " Ex-Steffi", offered artists and squatters a roof over their heads still stands around the building. The "Steffi" originated in Stefanienstrasse. The follow-up project " Ex-Steffi" behind the main station was unfortunately demolished down to the basement. It's a shame - and I'm not the only one who thinks so. At least the swallows still live in the remaining house next door, as a swallow's house attached under the ridge of the roof suggests.

It is forbidden to enter the railway facility - an employee pointed this out to the Stattreisen group. So we left the small path, but not without taking a look at the newly built buildings (office building and hotel) in Victor Gollancz Street on the north side of the main station. Shops are to move into the ground floor of the office buildings - when is not yet clear.

This trip was very interesting. It was probably also due to the guide, who had answers to every question.

Contrary to the forecast, the weather offered many hours of sunshine, which later became apparent when I got sunburnt. I had swapped sunscreen for an umbrella, which turned out to be a bad idea. No matter - the day had a few surprises in store.

See you soon!