Graefkiez is a neighborhood in Berlin's Kreuzberg district, known for its vibrant cultural scene, diverse community, artsy atmosphere and the picturesque Landwehrkanal. Full of cafes, bars, small restaurants, independent shops and art galleries, it attracts artists, students, young professionals and families. The area's streets are always filled with bikers, dog walkers, patios - in general, just full of life. 


Photo: likealocalguide.com

Graefkiez is also known in Berlin for being the most pedestrian friendly neighborhood and for implementing the "Graefkiez Project". The project focuses on further reducing traffic and aims to create a truly traffic-calmed zone by transforming spaces normally used for traffic into green spaces, bicycle parking and public areas. 
The project is in line with Berlin's broader efforts to create a more sustainable and livable city, but it is causing some controversy among locals and local business owners. In practice, the car ban can mean that locals have to park further away from their homes, shop owners have special rules for loading and unloading, and deliveries are also affected. Measures to solve these problems include the installation of Jelbi stations (https://www.jelbi.de/ Berlin's car-sharing system) and the creation of loading and delivery zones. 

© Photo: pa/dpa/Jörg Carstensen, Source: Berliner Morgenpost

In 2023, the district implemented a three-month program to completely ban cars by eliminating parking spaces and significantly reducing traffic by installing barriers on residential streets. Although it raised some issues, the trial was considered a success and the district decided to continue implementing the project. This is being done step by step, and includes not only new traffic regulations, but also public hearings with residents, open debates with professionals and representatives of residents and local business owners. The general feedback on the project has been positive, and it is supported by the majority of local residents. 

© Photo: Corinna von Bodisco, source: Tages Spiegel

For more information on the project, you can visit the official Berlin website (in German).