Photo Marathon July 2026 - From Friedrichshain to Friedrichshagen

The Internationale Akademie für Photographie organised the third photo marathon on the 26th July 2026. This year we had plenty of time to explore the surroundings of three stations. It was a hot day with harsh sunlight that is not my preferred light to take pictures of the city.

The first location was near the Ostkreuz railway station in Friedrichshain. I do like the station and it is a very urban setting so I was very happy. I decided to select the water fountain as my main picture because it signifies the importance of water.

We took the S Bahn to Friedrichshagen. It's quite a well-to-do part of Berlin near the Müggelsee. Somehow I missed the culture part and focused on the commerce. The main street was busy and the harsh light made it tricky to take photos. I selected the picture with the advert for a delivery service and a scooter, the platform commerce of the 21st century.

We walked to the last station around the tunnel underneath the river Spree. Plenty of people were enjoying the sunshine and swimming in the water. Packed boats with thumping music came by. I selected the picture with the former Bürger Bräu brewery in the background. I really like the building. It's a shame it is no longer producing beer. There are plans to turn the building into flats and offices.

Apart from submitting one photo from each location we were also asked to submit a series of four pictures from one of the locations. I was totally fascinated by the overgrown terrace on the other side of the tunnel. Rusting railings and crumbling stairs are all that is left from a large cafe. The trees also provided much needed shade.