Kiefernstrasse, Dusseldorf

Kiefernstrasse in Dusseldorf’s Flingern-Sud district is a unique slice of history and culture. It was once notorious for its squatter movements and is now a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood. Originally built in 1902 as housing for workers at the nearby Klockner steelworks, the street experienced a dramatic transformation following the steelworks' closure. The buildings became municipal property in 1975, with plans for demolition to make way for industrial development. However, resistance grew as former tenants were evicted, and refugees and squatters moved in, culminating in a prolonged struggle for legal rights to the apartments.

In the 1980s, Kiefernstrasse gained further notoriety due to connections with the Baader–Meinhof Gang, leading to large police raids and public outcry. Despite being labeled a “center of terrorism” by local politicians, residents persisted, in organizing and securing tenancy agreements in 1987. Today, former squatters, alongside new residents, live in legally leased apartments, with many leases extended indefinitely since 2008.

The street has since evolved into a cultural hotspot, home to around 800 residents from 40 nationalities. It’s famous for its elaborate street art, with house fronts covered in vibrant graffiti that reflects the alternative spirit of the community. This so-called “biggest graffiti wall in the world” attracts a steady stream of tourists looking to capture a piece of this living gallery. Kiefernstrasse’s enduring anarchy contrasts sharply with Dusseldorf's polished Konigsallee, offering a unique urban landscape that continues to draw attention for its blend of art, activism, and cultural diversity.