Stadion An der Alten Försterei

The origins of Stadion An der Alten Försterei trace back to 1906, when football activity linked to Berlin's working-class community began in the area. The current stadium was built in 1920 and has always been bound to the local community rather than commercial capital.

Construction and early years

The stadium takes its name from the old hunting lodge (Alte Försterei — the Old Forester's House) standing nearby. From the outset, the ground was managed by club members and supporters. Over the decades it grew through successive additions, always retaining the character of a close, intimate venue.

Fan-built reconstruction 2008-2009

The most celebrated chapter in the stadium's history came in the winter of 2008-2009, when the club faced a financial crisis and could not afford a necessary renovation. Supporters took the matter into their own hands: 2,500 volunteers contributed more than 140,000 hours of unpaid labour -- demolishing, bricklaying, welding and painting. The result was a fully reconstructed stadium with 22,012 seats. This story became a global symbol of fan ownership and community spirit, cited across the world as an extraordinary example of supporter solidarity.

Rise to the Bundesliga era

In 2019, Union Berlin earned promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time in their history. Four years later, in 2023/24, the club made their debut in the UEFA Champions League -- a direct expression of the community-rooted culture the stadium embodies.

The atmosphere at Alte Försterei is a subject discussed in football circles worldwide: a compact bowl that encloses the pitch on all four sides, a vocal working-class community, and traditions that bear no resemblance to the commercialised football of other major capitals.

Christmas singing tradition

One of the most famous rituals in world football takes place at Alte Försterei each December. Since 2003, fans have gathered before Christmas Eve in the stands -- not for a match, but for a candlelit carol concert (Weihnachtssingen). What began with a few hundred people now draws over 28,000 attendees and represents a community bond that extends far beyond football.

Fan culture

1. FC Union Berlin was founded in 1966 as a working-class club deliberately distinct from the state-favoured BFC Dynamo during the East German era. Supporters guard that identity fiercely today -- the stadium carries no LED advertising boards, commercial partners are accepted selectively, and the club's more than 50,000 members vote on strategic decisions. The atmosphere inside the ground reflects this: chanting is constant, the distance between fans and players is minimal, and the sense of collective ownership is palpable.

Big matches

The debut Champions League campaign of 2023/24 brought opponents including Real Madrid and Braga to Köpenick. Despite a difficult sporting season, the atmosphere at Alte Försterei on European nights was cited among the most memorable in that season's tournament by visiting journalists and supporters alike.

Visiting Alte Försterei is a unique experience, but requires slightly more planning than a modern stadium -- and that very remoteness is part of what makes it special.

How to get there

• S-Bahn: Line S3, station Köpenick -- approximately 35 minutes from Berlin Hauptbahnhof; from the station it is a 15-20 minute walk through the woods, or a 5-minute bus ride
• Bus: Lines 269 or 396 from Köpenick station to Hämmerlingstrasse stop
• Car: Parking in the immediate area is very limited; the S-Bahn is strongly recommended
• On matchdays Deutsche Bahn and Berlin's BVG typically run enhanced services

Tickets and tours

Match tickets for 1. FC Union Berlin are sold through the official club website. Given the small capacity, Bundesliga fixtures sell out quickly -- club members receive priority access. Guided stadium tours are available, covering the players' tunnel, dressing rooms and the story of the fan-built reconstruction of 2008-2009.

Visitor tips

• Arrive early: At least 60 minutes before kick-off; the forest paths and narrow entrances fill up quickly
• Dress for the weather: The Gegengerade standing terrace is uncovered -- bring a rain jacket if the forecast is uncertain
• Food and drink: Fewer kiosks than at modern stadiums, but classic Berlin street food compensates for the limited choice
• Plan your return journey: Mobile signal in the forest area is weak -- map your route home before you arrive