Edit: Mark Nickels | Words: Jan

On The Spot is a new feature we want to share with you. It will set out to highlight Europe’s most significant skate spots. We’ll show you the history and faces, the vibe, landmark tricks that went down and some new footy.

This first episode is going to tell the story of the Warschauer Benches aka Bänke Berlin. Found on a 500 square meters patch between lanes on a busy Berlin-Friedrichshain street, two facing rows of originally wooden benches on semi rough granite floot are inviting for endless ledge lines – East Berlin-style. Over time the wood has been fortified by metal, and the scene at the benches has grown from just a hardened few to somewhat being the non-stop hang-out for skaters and like-minded revellers in the heart of Friedrichshain’s party strip.

Through the years some of the world’s best skaters have carved their mark into the benches history; the spot serves as regular stop for touring skate teams, and many new-Berliners and visiting pros have made it their local spot or meet-up of choice. Not only has Place Mag devoted a shirt and a good share of their issue 41 to the beloved spot, they also hold their annual Battle at the Bänke comp here for their Go Skateboarding Day event. I think it’s safe to say the Warschauer Benches are a big chunk of Berlin skate culture. So said that, enjoy the edit and come by for an all German crooked grind…

Watch Part 2 here.

Alternate YouTube link.