The Strassenfeger Project in Berlin: What Every Visitor Should Know
If you spend any time on Berlin’s U-Bahn or S-Bahn, you’ll likely notice someone quietly walking through the carriage holding out a small magazine. That’s the strassenfeger — and behind it is one of Berlin’s longest-running social projects for homeless and vulnerable people. Here’s what it is, why it matters, and how you can respectfully engage with it during your visit.
What Is the Strassenfeger?
The Strassenfeger e.V. is a Berlin-based nonprofit founded in 1994. Its best-known initiative is strassenfegerMAG, a street newspaper sold directly by homeless and low-income individuals across the city. Unlike begging, this is structured work: vendors buy or receive copies, sell them, and keep the majority of the proceeds themselves.
Beyond the magazine, the organization runs year-round overnight shelters, a weekly “Sozial Brunch” offering food and social counseling, and supported housing in Prenzlauer Berg — making it a genuine social safety net rather than a single publication.
A Brief History
The project traces back to 1994–1995, growing out of Berlin’s broader street-newspaper scene alongside publications like motz. For over two decades, strassenfeger was a fixture of Berlin public transport. Financial and staffing pressures forced a temporary pause in production between 2018 and 2020, but the organization relaunched under the name strassenfegerMAG, now published as a smaller, volunteer-run bimonthly magazine.
Where You’ll Encounter It in Berlin
- On public transport — Vendors most commonly sell the magazine on U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines, a scene that’s become part of Berlin’s everyday texture.
- The strassenfeger shop in Prenzlauer Berg — Located on Oderberger Straße, this space serves as the magazine’s editorial office, distribution point, and a hub for community writing workshops and small exhibitions.
If you’re exploring this part of the city, it pairs naturally with a walk through Prenzlauer Berg’s tree-lined streets and cafés — one of Berlin’s most walkable, character-filled neighborhoods.
Why It’s Worth Knowing About as a Traveler
Berlin, like most major European capitals, has visible homelessness — and first-time visitors sometimes aren’t sure how to respond. Understanding strassenfeger helps put this in context:
- Buying a copy is a direct, dignified way to support someone’s income — not a handout.
- Vendors are registered with the organization, which helps you distinguish official sellers from informal solicitation.
- It reflects a distinctly Berlin approach to social work: pragmatic, unpolitical, and community-run since 1994.
How to Support the Project
- Buy a copy — Available directly from vendors on public transport or at the Prenzlauer Berg shop.
- Donate — The organization periodically runs crowdfunding campaigns, particularly when facing venue or funding shortfalls.
- Visit the shop — The Oderberger Straße location welcomes visitors and hosts community events.
For official information, visit the organization’s own site at strassenfeger.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy the magazine from vendors? Yes. Vendors are registered through strassenfeger e.V., and the initiative is a recognized, long-running Berlin nonprofit.
How do I know if a seller is official? Registered vendors typically carry the current strassenfegerMAG issue and, in some cases, identifying vests introduced to distinguish them from unaffiliated sellers.
Where can I learn more or get involved? The official website, strassenfeger.org, lists current initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and shop details.
Curious about more of Berlin’s local character beyond the major landmarks? Check out our guide to Prenzlauer Berg’s hidden corners and other off-the-beaten-path Berlin experiences.
