Dahlem: Living Between the University and Grunewald

Published May 11, 2026

Dahlem is the quietest and greenest place to live in Berlin, while still offering a direct U-Bahn connection. Anyone who lives here lives between the Freie…

Dahlem is the quietest and greenest place to live in Berlin, while still offering a direct U-Bahn connection. Anyone who lives here lives between the Freie Universität, the Botanischer Garten, the Grunewald and a landscape of villas that looks more like a suburb than a big city. For many, that's no drawback — it's exactly what they're looking for.

Dahlem at a glance

Dahlem is a district of the borough of Steglitz-Zehlendorf in the southwest of Berlin. The neighbourhood is characterised by single-family houses, villas, large gardens and lots of greenery. It is one of the quietest residential areas in the city, but it also has a strong academic character thanks to the Freie Universität and several research institutions. The Max Planck Institutes and other research facilities are based here, making Dahlem an international academic location.

Prices for furnished apartments in Dahlem

Apartment type

Monthly price range

Furnishing

Studio / one room

from 1,200 EUR

All-inclusive

Two rooms

from 1,650 EUR

All-inclusive

Three rooms

from 2,100 EUR

All-inclusive

Dahlem is comparable to other quiet southwest Berlin districts. Anyone looking for a furnished apartment in Dahlem will find verified listings there, bookable from one month.

What makes Dahlem special

Freie Universität Berlin

The FU Berlin is the heart of the neighbourhood and one of the main reasons why international scientists and students move to Dahlem. The campus is spacious and well embedded in the borough's green spaces. Libraries, a cafeteria and student life give Dahlem an academic character all its own.

Botanischer Garten

One of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Germany is located right in Dahlem. Open all year round, it offers 43 hectares of plant life and is a place to slow down that is rarely found in a big city.

Dahlem-Dorf

The historic centre of Dahlem, with small shops, a farmers' market and an old village church. An almost village-like character in the middle of Berlin, which clearly sets the district apart from other neighbourhoods.

Public transport in Dahlem

The U3 connects Dahlem to the city centre. Dahlem-Dorf and Oskar-Helene-Heim are the central U-Bahn stations. The journey time to Berlin Mitte is around 25 to 35 minutes.

Who is Dahlem suitable for?

Dahlem is particularly suitable for students and academics at the Freie Universität, for expats from the academic field, for families seeking peace, nature and good schools, and for anyone who loves the quietest side of Berlin.

As a green alternative further south, it's also worth taking a look at furnished living in Zehlendorf, which borders directly on Dahlem and is also very close to nature.

Conclusion

Dahlem is the quietest and greenest place to live in Berlin with a direct U-Bahn connection. Ideal for academics, families and anyone who values nature and quiet. Furnished apartments in Dahlem can be found on Farawayhome Berlin.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is Dahlem known for?

Dahlem is known for the Freie Universität Berlin, the Botanischer Garten, quiet residential areas and an academic atmosphere. Several Max Planck Institutes are based here.

2. How good are transport links in Dahlem?

The U3 connects Dahlem to the city centre. Journey time to Mitte: around 25 to 35 minutes.

3. Is Dahlem expensive?

Dahlem is comparable to other quiet southwest Berlin districts. Furnished apartments start at around 1,200 euros per month.

4. Is Dahlem good for families?

Yes. Quiet streets, nature, good schools and proximity to the FU make Dahlem a very good district for families.

5. Are there furnished apartments in Dahlem?

Yes, Farawayhome offers verified furnished apartments in Dahlem, bookable from one month.


Guide: Districts in Berlin

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