Theodor Fontane and the history of extreme heat in Berlin

Following record-breaking temperatures in the summer of 2026, historical perspectives highlight how extreme heat has affected Berlin in the past. The writer Theodor Fontane frequently documented his discomfort with the city's air conditions and rising temperatures during the late 19th century.

According to Dr. Maria Brosig from the Potsdamer Theodor-Fontane-Archiv, Fontane often complained about the heat in the growing metropolis. In 1877, Berlin had over one million inhabitants, and Fontane noted that inadequate sewage systems and a lack of heat protection exacerbated the physical strain caused by high temperatures and humidity.