Heilstätten Slam — Beelitz Poetry Slam Series

Beelitz-Heilstätten — Listed Hospital Complex

The Beelitz-Heilstätten are one of Brandenburg's most remarkable historical sites: a sanatorium complex built in the late 19th century for tuberculosis patients, featuring park pavilions, bathhouses, dining halls, and its own power plant. After its closure in the 1990s, much of it fell into disrepair — today, the site is a protected monument, partly restored, partly deliberately left as ruins. The treetop and forest walkway is a tourist highlight; KulturBHS has opened up individual historic buildings for cultural events. Beelitz itself (Potsdam-Mittelmark district, just under 12,000 inhabitants) is Brandenburg's asparagus capital — the Heilstätten are located slightly outside, in the Beelitz forest.

The Heilstätten Slam — Spoken Word in a Special Atmosphere

The Heilstätten Slam is KulturBHS's poetry slam series. Several evenings per year — three dates are announced for 2026: late summer kickoff in June, high summer in August, autumn edition in November. Each evening follows the classic poetry slam format: several slam poets (often invited from Berlin, Leipzig, Hamburg, occasionally newcomers from Brandenburg), 6-minute texts each, judged by an audience jury, the winner receives a symbolic prize. The texts range from social criticism and poetry to comedy. What makes the Heilstätten Slam special is the unusual setting. The KulturBHS rooms visibly carry the history of the hospital — old walls, industrial style, sometimes a direct view of the ruinous landscape. The atmosphere is intimate, with approximately 80-150 seats.

The Three Dates in 2026

The kickoff is on Saturday, June 27, 2026, with the slam themed “Between Bricks and Lines” — an allusion to Beelitz's brick architecture. On Saturday, August 22, the summer edition follows — classic poetry slam format. The autumn highlight is on Saturday, November 14, with the “True Crime Slam Heilstätten” — a thematic variant where the slam poets' texts deal with true or fictional crime cases, perfect for the dark season and the eerie aura of the hospital grounds. All evenings: Doors open 7 PM, start 7:30 PM. Tickets via KulturBHS platforms and reservation services (Rausgegangen, Kiezpoeten).

Getting There — Berlin Excursion to Beelitz Forest

Beelitz-Heilstätten can be reached in about 45 minutes from Berlin Hauptbahnhof via the RE 7 train — there's a dedicated “Beelitz-Heilstätten” station on the grounds. By car: A 9 or A 10, exit Beelitz-Heilstätten. Those who want to combine the slam evening with a day trip can visit the Treetop Walk in the morning, eat asparagus in Beelitz for lunch, and experience the slam in the evening. A special Brandenburg spoken-word series — and a poignant place.