Germany Kleinstes Haus in Magdeburg

Located in the Sudenburg district at Bergstraße 2, this charming red brick building holds the endearing title of the smallest house in Magdeburg. Constructed in 1893 by master mason Julius Kohtz, the surprisingly narrow structure—measuring only 5.40 meters in width—was originally designed to provide "healthy and affordable" housing for workers during the Gründerzeit era. Despite its tiny footprint, which originally fit three small apartments, the facade is richly decorated in a striking Neo-Gothic style. Eye-catching architectural details include pointed arch windows, an implied stepped gable above the door, blind ox-eye windows, and intricate brick friezes. The asymmetrical design, featuring a narrow, tower-like stairwell projection on the left side (which once boasted a pyramid roof), makes it a highly unique, street-defining historical monument and a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century living conditions.

The extremely narrow facade and the asymmetrical Neo-Gothic brickwork are the absolute focal points here. Since the house is sandwiched directly into the streetscape, shooting straight on from the opposite sidewalk will best emphasize just how remarkably thin the building is compared to a standard home. Take the time to capture tighter shots of the intricate masonry detailing, such as the pointed arches and the dentil friezes. Overcast days provide soft, even lighting that beautifully brings out the deep red tones of the historic Gründerzeit brickwork without casting harsh, distracting shadows from the neighboring buildings.

Situated at Bergstraße 2 in the vibrant Sudenburg district, the house is highly accessible and just a short walk from the main transit lines along Halberstädter Straße. It serves as a fantastic, quick architectural detour if you are already exploring the local cafes, shops, and historic sights of the neighborhood. As this is a preserved historical monument located on a public street, please remain mindful of local traffic and be respectful of the current residents' privacy while setting up your shots on the sidewalk.