The U-Bahn along the Bend in Kreuzberg, Berlin by Robert Jan Smit

This photo captures a familiar snapshot of everyday life in Berlin. The train on the elevated track is part of the U3 underground line and is passing Schlesisches Tor station here, located in the lively Kreuzberg district. The U3 is one of the city’s older underground lines and connects various districts in the western and central parts of Berlin. On this section, the metro runs largely above ground, creating this characteristic view of steel bridges, bends and views of the surrounding buildings. Routes like this are typical of parts of Berlin’s U-Bahn network and give a good impression of how public transport is interwoven with the city. A lot comes together around Schlesisches Tor. The Kreuzberg district is known for its mix of cultures, history and urban dynamism. By day, it is a bustling hub of travellers, whilst in the evening it transforms into an area of cafés, restaurants and nightlife. The underground plays a central role in this by continuously connecting residents and visitors with other parts of the city. The photo clearly shows how the train makes its way through the urban environment, past residential buildings and over the elevated structure. It is an everyday scene for Berliners, but that is precisely what makes it interesting: a moment that many take for granted, yet which at the same time reveals a great deal about the rhythm and structure of the city.