Maaya Berlin: Pool and Open Air at the RAW

On the RAW grounds in Friedrichshain, the DJ collective Freak de l'Afrique has been operating Maaya Berlin since 2024, previously known as Haubentaucher. Surrounding the 240 square meter heated outdoor pool are a sun deck, sandy areas with hammocks, and a lounge under a wine pergola. During the day, people swim, and in the evenings, multiple stages play Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Bachata.

Maaya Berlin: Pool and Open Air on the RAW Grounds

Between the brick halls of the RAW grounds in Friedrichshain, Maaya Berlin is one of the few places in the city where swimming, eating, and dancing can be combined on a single site. The centerpiece is a heated outdoor pool of 240 square meters, surrounded by a sun deck, a beer garden with sandy areas, hammocks, swings, and palm trees, as well as a lounge under a wine pergola. Additionally, there is a gallery for digital art and exhibitions, an indoor hall, and a backyard for sports and community formats. Since July 2024, the Berlin DJ collective Freak de l’Afrique has been running the venue, which was previously known as Haubentaucher.

With the change of management, the program has also shifted. During the day, workshops, panel talks, theater, and exhibitions are on the agenda, in the evenings, concerts and DJ sets, with open-air cinema by the pool and food festivals like the Maaya Market in between. The cuisine ranges from burgers, salads, and grilled dishes to West African classics like Jollof Rice, including vegetarian and vegan options.

Summer Day by the Pool, Evening on Multiple Stages

A summer day at Maaya Berlin requires little planning. Those who come early secure a sunbed by the water, as the sun deck fills up quickly on hot days. The pool is heated, the grounds offer plenty of shade under trees and sun sails, and if the weather turns, operations move into one of the two halls. Payments can be made by card; individual guests don’t need a reservation, but larger groups should register in advance.

In the evening, the character of the grounds changes significantly. Multiple stages simultaneously feature different styles, from Afrobeats and Amapiano to Reggaeton and Bachata, and electronic music in the Backyard. Prices depend on the respective program and start at around 5.00 Euros for smaller parties, while large pool parties cost approximately 16.00 Euros. Getting there is straightforward, as Warschauer Straße station is a five-minute walk away, and tram lines M10 and M13 stop directly on Revaler Straße.