Top 5 sunsets in Berlin

Berlin TV Tower

The Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm) is probably the most recognisable icon in the city’s skyline. Berliners nicknamed it the Alex Tower and it receives more than a million visitors annually.

Today, it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the German capital, standing out from the rest of the buildings with its large steel dome and its skyward pointing antenna.

It is located in the central Mitte district and is just a stone’s throw from Alexanderplatz.

It was built during the times of the GDR, and nowadays the best thing to do is to enjoy its panoramic terrace, with one of the best views of the city while you visit the bar and restaurant.

The Reichstag dome

The main advantage of going up to the Reichstag dome, (the German parliament building) is that it is free, and the main disadvantage is that you have to book in advance, and considering the fast changing weather in a city like Berlin, it can be a bit tricky to schedule your visit on a clear day to appreciate the views and take good pictures.

However, since it’s free, there’s nothing to lose by booking in advance and going up to have a look at the government district and the centre of Berlin.

If you haven’t been able to book in advance, don’t worry: you can sign up for the tour on the day if there are still places available, otherwise you can always wait at least two hours or two days later. Your booking will only be accepted if it is for the same day or the following day at the latest.

-The dome is open daily from 08:00-00:00 hours and can be accessed every 15 minutes (the last entrance is at 22:00 hours).

The Kolhoff Tower (Panoramapunkt)

This building of curious architecture, located on Potsdamer Platz, stands on one of the places where we used to find the division of the famous wall. If you look up, you will see that the perimeter of the old wall is marked with pebbles.

The main interest of the Kolhoff Tower, apart from the building itself, is that on the 24th and 25th floors it houses Panoramapunkt, an open observation deck that offers the best panoramic view of the centre of Berlin. It has a café and a small exhibition that reviews the history of the reconstruction of the area.

Since this terrace was inaugurated in 1999, the Panoramapunkt has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Berlin, and no wonder: from its viewpoint we can see the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Cathedral, the television tower, the Reichstag… a complete panoramic view of the most significant buildings in the German capital from a building that boasts the best sunset in Berlin.

– The observation deck is open daily from 10:00-20:00 and costs €6 (€8 if you don’t want to wait in line), making the Kolhoff Tower a cheap alternative to the TV Tower (and just as good).

The Weltballoon

Operated by the company Air Service Berlin, this helium balloon is attached to the ground by a steel cable and rises to a height of 150 metres for a breathtaking view of Berlin.

The downside? It’s the most expensive viewpoint in Berlin, costing around €19.90 per adult and €6.90 for children between the ages of 3 and 10.

If you decide to visit it you have to choose the right day to go up, as the views are very good as long as the sky is clear.

There are rises every 15 minutes, and it operates every day from 10:00-22:00 hours (between April and October) and from 11:00-18:00 hours (between November and March).

It is located next to Checkpoint Charlie, at Zimmerstraße 95-100, so you can take advantage of your visit and try to find our Hotel Gat Point Charlie. In the rooms at the back you can see the balloon as it rises.

Kreuzberg Hill in Victoriapark

The highest hill in Berlin (over 65 metres high), it is clear that Kreuzberg Hill offers one of the best views. It is located in the Victoriapark, (a park located in the heart of Kreuzberg, a very trendy neighbourhood in recent times).

Once at the top you have to walk up to the highest part and you can admire the views of the Kreuzberg district and the centre of Berlin, and even catch a glimpse of the old Templehof airport, which has been converted into a park open to the public (and quite curious, as you can imagine). A romantic spot from which to watch the sunset over Berlin is a real pleasure.

-To get there, take the metro to Mehringdamm (lines U6 and U7) and walk about 10 minutes to the park entrance, which, of course, is free.

Teufelsberg. Devil’s Hill

Our last viewpoint takes us to the outskirts of Berlin… and we assure you that, if you like to get away from the typical tourist sites, this tower, almost 50 metres high, will not leave you indifferent.

It is a former spy station used by the American secret services for eavesdropping during the Cold War, and abandoned after the fall of the Berlin Wall. It is not surprising that David Lynch himself (yes, the film director and creator of Twin Peaks) noticed this place, which he tried to turn into a kind of esoteric university (something that was obviously not allowed by the Berlin City Council).

Before becoming a spy stronghold, the site was once a training centre for Nazi soldiers, which the Americans covered with tons of rubble at the end of World War II to build this tower on the promontory, which stands 115 metres above the outskirts of Berlin and is not only a great view of the city but an attraction in its own right.

Today, Teufelsberg is home to graffiti artists, street art photographers and the occasional tourist with an explorer’s soul who comes here to see what is undoubtedly one of the strangest, most ghostly and fascinating places in Berlin.

The most beautiful national parks in Germany

European Park Day is celebrated on 24 May every year. Its aim is to protect natural areas. We have chosen the eight most beautiful parks in Germany for you.
Black Forest National Park
The forests of the Black Forest are dense and dark. Since the beginning of May 2014, this area in the south-west of Germany has been a fully-fledged national park. Rare bird species such as the capercaillie find refuge in the dense forests of spruce and beech, while its marshes are home to the endangered European common viper.
Jasmund National Park
The Baltic island of Rügen is known for its cliffs. The German Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich made them a monument in his well-known work “White Cliffs on Rügen”. Add to that the island’s centuries-old beech forests and you have the perfect setting.
Müritz National Park
The Müritz National Park protects part of the Mecklenburg Lake District. In the water-rich landscape, it is possible to see virgin forests and to observe birds such as ospreys on its more than 100 lakes. Much of the park can be explored by boat or canoe.
Hainich National Park
“Jungle in the middle of Germany”. This is how the Hainich National Park in Thuringia is also known. In its forests, visitors can observe wild cats or travel through the treetops on specially constructed hiking trails.
he forests of the Black Forest. Since the beginning of May 2014, this area in the southwest of Germany has been a fully-fledged national park. In the dense forests of spruce and beech, rare bird species such as the capercaillie find refuge here, while its marshes are home to the endangered European common viper.
West Pomeranian Lagoon National Park
Also called ‘Baltic Sea Lagoons’, the islands that make up the park are islands or peninsulas separated from the Baltic Sea. The marshes and waters of the National Park are an important resting place for different types of migratory birds. For example, cranes, which arrive in their thousands every autumn on their way south.

Saxon Switzerland National Park
The rock formations in this park have been a favourite destination for climbers for 150 years. Some of the peaks are reached by stairs, making them easily accessible to visitors. From the heights it is possible to appreciate a wonderful panorama of cliffs, ravines and forests. A real dream.
Berchtesgaden National Park
This is the only German national park in the Alps. Located in southeastern Bavaria, this protected area is marked by the crevasses that characterise its steep rocks, but also offers green meadows and lakes. Marmots, eagles and chamois are native to this area.
Black Forest National Park
The forests of the Black Forest are dense and dark. Since the beginning of May 2014, this area in the south-west of Germany has been a fully-fledged national park. Rare bird species such as the capercaillie find refuge in the dense forests of spruce and beech, while its marshes are home to the endangered European common viper.

8 things to do in Berlin outdoors

(Pic by: https://www.visitberlin.de)

Planning your trip to Berlin? If you are thinking about going in spring or summer, you are in luck. Here is our selection of 8 things to do in Berlin outdoors.

Berlin is a very changeable city, but the biggest change is when the winter ends and the spring comes.

All the colors change; the sky, the leaves and even people’s behavior; from being in a bar all day, to spending all their time outdoors enjoying the sun. Some examples of these situations, are the 1st of May with an amazing street party, or the improvised parties in parks. It looks like a completely different city.

That’s the reason why we prepared this short list, with recommendations of things to do in Berlin outdoors, because it’s worth enjoying the magic sensation of summer in the German capital.

 

1-. Go to Mauerpark on Sunday

Mauerpark is a park located in the old division of the Wall between Prenzlauerberg and Wedding. On Sundays, there is a flea market with clothes, complements and other decoration second-hand items.

Especially in summer, it’s full of people playing basketball, eating at the food stands, playing music or just relaxing on the grass.This is one of the most famous things to do in Berlin, mainly in summer.

Something you can’t miss, is the midday karaoke in summer. If you go there, you will see all kinds of people singing and offering incredible funny shows. We really recommend going there, you will really enjoy it 🙂

https://www.mauerpark.info

How to arrive:  Ubahn Eberswalder line 2

things-to-do-in-Berlin
https://es.dreamstime.com/imagenes-de-archivo-domingo-en-el-mercado-de-pulgas-de-mauerpark-berlin-germany-image30008294

things-to-do-in-Berlin
https://www.bloggeratlarge.com/europe/where-to-catch-the-real-berlin-vibe/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2-.Go for a walk in the East Side Gallery:

The East Side Gallery is the biggest outdoor gallery in the world, and the biggest part of the Berlin wall that is still conserved (1,3km).

Along the wall, you can see paintings by artists from all over the world who wanted to show the change that Berlin was going through just after the wall’s fall. All of the paintings are full of hope for the new period that the city was facing.

This is an essential visit and you can also go for a nice walk near the river. There is a small piece of grass to relax on and some bars where you can go for a drink. It’s a really nice place to be in summer.

How to arrive: Ostbahnof S-bahn

things-to-do-in-Berlin
http://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/east-side-gallery-in-berlin-die-mauer-zieht-investoren-an-und-huetchenspieler/10324258.html

 

3-. Go to Gendarmenmarkt

The Genfarmenmarkt is a square located in center of Berlin, considered the most beautiful in the city. It has twin baroque churches.

The main building is the Konzerthaus, on the north side there is the Französischer Dom, and on South side, the Deutscher Dome.

The Gendarmenmarkt is named after the Gens d’Armes Regiment (armed man) that were quartered on it.

It is worth going there if you are walking through the city center. During Christmas time, there is an amazing market with a huge tree, stands to eat, Christmas decoration and even music and dancing live-shows. This is one of the prettiest Christmas market in Berlin, and one of the most known things to do in Berlin’s winter.

How to arrive: Ubahn Hausvogteiplatz, línea U2; Französische Straße, línea U6.

things-to-do-in-Berlin
http://www.germanyatchristmas.com/berlin-a-capital-christmas-in-germanys-capital-city/

 

4-.Go for a swim in Badeschiff

Badeschiff is a floating swimming pool in Spree river. It’s located in front of Arena stadium, and it’s an ideal option during the summer.

As you know, Berlin has no beach so, the Berliners looked for different ways to refresh during summer, even though there are just a few the really hot days in summer.

Apart from the swimming pool, there are hammocks and some deck chairs in a small chill-out area made of wood and sand.

How to arrive: Ubahn Schlessisches Tor

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 08:00am- 10:00pm

Price: 5,50€ one day ticket

things-to-do-in-Berlin

http://www.arena.berlin/veranstaltungsort/badeschiff/

 

5-.Have a barbeque in a park

One of the most typical activities in Berlin when the spring comes, is to have a barbeque or a picnic in a park. The most frequented ones are Tempelhof and Görlitzer Park.

Around May, when the sun starts to shine again in the city, the Berliners go back to the streets to take advantage of the sun from the first ray of sunlight.

On the weekends, this and other parks are full of people having picnics, playing music, chatting and even some small improvised parties take place.

It is a great plan to spend the day outdoors enjoying the sun.

How to arrive: Tempelfoh: Berlin-Tempelhof Station; Görlitzer Park: Görlitzer Banhof

things-to-do-in-Berlin
http://www.top10berlin.de/en/cat/leisure-258/park-bbqs-2699/bbq-tempelhof-feld-3575

 

6-. Walking trough the Jewish neighborhood

If you know something about Berlin’s history, you can imagine that the Jewish neighborhood is a must-see on your trip to the city.

This neighborhood is now mainly bohemian and modern, but before it was the area with the highest Jewish population in Berlin, until the national-socialist government took power.

The most interesting part of this area is in the inside of the buildings rather than on the outside, like the Hackesche Hoffe in Rosenthale Straße. It is a combination of eight Incredible courtyards and one of the most famous cabarets in Berlin “Camaleón Varieté”.

After the war, in this neighborhood there were lots of destroyed and empty buildings. It was at that moment, when the okupa movement started in Berlin. Young people begun to occupy these empty buildings, the famous Tacheles is an example of that.

In this area, you will also find the Jewish cemetery, the biggest one in Europe. One of the other essential visits, is the new Synagogue, where you will find an interesting exhibition about Jewish history and community.

If you want, you can also contract a tour to go through this neighborhood with a guide that tells you all the details about what happened there.

How to arrive: S-bahn Hacheschesmarkt

things-to-do-in-Berlin
http://guias-viajar.com/viajes-alemania/berlin-patios-barrio-judio/

 

7-.Walk through Nikolaiviertel

Nikolaiviertel is the oldest residential part (from the middle- age) in Berlin near Alexanderplatz. It was built around San Nicolás church, unmistakable with its two towers more than 85 meters high.

In 1944 the neighborhood was completely destroyed by bombs until 1987 when it was rebuilt. The reconstruction was really loyal to what the neighborhood originally was.

So now, you can see a small and touching piece of the old Berlin. You will also find some bars and restaurants with typical German food and handmade beer.

These are some of the places you should visit apart from San Nicolás church:

  • Knoblauchhaus, free museum located in the old house (with neoclassical architecture) of Knoblouch’s, a rich family in XVIII
  • Ephraimpalais, one of the best examples of the typical Berliner palace from the XVII century.
  • Heinrich-Zille-Museum, dedicated to the pieces of this famous Berliner artist.

How to arrive: U-bahn Klohstertstraßse

things-to-do-in-Berlin
http://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/berlins-alte-mitte-nikolaiviertel-mein-leben-im-ddr-disneyland/8557678.html

 

8-.Lakes

If you are going to visit Berlin in spring or summer, you can’t leave without going to one of Berlin’s lakes. The same as with parks, at the moment the spring/summer comes, the lakes starts to be full of people doing a picnic, having a relaxing day and swimming if the water is not too cold.

This is one of the most typical things to do in Berlin as there is no beach, Berliners use lakes as if they were beaches. They even have some artificial beaches where you have to pay for the entrance.

Some of the best lakes are: Schlachtensee, Wannsee and Müggelsee. You can reach any of them by public transport.

things-to-do-in-Berlin
http://www.tagesspiegel.de/themen/umziehen-nach-berlin/sommer-krumme-lanke-kein-geheimtipp/8532396-4.html

 

These are our recommendation of places to go or things to do in Berlin outdoors. Have you already visited any of them? Are you planning to go to some of them? Tell us by leaving a comment.