12 winter tips for 12 neighbourhoods
Out and about in Berlin
Come winter, and visitors realise there's much to do in Berlin! Whether it's a walk along the waterfront, a journey back in time through history or a stroll through romantic, idyllic towns and villages, you'll certainly never have experienced the Berlin neighbourhood in winter. Enjoy your wintry soujourn with these 12 winter tips for 12 Berlin neighbourhoods.
Tip 1: Mitte - Discover Berlin's sights with the new U5 line
Take the new U5 line on a sightseeing tour of Berlin's historic centre. Simply join in and get off at your leisure: At every stop Berlin invites you to stroll through the festively illuminated city, for example around the town hall, the Reichstag, the Museum Island, the Berlin Cathedral or the Nikolai Quarter. If you want to go a little further out, you can take the U5 underground to the zoo or the Gardens of the World.
2. Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg - The experimental heart of Berlin
The heart of Kreuzberg, Bergmannstrasse is a colourful affair with its lively markets and quirky second-hand shops. Stalls at the historic covered markets showcase their garments and food items at attractive prices.
Additionally this year some star restaurants invite you on the weekends to take an afternoon walk to enjoy mulled wine and other Christmassy and hearty delicacies - from caviar to potato pancakes. Participating restaurants are Horváth and Tulus Lutreck (Paul-Lincke-Ufer 44 a and 21), as well as VOLT and Herz und Kiere (Fichtestr. 24 and 31).
Tip 3: Neukölln - excursion to Britz Castle and Estate
The historic estate of Schloss Britz is always worth a visit, especially in winter. Then jugglers and stall owners will take you into a Nordic-Christmas fairy-tale world. And a walk across the grounds in the cold, clear winter air is also a lovely experience.
4. Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf - An international range
At Savignyplatz, the overwhelming range of books awaits you. Take your time to browse through large-format illustrated books from all areas of art, out-of-print and sought-after exhibition catalogues and the appropriate theoretical literature. In the spacious art and film bookstore you will certainly find a nice souvenir or Christmas present for your loved ones.
5. Steglitz-Zehlendorf - A nature lover's dream
Zehlendorf's Botanic Garden is just what founder Adolf Engler envisions in 1889: the 'world in a garden'. Discover 22,000 plant species from as far as the ancient Himalayas, East Asia, Africa and the tropics. Even in winter the extensive garden invites you to take beautiful walks. In winter, the spacious garden invites you to beautiful walks in the magical sea of lights of the Christmas Garden.
Tip 6: Tempelhof-Schöneberg - Sweet Christmas Treats
At the Süßkramdealer you will find sweets, chocolates and pralines, readily recommended by the owner of this true taste boutique. The treatment is friendly and personalized.
7. Reinickendorf - Glorious winter walks
Reinickendorf is Berlin's favourite borough for winter walks. Zeltinger Square and Ludolfingerplatz are home to intriguing star-shaped streets and garden villas. To the east of Frohnau is the lakeside village of Lübars. Pop into the Lübars Youth Farm to say hello to the pigs and sheep. Tegeler See, meanwhile, shines with its pleasure boats. Noteworthy attractions in this district include Humboldt Castle, the Tegel Forest, and 'Fat Marie', Berlin's oldest tree named after the Humboldt brothers' plump kitchen maid.
8. Spandau - The cosy side of Berlin
Rich in history, the Spandau quarter beckons for a pleasurable winter walk. The old quarter of Kolkviertel still houses remnants of the medieval city walls, and half-timbered houses dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. The red brick St. Mary's Church is an excellent example of Romanesque revival architecture. During Advent, the old town is decorated with over 20 Christmas trees around the historic market square.
9. Pankow - Visit the original Schönhausen Palace
Pankow is a must-visit for its Baroque-style Schönhausen Palace, summer residence of the Prussian kings. In 1989-90 discussions about the reunification of Germany take place at the palace's historic 'Central Round Table'. In the following decades, dignitaries such as Gandhi and Gadaffi are guests here. Although the castle itself is currently closed, the park invites you to take a walk. Alternatively you can visit the botanical garden in Pankow, in the northern part you can even watch fallow deer.
Tip 10: Lichtenberg - Walk between the stars
Lichtenberg, too, entices visitors to take a festive stroll with Christmas lights. Let yourself be enchanted and stroll directly from Lichtenberg S-Bahn station to Münsterlandplatz. In the small shops and boutiques of Weitlingstraße you are sure to discover the one or other nice gift.
11. Marzahn-Hellersdorf - Journey back to the past
Set out on a winter walk through the borough's winding paths until the 200-year-old Mahlsdorf Manor House slowly comes into sight (currently closed). The historic Dorfanger is also worth a visit. Simply get on the tram (M8) in Berlin Mitte and enjoy an afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In the north-east you can visit the Marzahn Bockwindmühle, which is closed in winter but festively illuminated.
12. Treptow-Köpenick - An idyllic sojourn on Berlin's outskirts
The old town of Köpenick lies indulgently on the confluence of the rivers Dahme and Spree. Discover centuries-old houses in this 'green lung' of Berlin. A visit to the festively decorated castle square is also recommended during a winter walk.
