At least since the advent of digital photography, every traveller has carried a camera in every bag. Sharing one's experiences with friends and family has become the norm. But let's be honest, how much can we still surprise someone with photos of the Brandenburg Gate showing the same view already snapped by thousands before us? That's why I decided to head out and about in the city and find some of the best photo spots in Berlin away from the usual places. Let's get started with my (TOP 11) photo safari around Berlin:
- The classic: view of the TV tower from Panoramapunkt at Potsdamer Platz
The lift takes just 20 seconds to climb 100 metres in the air to give you an instant, wonderful view of the German capital. Many Berlin landmarks are visible from up here: the Brandenburg Gate, the Victory Column, Potsdamer Platz, and the TV Tower. If the weather's clear, a good view of the entire Berlin panorama is guaranteed.
- The Victory Column: far-reaching views across the city
After climbing the 285 steps to the viewing platform, you might want to take a deep breath first. But your effort will be rewarded with far-reaching views of the city and its key traffic routes. A special feature is the view of the Tiergarten park which can only be captured in its entirety from atop the Victory Column.
- Park am Nordbahnhof: a surprising view of the TV Tower
The park around Nordbahnhof is not known to many. But once you arrive, you'll be rewarded with an unexpected view of the TV Tower. This is my secret tip for photographing Berlin's unmistakable landmark from a different perspective.
- Elsebrücke: the best sunset of the city
For me, this is the best place to watch the sun set (and take photos), so it's not surprising that one's rarely alone on this bridge at sunset. In the foreground, the well-known Molecule Men make a great subject for experimenting with light and shadow.
- Viktoriapark: waterfall and urban landscape
Viktoriapark in Berlin's Kreuzberg district and the eponymous Kreuzberg hill offer several nice shots: the view of the waterfall in particular gives experienced amateur photographers a chance to practise using long-term exposure. Once on top, enjoy the view and capture a few shots of the panorama that is Berlin.
- Klunkerkranich: the roof terrace above the Neukölln arcades
High above the roofs of Neukölln, some creative folk have created an idyllic oasis with great attention to detail With a drink in your hand, you can enjoy the view over Berlin and snap a few beautiful panoramic shots of the city.
- Tempelhofer Feld: Berlin's new outdoors sports complex
Whether on skis in winter or on two wheels in summer, Tempelhofer Feld, the former Tempelhof airport, offers enough space for a variety of activities. The numerous recreational athletes make for particularly great photo subjects against the backdrop of the former airport building.
- Teufelsberg: Berlin's highest peak
The former US listening post on the high plateau of the Teufelsberg can be visited on a guided tour. The platform offers a unique view over the Grunewald, the Havel, and the Radio Tower and, in good weather, even over to the TV Tower on the other side of the city. The street art galleries of the Kunsthaus and the ruins of the white radio interception domes are also interesting shots.
- Oranienstraße: a Kreuzberg neighbourhood
This is where Berliners and visitors from around the world mingle in the many cafés and bars. Good shots of this multicultural flair are available particularly along Oranienstraße, while a detour into a rear courtyard typical of Kreuzberg is also worthwhile.
Wilde Natur über vergessener Technik mit Werken Bildender Kunst. Auf dem Gebiet des ehemaligen Rangierbahnhofs in Berlin-Tempelhof ist eine einzigartige Naturlandschaft mit markanten Relikten der Dampflok-Ära entstanden. Nach der Stilllegung des Bahnhofs entwickelte sich auf einer Fläche von 18 Hektar ein "Urwald".
- Schöneberger Südgelände: a wilderness in the big city
After the closure of the former marshalling yard in Tempelhof, nature has since reclaimed the land. The combination of a wild environment and the industrial heritage left behind offers plenty of photo opportunities. The café in the former bridge shop is a great place to take a break and review your pictures.
- Oberbaumbrücke: the classic Berlin bridge
Granted, the Oberbaumbrücke has never been a secret tip, but it still belongs to this list because the view from here over the Spree towards the TV Tower is a classic photo motif for good reason. If you're lucky, there will be musicians playing on the street and the atmosphere at sunset will be perfect.
