Concierge tips for warm sunny days in Berlin

Berlin shows off its best side in summer! To enjoy summer and the sun to the full, Berliners simply move their lives outdoors. But what makes the Berlin summer so special? Where are the most beautiful places with shady spots, the most idyllic restaurants and what kind of sports should you try out in the capital? 

We spoke to Kay Mischke, concierge of the Hotel Palace Berlin, and he revealed to us his insider tips for the perfect summer holiday in Berlin.

For starters: Who is Kay Mischke? 

Kay Mischke has been working as a concierge in Berlin for over 30 years – 20 years of which as head concierge in the privately run Hotel Palace Berlin, where he attends to the wishes of his hotel guests every day with the motto: “Anything is possible!”

“Many tourists want to know about Berlin-Mitte, but the city has so much more to offer – after all, every neighbourhood is different. You can simply let yourself be carried wherever the city takes you and you will always be surprised by something exciting and new. It is important not to try to see Berlin in 48 hours, but to really take the time to explore it. My recommendation is always: Experience the city from all its sides!”

Is there a new water sports trend in Berlin that your guests should try out?

Surfing in Berlin at the Wellenwerk
The Wellenwerk will open in summer 2019. Together with a lifestyle restaurant, surf shop, mixology bar, motorcycle factory, beer garden and surfboard workshop, this will be a new hotspot.

Tobogganing on the natural bobsleigh track
Berlin’s first summer toboggan run is a special highlight. It was built for the IGA Berlin 2017. The facility is located on the Kienberg hill and can be easily reached on foot from the Wolkenhain cable car station in two minutes.

Kayak tour 
The guided kayak tour passing through the locks in the heart of Berlin starts at the Urbanhafen Kreuzberg and follows the Landwehr Canal towards the west of the city. From here you can experience the city from a completely different perspective.

In summer, when your guests seek an oasis of well-being, where can you recommend they go?

Weekly market at Winterfeldtplatz A perfect start to the weekend. On Saturdays, the market at Winterfeldtplatz is a popular hotspot for all market traders. Flowers, cheese, fruit, vegetables – all the food sold here is of very high quality. Browse handicrafts, try on clothing and much more during your visit. And after a stroll around the market, you can sit in the sun at one of the numerous surrounding cafés.

Café Schönbrunn in Volkspark Friedrichshain Café Schönbrunn is located in the green Volkspark Friedrichshain on the border of Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain. You can enjoy coffee and cake by the idyllic swan lake, either in the beer garden or on the terrace of Café Schönbrunn. And once you’re there, it’s worth a visit to the romantic fairytale fountain and a stroll along winding paths up to the 78-metre-high Bunkerberg hilltop. You will be particularly rewarded there at sunset – with a fantastic view of the park, Prenzlauer Berg and Berlin-Mitte. 

Which three restaurants are particularly popular in Berlin in summer?

The Wirtshaus Moorlake: This is a traditional inn with Berlin cuisine and is idyllically situated surrounded by greenery – directly on the Havelbucht (Havel Bay) between the Glienicke Bridge and the Pfaueninsel island.

Wannseeterrassen Berlin: Make sure not to miss the tourist restaurant with the most beautiful view of the Wannsee lake. The Wannseeterrassen is situated in the heart of Grunewald right by the water.

Spindler Restaurant Berlin: The relaxed brasserie/restaurant is beautifully situated on the green terrace on the shore of the Landwehr Canal in Kreuzberg. A nice place for a cosy breakfast or brunch at the weekend. The seasonal menu includes fresh fish, dry-aged steaks, game and vegetarian dishes. 

Where can I sunbathe by the water in Berlin, and why is this location so special?

Krumme Lanke: The Krumme Lanke lake is idyllically surrounded by many trees. You can go swimming in the lake as its water is very clean. A larger sandy beach and small hidden coves await you.

Wannsee: A 1 km long sandy beach, beach chairs, waterside promenade and culinary offers. The tradition-steeped Wannsee lido offers space for around 50,000 bathers on its extensive grounds. In terms of sports activities, it offers water slides, volleyball and basketball courts, table tennis tables and boat hire.

Enjoying a cocktail in peace and quiet in a deck chair on the shore in Berlin. Where would you go for this?

MilchBar at the Funkhaus: This bar boasts a magnificent location right by the Spree. It is located in an enchanted place in the listed building complex of the former Funkhaus Berlin.

Weinhafen Rummelsburg: At this location you can enjoy a picturesque view of the Spree. An ideal place to relax.