Hotel Bett und Buch in Köpenick

A family-run literary getaway in the Old Town

Whether you’re exploring on foot or travelling by bike, Köpenick in Berlin’s south-east is the perfect spot for a journey of historic discovery. The Hotel Bett und Buch is the ideal starting point for your exploring: a book-lined family-run hotel serving fresh baguettes and a warm welcome, it’s just a stone’s throw from the heart of Köpenick Old Town, a Berlin hidden gem where there are all kinds of highlights in store for curious guests.

Hotel Bett und Buch Berlin – family-style hospitality

Coffee, cake and a good book – for many people, that’s the pathway to paradise. All the better if you have a friendly and peaceful spot to enjoy it in. If that sounds like you, welcome to your new favourite place: the Hotel Bett und Buch in Berlin. This quirky family-run hotel on Rudower Straße in Treptow-Köpenick is a haven for book lovers with unique bedrooms, a warm welcome and fresh baguettes made on the premise – boasting beautiful Gründerzeit architecture into the bargain. Each of its 19 rooms is named after and inspired by a literary great. Spend the night with Hermann Hesse or Isabel Allende – and enjoy all the finest amenities of a modern hotel as you do, including free Wi-Fi, en-suite bathrooms, TVs… plus that all-important writing desk, for when inspiration strikes. Choose from views of the street or the tranquil courtyard.

Hotel Bett und Buch Berlin: a home from home in a former public library

The Hotel Bett und Buch has a novel-worthy history of its own right. Built to house an inn in the late 19th-century, it later became a public library in the GDR era. It lay dormant for some years afterwards, until it found the purpose that was always meant for it: a family-run hotel with its own baguette bakery. When the new owners moved in, they uncovered all kinds of treasures from the building’s history. Now the old library books and vintage classics are available for guests to browse – so there’s no need to bring reading material of your own.

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Heading to the Hauptmann from Hotel Bett und Buch Berlin

A trip to Köpenick wouldn’t be complete, of course, without paying a visit to its famous ‘Hauptmann’, or Captain. You’ll find the statue of this famous imposter – who posed as a military officer in an infamous money-making scheme – outside the Town Hall on the corner of Alt-Köpenick and Rosenstraße, and more on his history on the hotel’s bookshelves. If your interest is kindled, head to the half-timbered Museum Köpenick, dating back to 1665, to find out more. This Berlin hidden gem will take you on a fascinating journey through the history of the neighbourhood – from the Middle Ages to the present day, taking in traditional industries such as fishing, and (plot twist!) the story of the Captain of Köpenick himself.

Discover the sights near the Hotel Bett und Buch Berlin

You’ll find Köpenick, one of Berlin’s hidden historic gems, where the river Dahme meets the Spree. Much like Spandau in the west, Köpenick has its own separate history as a town, as well as being Berlin’s biggest neighbourhood by area. The well-preserved historic centre stands as testament to its storied past. Cross the Dahme from the hotel to explore it, before checking out the iconic Baroque palace and its grounds, where you’ll find all kinds of beautiful statues and sculptures, as well as a museum showing magnificent Baroque and Renaissance works. Heading west along Müggelheimer Straße and turning right, you’ll find the famous ‘Fischerkietz’, dating back to 1355 and home to the oldest buildings in Köpenick, many of which are over 200 years old. Wandering the narrow streets, you’ll feel as if you’ve travelled back in time.

Food and drink near the Hotel Bett und Buch Berlin

If you find yourself feeling hungry, Köpenick is home to plenty of foodie hotspots. Check out Fräulein O. for delicious cake in a shabby-chic ambiance, hearty lunches at the Ratskeller Köpenick and waterside dining at the Restaurant Köpenicker Seeterrassen. Meanwhile, Wundervino Köpenick has just the right wine list to work through while you dine. If you’re here at the right time, you can check out the weekly market on Schlossplatz. Held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, it’s the perfect place to pick up fresh produce from local growers and grocers – just a stone’s throw from the hotel.

Of course, if you’re too engrossed in your reading material, you can stay within the cosy confines of the hotel and enjoy fresh sandwiches and coffee at the Baguette und Buch café downstairs. Köpenick is a little quieter than some of Berlin’s party hotspots – but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on when night falls. Head to the Zilles Stubentheater for evening entertainment, or the beer garden at Freiheit 15, a magnificent waterside watering hole.