Sustainability in winter? The cycle paths are icy and nature is in winter hibernation, at first glance it is not so easy. Nevertheless, there are numerous sustainable activities in Berlin in winter too. So don't put your environmental awareness on ice during the colder months of the year. Discover sustainable winter activities in the capital with these 11 tips.
Tip 1: Enjoy performances at the Radialsystem
Originally built as a pumping station for Berlin's water supply, the building now serves as a platform for interdisciplinary projects and performances. Here, dance, music, performance and other art forms come together to create a unique experience for visitors. This winter, the programme includes the dance spectacle "Beethoven7" and the music theatre piece "The Whole Truth About Lies" on the programme.
The cherry on top: this location holds the sustainability certificate from Sustainable Berlin. This means that it fulfils high standards with regard to the environment, the treatment of employees and corporate governance.
When: Performances mostly on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Where: Holzmarktstraße 33, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Tip 2: Discover Berlin's many different districts
Berlin has 12 districts, but visitors and even many locals often hardly get to know their many facets. Time to change that and go on a discovery tour! In our new series, we present 11 tips for each district that are guaranteed to help you discover new sides of Berlin. Warning: you'll have trouble deciding which insider tip to visit first.
Previously published articles in the series:
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Lichtenberg
Marzahn-Hellersdorf
Mitte
Pankow
Neukölln
Reinickendorf
Spandau
Steglitz-Zehlendorf
Treptow-Köpenick
Tempelhof-Schöneberg
More about berlin's Districts
Tip 3: Contemplation in the Tipi am Kanzleramt
If you don't just want to sit in your living room on 24 and 25 December, you should get tickets for the Tipi am Kanzleramt. Let Jennifer Rüth and Pauline Gropp take you on a musical journey. Look forward to unique interpretations of Christmas classics such as "Hallelujah" and "Last Christmas" as well as original compositions such as "December Song" and "Reminiscence".
An unforgettable evening that will sweeten the cold season in a charming way. What will also sweeten your evening is the fact that the Tipi am Kanzleramt is certified with Sustainable Berlin.
When: 24 and 25 December
Where: Tipi am Kanzleramt, Große Querallee, Mitte
Tip 4: Explore the city of tomorrow at the Berlin TXL Info Centre
Berlin is already familiar with the conversion of disused airports. Tempelhofer Feld, a popular local recreation area, is the world's largest open space in the city centre. You can find out how things are going at Tegel Airport on a free guided tour of the Berlin TXL information centre. Find out how the city of tomorrow will be built on the site of the former major airport.
When: Every Friday 14:30 and 16:00
Where: Infocenter Berlin TXL, Tegel Airport 1, Reinickendorf
See the free Tour
Tip 5: Don't miss out on a visit to the market even in winter
Sheltered from the wind and weather, market halls are a great place for a relaxed stroll, especially in winter. Discover the lively Markthalle Neun on Street Food Thursday, have an espresso in the Markthalle Tegel, enjoy your Sunday brunch in the Arminiusmarkthalle or buy organic produce in the Marheineke Markthalle. What they all have in common is that you will find fresh seasonal produce and a lively market atmosphere.
Tip 6: Enjoy vegan baked goods
Whether it's cakes, cookies, cupcakes, cinnamon buns or simply freshly baked bread - everything is good with pastries in the cold season. It's even better when you have a steaming cup of coffee or cocoa in your frozen hands - vegan too, of course. Find out which vegan cafés are the best places to warm up in winter in our blog post.
Why vegan? Even if you don't want to switch your diet to non-animal products permanently, it makes sense to incorporate vegan alternatives. On the whole, animal products produce more CO2 than non-animal products, so even the occasional switch to vegan has a positive effect on your personal carbon footprint.
11 Tips for vegan Bakeries in Berlin
Tip 7: Attend events at the Haus der Statistik
In the participatory model project Haus der Statistik, you can take part in interesting events or obtain materials for your next textile or DIY project. Second-hand markets and material exchanges take place here regularly, but the programme also includes discussion rounds and live art studios.
When: from Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday, various dates
Where: Haus der Statistik, Otto-Braun-Straße 70-72, Mitte
Tip 8: Crazy and burnt out
This exhibition takes you into the world of fireworks art. Here you can marvel at over 70 large-format engravings and around 40 historical books that document the development of fireworks for war and festive purposes. The exhibition sheds light on the history and significance of fireworks, from the European courts of absolutism to their role today. This will give you an understanding of the background so that you can gain an insight into the discussions surrounding the future of fireworks and their environmental impact in the exhibition's accompanying discourse programme.
When: Until 9 February 2025
Where: Picture Gallery, Matthäikirchplatz, Mitte
Tip 9: Discover products from Berlin manufactories and studios
Take your time and discover unique products from Berlin manufactories. The variety of goods made in Berlin will surprise you. From beautiful handmade ceramics to heavenly popcorn and eco-friendly cosmetics, you'll find everything you need. Best of all, your shopping trip supports the local economy. This means that your money goes to Berlin companies and not to large international chains.
Tip 10: Visit an indoor flea market
Are you eagerly awaiting warmer days so you can stroll around flea markets again? To bridge the gap until then, why not visit an indoor flea market? Probably the best-known indoor flea market in Berlin is the Alt-Treptow indoor flea market. But you can also find an antique flea market near the Juliusturm in Spandau. The indoor flea markets differ slightly from the typical flea markets, so you will find less clothing and more furniture.
When: Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Alt-Treptow indoor flea market, Eichenstraße 4A, Treptow-Köpenick
Indoor Flea Market Alt-Treptow
Tip 11: Listening to insect whispers
The author Dominique Zimmermann, a renowned entomologist and curator at the Natural History Museum Vienna, takes you on a journey into the hidden diversity of the six-legged creatures. Learn more about the crucial role of trouser bees, compass termites and golden wasps in our ecosystem and be enthralled by exciting stories from the insect world. For a particularly atmospheric experience, András Sosko will accompany the reading musically on the double bass.
When: 10 December 2024, German language
Where: Museum für Naturkunde, Invalidenstraße 43, Mitte
Insektengeflüster
By the way: You can also browse for second-hand treasures in the BSR second-hand department store NochMall.
