Berlin has countless sights, hot spots, and highlights to offer. In summer, the capital also beckons with bright sunshine, many outdoor events, and plenty of activities. To inspire you for your stay in Berlin, we’ve put together a few tips for the summer.
For your stay, we naturally recommend our EastSeven Hostel in Prenzlauer Berg. A friendly atmosphere awaits you at very affordable prices. You can choose between individual beds in our dorms or your own private room. Extras like a muesli breakfast are included in the price.
This way, you start the day well-rested and energized. Are you ready to discover real Berlin summer highlights off the beaten path with our tips?
A hidden green oasis for relaxing: The Märchenbrunnen (Fairytale Fountain)
Volkspark Friedrichshain is a wonderful place in itself to escape the hustle and bustle of Berlin in summer. A special attraction within the park is the Märchenbrunnen.
The site dates back to the imperial era and is bursting with history. The huge fountain was completed in 1913; more than 100 stone sculptures show scenes from well-known fairytales, as well as hunting animals.
You can settle down by the splashing water, read a book, or have a picnic with friends. You’ll quickly forget that you’re in Germany’s most vibrant metropolis.
Address: Am Friedrichshain, 10249 Berlin
Opening hours: daily 9 AM to 8 PM
Website: https://www.berlin.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/3559814-3558930-maerchenbrunnen.html
Authentic summer café that not everyone knows: La Maison
If you’re in the mood for a French lifestyle during your summer in Berlin, then we have a special tip for you: La Maison on Paul-Lincke-Ufer.
The café serves arguably the best croissants in the whole city, along with various other French pastry specialties. You can get them at the counter, though you’ll have to live with it if certain pastries are sold out.
Alternatively, you can pre-order your favorites via the café’s website by 11 PM the night before and pick them up at the agreed time. This way, you’re guaranteed to get your pain au chocolat, cinnamon roll, or kouign-amann.
You can also purchase various types of bread, cakes, and packaged coffee at La Maison. Most of the café’s staff have a connection to France and therefore know the world of authentic patisserie.
The café’s location on the Paul-Lincke-Ufer promenade is perfectly chosen. The sun shines on the spacious terrace all day long, letting you enjoy your pastries and coffee even more.
And when you’re finished, you can stroll along the promenade and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
Besides the café at Paul-Lincke-Ufer, La Maison also has 2 other branches in Berlin, namely on Urbanstraße and at Herrfurthplatz.
Address: Paul-Lincke-Ufer 17, 10999 Berlin
Opening hours: Mon. to Thu. 7 AM to 8 PM, Fri. 7 AM to 9 PM, Sat. 8 AM to 9 PM, Sun. 8 AM to 8 PM
Website: https://www.lamaison.berlin/de/
Unknown swimming spot: The Flughafensee
Lakes like Wannsee and Müggelsee are on everyone’s lips when it comes to swimming in Berlin. But luckily, there are also a few lakes whose beaches aren’t hopelessly overcrowded in summer. One of them is the Flughafensee.
The quarry lake owes its name to its proximity to Tegel Airport. At up to 34.3 meters, it is Berlin’s deepest lake.
The north side is characterized by a spacious beach where you’re sure to find a quiet spot for sunbathing.
Because the lake isn’t managed as a public swimming facility, you don’t have to pay admission, but you also have to do without any amenities. There is only a toilet container; lifeguards and snack bars are not available.
In addition, caution is advised at some parts of the lake because the embankment could slide. However, signs warn of this danger. The water quality is checked regularly and is proven to be excellent.
By the way, the lake is surrounded by forest with winding paths. So if you feel like extending your trip into nature after swimming, a hike along the lakeshore is a great idea. Plus, Lake Tegel is not far away.
Address: Allee St. Exupery 45, 13405 Berlin
Opening hours: 24/7
Website: https://www.berlin.de/tourismus/seen/4399888-4299185-flughafensee.html
Cultural summer insider tip away from the tourist crowds: Teufelsberg
If you’re in the mood for art and culture during your summer in Berlin, then Teufelsberg is the place to be. It rises about 120 meters high and is the city’s highest elevation after the Arkenberge.
However, Teufelsberg is not a natural mountain, but consists of rubble that was dumped there over more than 20 years. In total, the hill consists of the debris from around 15,000 buildings destroyed in World War II. In 1972, the site was landscaped with soil and sand and planted with a million trees.
Characteristic of Teufelsberg is a former US listening station with several round towers. Part of the structure is used today as a street art gallery; numerous murals by internationally recognized artists adorn the building’s walls.
As part of a street art tour, you can have a guide show and explain the artworks to you. Along the way, you’ll also have a wonderful view over Berlin from the roof of the main building.
There is an entrance fee for Teufelsberg, and the tour also costs money. This finances the maintenance of the site.
Address: Teufelsseechaussee 10, 14193 Berlin
Opening hours: daily 11 AM to 9:30 PM, last entry 1 hour before closing
Website: https://www.teufelsberg-berlin.de
Insider tip for foodies in summer: Café am Neuen See
Even if the name doesn’t sound like it: Café am Neuen See is a restaurant with an attached beer garden that offers an unexpected variety of food.
It starts with breakfast, where you have the choice between classic and exotic options. Breakfast is served from 9 AM to 12 PM on weekdays, and even until 4 PM on weekends. This makes the location an ideal choice for brunch with friends as well.
From 12 PM, the kitchen is ready for lunch. The selection includes salads, pizza, tarte flambée, pasta, fish, and meat. Of course, vegetarian and vegan meals are also on the menu.
The meal finishes with delicious desserts – above all, homemade ice cream. While you enjoy your food, you look out over the Neuer See into the Tiergarten. After eating, you can also rent a boat and head out onto the lake.
Address: Lichtensteinallee 2, 10787 Berlin
Opening hours: daily 9 AM to midnight
Website: https://www.cafeamneuensee.de
Nightlife with a twist: Klunkerkranich
Every summer day in Berlin eventually comes to an end. To turn night into day, we recommend Klunkerkranich in Neukölln. The venue is located on parking deck 6 of the Neukölln-Arkaden, covering an area of more than 1,000 square meters.
With Klunkerkranich, an oasis above the city’s rooftops awaits you, where you can experience the diversity of Berlin’s club culture. Exclusive DJ sets by well-known artists from the electronic scene alternate with performances by promising newcomers.
The club’s premises house the indoor floor “Hinter den Alpen” and the bar floor “Wohnzimmer”. In addition, there is the outdoor area “Ostflügel”, which is the setting for various events. There, you can also let your gaze wander over Berlin with a delicious drink.
Address: Karl-Marx-Straße 66, 12043 Berlin
Opening hours: Mon – Wed: from 6 PM, Thu – Sun: from 4 PM
Website: www.klunkerkranich.org
Caterina Gil
Your unforgettable summer in Berlin
Are you already looking forward to spending a few summery days in the capital? Whether you want to relax in the city’s green oases, discover culture, go swimming, watch the sunset, or turn night into day: Berlin’s summer offers something for every taste.
And thanks to the convenient location, our insider tips are easily accessible from EastSeven Hostel. Take advantage of the proximity to the popular Treptower Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Berlin, where you can walk along the Spree, relax in the greenery, or enjoy the sun with a picnic. For the adventurous, we recommend a trip to the Treptow-Köpenick district, which invites you to swim and sunbathe with its extensive lakes, such as the Müggelsee, and idyllic lidos.
If you’re looking for culture, the numerous museums on Museum Island offer exciting insights into German history and art. On mild summer evenings, a visit to one of the many open-air cinemas is worthwhile to enjoy films under the starry sky. For sporting activities, you can visit Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport site that is now used as a huge outdoor area for cycling, skating, and mini-golf.
The lively streets around Holzmarkt are also a popular meeting point in summer, with bars, restaurants, and a unique backdrop right on the Spree. Here you can end the day with a cool drink and watch the colorful hustle and bustle.
You can reach all these places quickly and easily with the S-Bahn, allowing you to plan your summer in Berlin flexibly and with plenty of variety. Whether you’re looking for peace in the gardens, want to experience the vibrant atmosphere by the water, or want to discover the city’s diverse events – Berlin has something to offer everyone in summer.