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11 tips for favourite summer places in Berlin

Tips for a perfect summer's day

Insel der Jugend
Insel der Jugend © visitBerlin, Foto: Thomas Kierok

Where is the most beautiful place in Berlin in summer? There are many answers to this question: at your favourite lake, in the park or on the roof terrace on a warm summer evening. We've taken a look around the city and put together 11 favourite summer spots in Berlin for you. Let us inspire you! Here are our 11 favourite places, big and small, where you can relax and enjoy Berlin in summer.

Tipp 1: Müggelsee

A surfer on the Großer Müggelsee in Berlin, a popular destination
Surfing on the Müggelsee © visitBerlin, Foto: Dagmar Schwelle

The only lake in Berlin larger than Wannsee is Müggelsee, with a water surface area of over 7.4 km². No matter whether you jump into the cool water at the lido on a hot summer day or explore the expanse of the lake by boat. Müggelsee is clearly one of Berlin's favourite summer spots. We have compiled even more tips for Berlin's lakes in our practical swimming map.

To the swimming map

Tip 2: Charlottenburg Palace

Berlin, Schloss Charlottenburg, Gartenseite
© SPSG, Foto: Hans Bach

Charlottenburg Palace certainly has its place in this list. Where baroque meets magnificent garden architecture, it is especially beautiful in summer. Stroll through the extensive park and enjoy the view of the magnificent palace grounds.

Tip: Why not combine your visit with a boat trip? There is a landing stage right there.

Tickets for boat trips

Tip 3: Gardens at Babelsberg Palace

Babelsberg palace
Babelsberg Palace © iStock.com, Foto: picturedesigner

You will find even more magnificent castles and extensive parks in Potsdam. The Babelsberg park on the banks of the Havel offers a particularly beautiful view over the Havel and the landscape. The palace opens only at special occasions, but you can enjoy the romantic view from a café or bench and relax. By the way, the Wall Trail runs through the park, so it's the perfect destination for a bike ride. And for the water rats among you, pack your swimming costume and jump into the cool waters of the Havel at the lido.

More about Babelsberg

Tip 4: Haus der Kulturen der Welt

Haus der Kulturen der Welt Berlin
Haus der Kulturen der Welt © visitberlin, Foto: Wolfgang Scholvien

Or rather, the terrace of the House of World Cultures. The Sonic Pluriverse Festival will take place there this summer. The cultural journey takes you with concerts, performances, readings and rituals to different places that are connected with the Congo. Thus, history comes alive in stories that tell of kingdoms, tribal areas, trade routes, migration, enslavement, colonialism, independence, cultural diversity, creativity and resistance. Immerse yourself in the cultural richness that was carried from the Congo to the Caribbean and eventually to the southern United States. At the same time, the terrace offers a great view of the Spree and the government district.

By the way, there is also a boat landing stage, so you can combine your visit with a boat trip on the Spree.

Sonic Pluriverse Festival

Tip 5: Milchhäuschen at lake Weißer See

Known fontain in the "Weißen See"
Known fontain in the "Weißen See" © visitberlin, Foto: Philip Koschel

The Weiße See (White Lake) in the district of Pankow in the north of Berlin is very popular. You can sip your latte macchiato in the little milk house on the shore and watch the rowing boats in peace and quiet, while the lido Weißensee  - directly opposite - beckons with sun loungers, a beer garden and bathing fun. The fountain in the middle of the lake surrounded by lush greenery makes the idyll perfect.

More abot the Milchhäuschen

Tip 6: Lustgarten at Museum's Island

Altes Museum
© visitBerlin, Foto: Pierre Adenis

The meadow in front of the Altes Museum on Museum Island is the place to rest in the heart of the city after visiting Museum Island or the new Humboldt Forum. The Lustgarten is not just a meadow. It's a beautiful patch of green with rainbow-coloured sparkling fountains and a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Berlin.

More about Museum's Island

Tip 7: Gardens of the World

Königliche Nacht der degewo - Mieterfest 05.06.2009 in den Gärten der Welt Erholungspark Berlin Marzahn
© Grün Berlin GmbH, Foto: Holger Koppatsch

Whether it's smelling flowers, riding the cable car, bobsleighing or watching sunsets - you'll get your money's worth at the park Gradens of the World, and not just on hot summer days. Pack some provisions and find a nice spot in the shade - this has always been the tradition in the wonderful gardens of the world.

Tip for families: the 6,000 square metre water playground "Konrad's Journey to the South Seas" invites you to splash and frolic on hot days.

More about the Gardens of the World

Tip 8: Lietzensee

Restaurant Bootshaus Stella by lake Lietzensee
Lietzenseepark mit Blick auf das Wasser © Runze & Casper, Foto: Martin Beikirch

Not far from Kurfürstendamm is the Lietzensee. Surrounded by a park, the crescent-shaped body of water offers a green oasis in the middle of West Berlin, especially for day trippers from Charlottenburg and Wilmersdorf. In good weather, the water terrace of the Stella boathouse is the ideal place to go after a nice walk around the lake.

More about the Lietzensee

Tip 9: Klunkerkranich

View of the Berlin TV Tower from Club Klunkerkranich
Sunset at Klunkerkranich © gettyimages, Foto: golero

What could be better than a balmy summer evening with friends? A balmy summer evening with friends and a magnificent view over the rooftops of Berlin. That's why rooftop terraces with their beautiful open-air panoramas are becoming increasingly popular. And one of the hottest roof terraces is the cool Klunkerkranich in Neukölln - with a casual Berlin lifestyle included.

More about roof tops in Berlin

Tip 10: Volkspark Friedrichshain - with open air cinema

Freiluftkino Friedrichshain
© visitBerlin, Foto: Dagmar Schwelle

Volkspark Friedrichshain is a park full of life. Located between the popular districts of Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain, Volkspark is a green oasis in close proximity to the bustling Alexanderplatz. In summer, one of Berlin's most beautiful open-air cinemas presents its excellently selected programme here. A detour to the fairy-tale fountain in the western part of the park is magical.

More about Volkspark Friedrichshain

Tip 11:Tempelhofer Feld

Tempelhof field in Berlin
Tempelhof field in Berlin © visitBerlin, Foto: Dagmar Schwelle

And last but not least, the absolute favourite place of so many from all over Berlin (not only in summer). Whether it's picnics, garden art, roller skating or cycling - it's all here with an extra dose of freedom on top! The Tempelhofer Feld and its vast expanses let you forget the hustle and bustle of the big city and are the perfect destination, especially in summer.

More about Tempelhofer Feld

Kristin: visitBerlin-Bloggerin unter visitBerlin.de/blog

Kristin

does not smile on fotos. But in real life she enjoys with a smile in her face the rich cultural life of Berlin - the metropolis both in front of and behind the scenes. Her favourite season is the Berlinale, then she spends 10 days watching movies and writing about them in the blog. All posts