Summer in Berlin is a great opportunity to go for a stroll through the town and discover a different, quieter side to the city: in the Tiergarten, alongside other moving memorials to the victims of tyranny, a special bronze tree has stood since June. And in Zehlendorf, it’s wonderful to stroll through the Waldsiedlung: it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July.
Tip 1: Discover Berlin’s new UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Zehlendorf Forest Estate is now officially part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Berlin Modernist Settlements’ – and that’s exactly what makes a stroll through the colourful rows of houses and the leafy residential neighbourhood this weekend so exciting: The estate, built by Bruno Taut, Hugo Häring and Otto Rudolf Salvisberg in the 1920s , is regarded as a pioneering example of the ‘Neues Bauen’ movement and has recently been added to the ‘Berlin Modernist Settlements’ World Heritage site. Today, these buildings stand as a testament to the implementation of groundbreaking reform ideas at a time of severe housing shortages.
When: Open to explore at any time
Where: Waldsiedlung Zehlendorf (Onkel-Tom-Siedlung), around the Onkel Toms Hütte underground station, Steglitz-Zehlendorf
Tip 2: Visit a special tree in the Tiergarten
It’s not just at the large field of stelae by the Brandenburg Gate; you can also discover special sculptures and installations whilst strolling through the Tiergarten : in a quiet and moving way, they commemorate the victims of Nazi tyranny – and inevitably draw a parallel with the present day! A new memorial has recently been unveiled for the Jehovah’s Witnesses who were persecuted and murdered under National Socialism: The 5-metre-high bronze tree, with its rugged surface, stands near the Goldfischteich, a historic site of persecution, and leaves a deep impression whilst raising pressing questions.
When: Accessible at any time
Where: Großer Tiergarten, near Goldfischteich/Ahornsteig, Mitte
Our tip: Join a guided tour of the memorial landscape in the Tiergarten
Tip 3: Enjoy the Britz Garden Night
Be there on Saturday as dusk falls and the Britzer Garten transforms into a fantasy world of light, music and performance : over 100 artists will be putting on performances, walking acts and illuminated experiences along the paths, in the meadows and in the squares. A wonderful summer experience for you and your children!
When: Saturday 8 August, doors open from 4 pm, starts at 5 pm
Where: Britzer Garten, Sangerhauser Weg 1, Neukölln
Tip 4: Go and see the highlight of the year at the Alte Nationalgalerie
It’s ‘not just’ around 100 of the most important and famous Impressionist paintings that you’ll see. The exhibition ‘Cassirer and the Breakthrough of Impressionism’ also showcases treasures of Classical Modernism and, in the final gallery , reveals aspects of the spectacular life of Paul Cassirer, the greatest art dealer of his time – including his love affair with Tilla Durieux, which cost him his life.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
Where: Alte Nationalgalerie, Bodestraße 1, Museum Island, Mitte
Tip 5: Watch the sunset from the water
Here’s another tip on how to experience the evening twilight in summery Berlin in a special way: as the sun slowly sets, set sail aboard the historic Kaiser Friedrich, the city’s oldest passenger ship: You’ll glide leisurely along the Spree for two and a half hours, passing landmarks in Old Berlin, Holzmarkt and Oberbaumbrücke. There’ll also be freshly tapped Kaiserbier and snacks .
When: Depending on the time booked; duration 2.5 hours
Where: Alte Börse jetty, Burgstraße 27, Mitte
Tip 6: Discover a special historic spot in Pankow
On your stroll through leafy Pankow, why not pop into the municipal library? You might be struck by the magnificent historic building in the Neo-Baroque style and wonder what it was originally built for. Did you know that a Jewish orphanage was located here until 1940, and that the elaborate architectural style was once a visible symbol of Jewish culture in Pankow? The richly decorated prayer hall, where concerts and readings are now held, has been carefully restored. The permanent exhibition traces the personal life stories of those who lived here: the lives of the children, who were even guaranteed a place in an apprenticeship scheme, and their subsequent fate during the Nazi era.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–7 pm
Where: Former Jewish Orphanage, Berliner Straße 120, Pankow
Tip 7: Go for a walk around Schönhausen Palace and discover a new exhibition
And if you happen to be in Pankow: Stroll beneath the tall trees through the leafy park of Schönhausen Palace and discover a new, special exhibition that sheds light on a dark chapter in the palace’s history. ‘Art – People – Power’ uses fascinating documents to explain how the Nazis stored around 3,750 works of art here – pieces that had been removed from German museums as ‘degenerate’ – before later selling them abroad for hard currency. These were primarily works of Expressionism. Delve into individual stories through biographies, diaries and photographs, and view original works by the artists affected.
When: Friday to Sunday, 10 am – 5.30 pm
Where: Schönhausen Palace, Tschaikowskistraße 1, 13156 Berlin
Tip 8: Dance to Brazilian rhythms
For anyone who loves dancing: the Miudinho Festival from Brazil will get you moving for three days. International dance instructors will be running workshops, whilst in the evenings live bands and DJs will keep the dance floor buzzing. Whether you’re just learning the basics or have been dancing for ages, this weekend the festival will turn the Malzfabrik into a hub for the international forró scene, with the party going on well into the night.
When: Friday, 1.30 pm–4 am, Saturday, 12 noon–4 am, Sunday, 12 noon–midnight
Where: Malzfabrik, Bessemerstraße 2–14, Schöneberg
Tip 9: Explore Berlin from new perspectives
How does Berlin shape the world – and how does the world shape Berlin? BERLIN GLOBAL at the Humboldt Forum explores precisely these questions: across 4,000 square metres, you can experience the city in all its facets through themed areas where you can get actively involved and delve deep into Berlin’s past and present: Revolution, Freedom, Borders, Pleasure, War, Fashion… and particularly inspiring: a huge walk-in disco ball.
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 10.30 am–6.30 pm (last admission 5.30 pm)
Where: BERLIN GLOBAL, Humboldt Forum, Schloßplatz, Mitte
Tip 10: Celebrate the weekend with Nauti Siren at the THF TOWER
This summer at Tempelhofer Feld, there’s more to do than just dance on a tightrope: the rooftop terrace of the THF Tower will become a stage for the music collective Nauti Siren and super DJ Dmitry, co-founder of the legendary group Deee-Lite. The sound ranges from disco, soul, dub, house and jazz – a mix that, as the sun sets, will truly transform your view of the vast Tempelhofer Feld – a fantastic summer’s evening!
When: Friday, 6–10 pm (live concert 7–10 pm)
Where: THF TOWER, Tempelhofer Damm 45, Tempelhof
Tip 11: Come and join the fun at the 90s & 2000s Open Air
Bravo hits, Buffalo shoes and plenty of sing-along moments: at the Kulturbrauerei, OLI. P, Rednex, the Captain Hollywood Project and other acts will be bringing the biggest hits of the 1990s and 2000s to life on stage. Under the open sky, the historic courtyard will be transformed into a journey through time for an afternoon and evening – including an after-show party at the Soda Club.
When: Saturday, 2 pm–10 pm, followed by an after-show party at the Soda Club
Where: Kulturbrauerei, Schönhauser Allee 36, Prenzlauer Berg
