10 Best Berlin Places To Visit This Summer

Kreuzberg Canal
Kreuzberg Canal | © Jenny Poole/Flickr
Lily Cichanowicz

With summertime in full swing, we are reminded why we love Berlin enough to rough it through its brutal winters. Beat the heat and make the most of the beautiful weather and laid-back vibes of the city by hanging out at Berlin’s most picturesque waterside spots. Not sure where to head first? We’ve got you covered with these 10 most glorious places.

Badeschiff

The famed Badeschiff is one of Berlin’s best riverside bars. In addition to cold ones, yoga classes, and great views, what sets Badeschiff apart is its pool, which is literally situated right in the Spree. Take a dip in the midst of some of Berlin’s most iconic sights like the Molecule Man, Oberbaumbrücke, and the TV Tower. The sandy outdoor terrain and rustic wooden décor create the perfect beach-themed vibe without ever requiring you to leave the city proper.

http://instagram.com/p/3lPETNL_9N/?tagged=badeschiff

Paul-Lincke-Ufer and Maybachufer

http://instagram.com/p/BHhjtaDjuML/?tagged=maybachufer

Böcklerpark

Just a bit further down the canal, Böcklerpark is another wonderful place to enjoy summer in the city like a local. Near one of the hippest parts of Kreuzberg, this small but lush green space contains enormous weeping willows, which makes it hard to miss. Swans typically glide over the water’s surface, a detail that only enhances the serenity of this quiet spot.

http://instagram.com/p/BFCauMurLsK/?tagged=b%C3%B6cklerpark

Club der Visionaere

Perched on a tributary canal near the Spree, Club der Visionaere is a crucial stop for anyone looking to explore Berlin’s abundant nightlife. Its wooden terrace is draped with weeping willows, which are illuminated in technicolor lights. The club gets packed during the peak hours of evening so we recommend going on off-times for a good spot by the water. CDV hosts live electronic music at night, making it a fun place to kick off an evening of dancing.

http://instagram.com/p/BFKpf0vE3Xo/?tagged=clubdervisionaere

1. Treptower Park

Memorial, Park

Treptower Park

Treptower Park is one of Berlin’s most prominent parks, largely known for the enormous Soviet War Memorial located inside. The park has plenty to offer beyond this, however. The entire northeastern portion consists of a promenade situated along the Spree, making it an excellent place for a riverside picnic or bike ride when the weather permits. A favorite spot in the park among the locals is Insel der Jugend, a small island with exceptional views of the water and surrounding landscape. Plus, the park is completely dog friendly.

http://instagram.com/p/BGUuqdXp5vC/?tagged=inselderjugend

Elsenbrücke

For many, a trip to Treptower Park requires passing over the bridge, Elsenbrücke, in order to cross the river Spree. Therefore, we suggest taking a second to appreciate the phenomenal views that accompany it. The Molecule Man Sculpture is located on the western side of the bridge, making it one of the best vantage points in the city for viewing it. Elsenbrücke also provides a good view of the city’s most historic bridge, Oberbaumbrücke, which connects Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. The TV Tower also stands magnificently in the distance. Elsenbrücke serves as an excellent place for watching the sun set over the river.

http://instagram.com/p/BHdI1Fdjgu3/?tagged=elsenbr%C3%BCcke

Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders House

Situated in Berlin’s governmental quarter as part of the capital’s parliamentary complex, Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders House is a commemorative building that contains the scientific service center of Germany’s parliament. It is named after Marie Elisabeth Lüders, a social reformer and women’s rights activist. This ultra-contemporary architectural masterpiece is located right on the Spree. Its surface area is largely comprised of glass, which reflects the surrounding atmosphere, literally reflecting the beauty of the scenery in its façade. This spot is an especially peaceful place to explore in the evenings.

http://instagram.com/p/BHQePegheIA/?tagged=marieelisabethl%C3%BCdershaus

2. Oberbaumbrücke

Bridge

Friedrichshain Neighboorhood-Berlin-Germany
© Culture Trip
Built in 1895, the double-decker Oberbaum Bridge is one of Berlin’s oldest and most recognizable landmarks thanks to its reddish coloring and two large medieval style turrets. Oberbaumbrücke served as a checkpoint between East and West during the Cold War. Nowadays, it stands as an emblem of Berlin’s unity as it links Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, thus forming a symbolic connection between East and West in a city that was notoriously divided. Many street performers set up shop in here, and its seven successive archways in this red brick bridge frame the horizon for pedestrians passing through.

3. Langer See

Langer See

It’s impossible to talk about Berlin’s many waterside retreats without mentioning at least a couple of the many nearby lakes, which serve as the ideal retreat from the stifling heat on summer days. Located southeast of the city, Langer See and its surrounding forests promise plenty of soft grassy spots for relaxing in and out of the sun. Langer See has relatively pristine natural surroundings, and it is also dog-friendly. This lake is easily accessible from the city by tram.
Langer See, Treptow-Köpenick, Berlin, Germany

http://instagram.com/p/BGzG680E2ye/?tagged=langersee

4. Müggelsee

Museum

Müggelsee

Müggelsee is Berlin’s largest lake, and it is located in the city’s eastern suburbs. It is one of the best spots not only for swimming, but for hiking and boating as well, thanks to its size. Rental canoes and other watercrafts are also available on the premises. For any history buffs among you, visit the Museum im Wasserwerk at the northern shore of the lake. The museum offers an extensive history of Berlin’s water works and municipal drainage system. Müggelsee is one of the most visited lakes in the summer months, but there are three different designated bathing areas, so don’t let its popularity be a deterrent.

Müggelseedamm 307, Berlin, Germany, +49 (0)30 49910518

http://instagram.com/p/BHl-pzAgH-E/?tagged=m%C3%BCggelsee

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article