Our guide to some of the best outdoor spots and summer activities in Berlin…
In 1968, an East German “feel good” musical entitled, Heisser Sommer (Hot Summer) was released. Touted as the “The East German Grease” for its 2001 video release, it was in reality a far cry from the John Travolta and Olivia Newton John classic, though the concept was essentially the same: people making the most of the summer months. Hanging out, drinking beer, having fun.
Not only have Berlin’s summers have been getting consistently warmer since the Swinging Sixties, there’s no longer a huge concrete wall dividing the city—along with the endless grey winters and rainy springtimes we generally have to endure, no other reasons are needed to grab summer with both hands and wring every millilitre of sunshine from it…this guide is designed to help.
Beaches, Lakes & Pools
An EasyJet flight can deliver you to Mallorca in a couple of hours, but let’s face it: it’s hours of stress all told. Luckily, Berlin has plenty of perfectly pleasant beaches, most of which are just an S-Bahn ride away. The best-known is Strandbad Wannsee, the oldest and largest Lido in Europe, which is famed for its lovely long beach, Strandkörbe (wicker loungers) and classic seaside atmosphere—complete with rows of classic German snack stalls selling sausages, ice cream and beer.
There are several great urban beaches and pools right in the city centre too, from the famous Badeschiff, an iconic swimming-pool-in-the-Spree that attracts sunbathers and partygoers alike throughout the warmer months, through to classics like Strandbar Mitte, Plötzensee and Sommerbad Kreuzberg. For a fuller list of outdoor pools, check out our post here.
If the city feels too crowded, just head out to one of the city’s myriad lakes, which encircle the entire city. Particular favourites include Müggelsee, Liepnitzsee, Schlachtensee and the secluded Strandbad Grünau, but there are literally dozens to choose from. Wild swimming fans should check out this article.