Berlin in winter: How to enjoy the cold season in the city

Anyone who thinks that Berlin is only fun in summer has not yet experienced the magic of winter here. Sure, it gets cold - but that doesn't take away from the city's special charm. If you know where to go, Berlin's winter will be anything but gray and dreary. Here are a few tips on how to have a good time even in sub-zero temperatures:

Christmas markets: glittering worlds of wonder

During the Advent season, Berlin boasts a wealth of Christmas markets. You could plan to visit them all, but there are quite a few! The Christmas magic at Gendarmenmarkt is particularly magical: here you will come across arts and crafts and culinary delights from all over the world. Things get romantic at Charlottenburg Palace, where the historical backdrop provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll.

If you have children in tow, the Christmas market in Spandau is well worth a visit. There are not only lovingly decorated stalls, but also a Ferris wheel and a carousel for the little ones. Things are a little more modern at Potsdamer Platz, where skyscrapers meet ice cream and tobogganing fun. My personal favorite is the Lucia Christmas Market in the Kulturbrauerei: Scandinavian flair with glögg, elk sausages and a cozy winter atmosphere make it something very special.

Indoor activities: Warm and entertaining

When it gets really frosty outside, the many indoor spots in Berlin are a real rescue. Museums are at the top of the list - there's something for every taste. In the Natural History Museum, a gigantic dinosaur skeleton awaits you right in the entrance area, while the DDR Museum interactively shows you what everyday life was like in the GDR.

If you're more in the mood for excitement and teamwork, visit one of the many escape rooms. Cracking puzzles and solving missions will quickly make you forget the cold outside. Or you can jump into the warm water in one of Berlin's indoor swimming pools. The Finckensteinallee indoor swimming pool, for example, not only looks chic, it is also guaranteed to keep you cozy and warm.

Culinary winter delights: hearty and cozy

When it's freezing cold, a hearty meal tastes twice as good. In Berlin inns, roast goose, red cabbage and dumplings are very popular in winter. If you like it traditional, stop by the restaurant “Zur letzten Instanz” - here you get the typical Berlin flair served with it.

For those who want to warm up after a cold walk, the city's many cafés are a paradise. The “Anna Blume” serves hot apple punch and homemade cakes. In general, Berlin's cafés in winter invite you to chat endlessly over a cup of hot chocolate and watch the hustle and bustle outside the windows.

Ice skating and tobogganing: Get on the skates!

As soon as the temperatures drop, the ice rinks in Berlin become a hotspot. The ice rink at Neptunbrunnen, right next to the TV tower, offers a particularly beautiful backdrop. If you prefer to skate indoors, the Erika-Heß-Eisstadion in Wedding is the place to be - here you don't have to worry about freezing your nose off outside.

If you fancy a toboggan ride, the Teufelsberg with its imposing heights offers fast-paced downhill fun and, on top of that, a magnificent view over the city. For families who want to stay in the middle of the city, the toboggan hills in Volkspark Friedrichshain or Mauerpark are a classic. There's always something going on there, but it still remains relaxed.

Digital entertainment: watch a German movie

When the weather is cold, you sometimes want to stay cozy at home, don't you?

We've put together a list of the 15 best German movies you absolutely have to see.

Wellness and spa: time out for body and soul

After a day out in the fresh winter air, a little wellness is worth its weight in gold. The Vabali Spa near the main station invites you to relax with Far Eastern elements, saunas, steam baths and heated pools. The Liquidrom is also a real highlight, especially thanks to its saltwater pool with underwater music - you can switch off immediately.

If you prefer something really exclusive, treat yourself to a day in the luxury spas of the big hotels, such as the Hotel Adlon. But there are also smaller day spas in various parts of the city if you just want to relax and warm up.

Winter walks: nature in white

Berlin offers more than just concrete. The Tiergarten, for example, is enchanting in winter, especially when a light coat of snow covers the paths and ponds. The Grunewald forest also offers plenty of space for snowy forest walks. If you are looking for a few steps away from the noise of the city, this is the perfect place.

The Gardens of the World in Marzahn are a real insider tip. Snow-covered Japanese or oriental landscapes - not only does it sound special, it also looks simply beautiful. Perfect for clearing your head and enjoying the winter air.

Berlin in winter - cold shock with charm

Whether you warm yourself from the inside at Christmas markets, browse through museums, go ice skating or simply relax in the sauna - Berlin in winter has its very own charm. The mixture of tradition and modernity makes the capital an exciting place even in the cold season. So grab a thick jacket and let yourself be enchanted by Berlin's winter atmosphere!