Berlin Things to Do

On the West Berlin side of the River Spree, in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg neighborhood, a former soap factory houses one of the city’s hottest nightspots. Kater Holzig is part restaurant, part beach bar, part nightclub, part Wonderland – a labyrinth of rooms to suit whatever kind of mood you’re in.

Yes, parts of Germany do border the Baltic Sea, but that’s more than 200 kilometers away from the very urban city of Berlin. But like many things in Berlin, the idea of a beach bar along the not-so-tropical River Spree is just odd enough to work.

Though summer temperatures in Berlin could hardly be described as balmy, Berliners don’t seem to mind. Instead, wherever there’s a bar near the banks of the River Spree, they truck in some sand, put up some beach chairs and striped umbrellas, kick off their shoes, and make do with what they have.

About halfway along its eventful journey from the Czech border to Berlin, the River Spree suffers a multiple personality disorder, breaking down into innumerable canals and tributaries to form unique wetlands called the Spreewald.

Situated in the state of Brandenburg, this UNESCO biosphere reserve is one of the most stunning natural wonders of Germany. It’s also less than an hour’s train ride from Berlin, making it a hugely popular day trip center in the warmer months. Dozens of long wooden punts glide through the canals past lush green forest and Brothers Grimm cottages, their passengers happily munching on gherkins, the local specialty.

Go on a Berlin Sightseeing Cruise on the River Spree for a relaxing, unique view of Berlin.

I joined the boat at Schlossbruecke, at the landing stage on Bonhoeffer Ufer, just across the bridge from the Palace (Schloss) Charlottenburg. Look for the flags with an orange circle and b/w star.