BERLIN IN SUMMER

Today the former airfield is a 300 hectare park and the perfect place for families in Berlin looking to escape the public viewings between Brandenburg Gate and the zoo. Where planes used to land and take off, today inline skaters zip along the runways while visitors laze about on the fields and birds chirp in the trees. A highlight is the history walk, which goes all the way back to the 13th century. The place has its name from an order of the Knights Templar. Around 20 information boards provide in-depth information about the historical relevance of this special place. And if you'd like to enjoy some fun and games afterwards, then head for what is probably the city's coolest minigolf course, in the middle of Tempelhofer Feld. The special thing about Nuture Mini ART Golf Berlin is that it is an interactive art exhibition that you can enjoy while walking the minigolf course. The courses move, spray water or light up – there is no cooler way to combine art and sport.

A few kilometres northwest of the inner city is the idyllic Lake Tegeler and a whole host of leisure activities: bathing beaches, dining, boat hire, thick forest – it's all about relaxation here. Anyone visiting Berlin in summer who enjoys spending a relaxing day on the sand should visit Reiswerder beach or the Saatwinkel bathing spot. Around ten minutes south of here is the Fährhaus Saatwinkel beer garden (open May to September), offering fresh beer on tap and a wonderful view of the lake and harbour. Admittedly, the beaches are not really insider tips in summer, but they do have everything you need for a wonderful day on the sand. You'd prefer a little more peace and quiet? Then head to the Reiherwerder bathing spot. It offers no amenities but it does boast plenty of peace and space for yourself. Should you feel restless after a long day sunbathing, a 15-kilometre cycling trail circles the lake, allowing you to go around Lake Tegeler in around an hour and half to two hours.

Don't worry, it's not only for the cool kids. The island of youth in the middle of the river Spree is between Treptower Park and Plänterwald forest, and it is a popular place for young and old in summer. You can reach the island on foot by crossing the pretty Abteibrücke bridge. A path leads around the island and cosy spots for a picknick directly on the shore of the Spree can be found everywhere. Anyone who doesn't wish to bring their food with them can find sustenance at the Kulturhaus Insel Berlin. The beer garden there offers coffee and cake while you watch the goings on around the Spree or you can enjoy the sunset with a cool beer in your hand. Are you looking for a little more seclusion for a romantic time for just two? Then rent a paddle boat on the mainland and take a cosy journey around the island or into Rummelsburger bay.

When you think of Lake Wannsee in Berlin, you may think of its famous beach and the song by Conny Froboess. But Lake Wannsee is for more than just swimming. Located in the southwest of the city, it is easily reached by S-Bahn. There you will step out into the nature. Of special note is Pfaueninsel island. Take the ferry from Düppeler Forst and you'll arrive on the fairy-tale island in just a few minutes. The island's park is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and is truly spectacular: gnarled trees, fragrant rose bushes, romantic bridges over small lakes, and a small, gleaming white summer castle – it doesn't get more romantic. Particularly picturesque are the peacocks strutting freely about, lending an exotic touch to the island on the Havel. In the middle of the expansive lawn is a small café offering cake, ice cream, and beer. Do you have an appetite? Then treat yourself to a steak or a Thüringer Rostbratwurst cooked on a beechwood grill. Both are available from a nostalgic grill house close to the café. Tip: the island is particularly beautiful in the morning when it is still quiet. Take the first ferry at nine o'clock and secure the best spot on the island.

Over a kilometre of art and history in one place: the East Side Gallery immerses you deep into the history of the city. The longest section of the Berlin Wall was decorated here in the nineties by more than 118 artists from over 20 countries. One of the most famous images is the kissing scene between Gorbachev and Honecker – the mural titled (trans:) "My God, help me survive this fatal love", better known as the "brotherly kiss", is by the Russian painter Dimitrij Vrubel. Make sure you take the audio guide or a brochure to find out about more about the over 100 works of art and their intended meanings. Afterwards, reenergise with a hefty selection of sausage meats or a steaming plate of apple strudel from Spreewirtschaft, only a few steps from East Side Gallery.

After the cheers and jubilations of a football match, treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon in one of Berlin's nicest neighbourhoods. Prenzlauer Berg may not have any major sights, but it is still worth a visit. Bösebrücke bridge is probably the neighbourhood's most historic location. The name comes from the communist resistance fighter Wilhelm Böse, who fought the Nazi regime. The bridge was also the first border crossing of the GDR to open its gates on 9 November 1989 and allow people to pass through officially. After visiting the bridge, take a walk through Prenzlauer Berg, past the famous Berlin Wall to the lesser-known Kollwitzplatz. The best day to visit is a Thursday, when the farmers' market is on, offering regional delicacies to buy. Pro tip: Enjoy a cold beer from a Späti (a type of convenience shop) and spend an hour or two people-watching on the square – there is always something going on.

In the middle of the river Spree, on an island between Friedrichswerder and Berlin Mitte, is the famous museum island, an absolute paradise for art and history fans. Even if the museum island is no longer an insider tip, it is still worth a visit. The complex comprises the old museum, new museum, the old national gallery, the Kolonnadenhof, the Bode museum, and the Pergamonmuseum (currently closed). The diversity of exhibits and temporary exhibitions secures the island as one of Europe's most important museum complexes. In 1999, it was made a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the north, you can walk over to the island over the Monbijoubrücke bridge. From there, you can start your journey of discovery through the architecturally fascinating museums. Tip: Don't miss out on visiting Nefertiti. The bust is over 3000 years old and is on exhibit in the north dome hall of the new museum.