EXPLORE WINTER IN BERLIN

Even during winter I'm drawn outdoors. A wintertime walk in Berlin presents a refreshing alternative to activities mainly found indoors, and it's a wonderful way for couples to spend time together in winter. It simply does the soul good to escape the stuffy indoors and breathe in the fresh air. Among Berlin's wonderful destinations is Lake Schlachtensee in the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district. The 5.5 km walk along the water is an opportunity to enjoy nature away from the city hubbub that's also found at this popular destination during the summer months. Afterwards, stop by at the cosy and traditional Fischerhütte fish hut. There you can enjoy a hearty meal looking out over the lake from inside the historical location, which was established in 1723. Alternatively, it's also worth stopping by Café Schlacht. It may not have a view of the lake, but it makes up for it with delicious shredded pancakes and many other sweet or savoury treats. 

Outdoors is wet and nasty? Then Berlin's tearooms are a cosy retreat for enjoying Berlin in winter. Another world awaits those who enter the Tadshikische Teestube tearoom. Colourful cushions on the floor, smooth wooden tables, and low lighting provide the typical ambience of a tearoom in Tajikistan. Excellent traditional cuisine and tea ceremonies from the country round off the visit. The establishment also holds regular fairy-tale evenings that transport you to distant worlds, leaving Berlin far behind.

You'll find a tearoom and restaurant in one at Chén Chè. Enjoy North Vietnamese cuisine, drinks, and tea specialities in an enchanting atmosphere. A wonderful oasis in bustling Berlin; I felt like I was on holiday in Vietnam. Equally recommended is Cozymazu, which brings together Taiwanese food and tea ceremonies. The small, cosy establishment admits visitors into an authentic atmosphere and offers seasonal dishes from a continually updated, small but excellent menu. Alongside classic Taiwanese meat dishes, there are also vegan options and, of course, tea. The weekend brunch served there is also highly recommended. By the way: Like in most big cities, good establishments are often busy. So be sure to reserve a table in advance.

Are you looking for an outdoor activity or something to do as a couple? Then a visit to Zenner Wintergarten is it! During the cold months of the year, the popular beer and wine garden is transformed into a wintertime fairy tale – the perfect place for a winter date in Berlin. From the first weekend in February, you can pull on your ice skates and skate on the rink Thursdays to Sundays. Make sure you book tickets in advance. Skate across the ice in the wonderful setting of Treptower Park, directly at the river Spree. Warm yourself with delicious mulled wine and a crackling fire pit. All that exercise and fresh air will work up an appetite, so you may get enticed by the delicious combination of traditional cooking and urban comfort food at the indoor pop-up bistro. From schnitzel to spätzle to vegan pumpkin soup and homemade waffles ... It has it all. Party animals should make sure to catch the popular ice disco. Every Saturday, a changing lineup of Berlin-based collectives and artists join the ice-skating party on the 300-square-metre covered rink with a fitting selection of tunes.

Did you know that Berlin has green oases and attractions to offer other than the popular botanical gardens, which are dressed up as a magical "Christmas Garden" until 12 January 2025? My tip: The Biosphäre Potsdam (biosphere) located right in front of the capital's gates offers that holiday feeling and a worthwhile trip out of Berlin. With high humidity and temperatures ranging from 23 to 28 degrees Celsius, you'll feel like you're on a tropical journey. Around 20,000 exotic plants and many species of animal, including tortoises and colourful birds and butterflies, are waiting to be discovered in this rainforest in Postdam. The tropical gardens are actually more like an interactive experience – perfect for a wintertime family excursion close to Berlin. Participation booths, torchlight guided tours, simulated thunder, and much more await both young and old. The subjects of climate protection and sustainability are also placed in the foreground in fun and interactive ways.

Berlin's numerous museums, including its famous Museum Island, are a highlight of any visit to Berlin in winter. Many people don't know that some of the museums are also home to enchanting cafés, which are often accessible separately. One of the most beautiful is found in the Bode Museum, with its Neo-Baroque cupola. Enjoy delicious cakes and seasonal dishes in a grand, historical ambience. Perhaps you enjoyed your short respite and are now looking for inspiration? The exhibition with collections of sculptures, Byzantine art, and ancient coins is well worth seeing.

Decorated with historical copper cauldrons, Café Babette in the Sudhaus building at the KINDL Centre for Contemporary Art invites you to enjoy tea and coffee served with homemade cakes and vegan dishes. A cosy way to spend time. A special treat found here is the Rollberg beer on tap – a Neukölln speciality brewed on location in a private brewery beneath Sudhaus.

The glass pavilion of Café Bravo in the rear courtyard of the KW Institute for Contemporary Art is a wonderful way to brunch on cold winter days, offering delicious cakes and steaming coffee. And because art and coffee go so well together, make sure to check out the museum's rotating exhibitions.

Ever wanted to peer into the future? The Futurium allows you to do exactly that. Alongside its exciting exhibition on possible futures, the museum restaurant welcomes guests with a futuristic ambience. The highlight: Your food, which includes vegetarian and vegan options from regional producers, as well the cakes, is served at the table by a robot.

What is an absolute must when visiting Berlin in winter? Exploring its many museums. In addition to the mainstays, there are some unusual exhibitions, such as Germany's only Spy Museum. Over 300 exhibits and props from a variety of countries reveal the history of espionage from Antiquity to today. Across the 3,000-square-metre exhibition space, visitors can discover many details about espionage techniques employed during the Cold War, such as cigarette lighters with built-in cameras and advanced bugging technology. Even the world's most famous spy, James Bond, is there with original film props from the world of 007. Are you visiting Berlin in winter with children aged eight or over? There are many interactive, multimedia stations to have fun with, such as the Morse code station, a secret laboratory, lip reading, and a laser parkour challenge, making the museum an exciting experience for the whole family.