Summer Holiday Season in Berlin: Essential Information for Newcomers
The summer holiday season is upon us, and it’s a significant time in Berlin, just like in many parts of the world. As part of the Wilde Relocation team, we'd like to share some key information to help you navigate this period smoothly.
What the Summer Holidays mean for Berlin
School Closures and Public Holidays:
Berlin schools will be closed for the Christmas holiday from 23rd to 31st December 2024. This festive season is perfect for families to explore the city's enchanting Christmas markets, dazzling light displays, and ice skating rinks.
Additionally, the winter holidays are scheduled from 3rd to 8th February 2025, offering another opportunity for relaxation and seasonal activities.
Check the official school holiday calendar for specific dates to plan your activities accordingly.
Traffic and Public Transport:
With many families traveling for their holidays, expect lighter traffic in the city center but busier roads leading to popular holiday destinations outside the city. Public transport may also see changes in schedules or increased usage.
For real-time updates and schedule changes, visit the BVG website. It's also wise to consider alternative routes or travel times to avoid peak hours.
Tourist Attractions:
Summer is peak tourist season in Berlin, meaning major attractions like the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and the Berlin Wall Memorial will be bustling with visitors.
To make the most of your visit, plan your trips early in the day to avoid long queues. Many attractions offer online ticket purchasing and timed entry, which can save you time. For tickets and detailed information, visit Visit Berlin.
Outdoor Activities:
Berlin offers numerous outdoor activities during the summer, from lake swimming at Wannsee to open-air cinemas and music festivals. Popular spots include Tiergarten Park, Tempelhofer Feld, and various beer gardens scattered throughout the city.
Stay updated on events and activities by checking Berlin.de and Exberliner.
Business Operations:
Many businesses, including smaller shops and local services, may have reduced hours or be closed for holidays. This is particularly common in August when many Berliners take their vacations.
It's a good idea to call ahead or check online for any changes in business hours to avoid inconvenience. In general all the big shops are open during holidays season apart from the statutory closing days on Sundays and public holidays. If you need to shop on holidays or Sundays, here are some shops that are also open on these days.
Healthcare and Emergency Services:
Ensure you know the location of the nearest hospital or clinic. Emergency services remain operational 24/7. For non-emergency health issues, you can visit a local pharmacy or find a doctor using the resources available on Berlin.de.
For a list of hospitals and emergency contacts, check out Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
Cultural Etiquette:
Summer is also a time for numerous local festivals and cultural events. Participating in these can offer a unique glimpse into Berlin’s vibrant culture. Events such as the Berlin Music Festival, various street fairs, and outdoor theater performances are just a few examples.
For detailed event listings and cultural tips, visit Exberliner.
Accommodation and Short-Term Rentals:
If you’re hosting family or friends during the summer, it’s important to book accommodations well in advance, as hotels and rentals can fill up quickly during the high season.
For reliable and affordable options, check out platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com.
Special outdoor tips from the Wilde Relocation team to fully enjoy the summer in Berlin and the surrounding area:
Karen Wilde:
"For all who already understand German and / or are just learning check out the Open Air theatre in Potsdam, Schloss Sanssouci."
Severin Stephan
"If you have dogs, there is a huge dog run area in Grunewald. The dogs can run around without a leash and there are plenty of other dogs to play with along the way."
Jana Sehringer:
"When in Berlin i enjoy walking around the Regierungsviertel and along the Spree. There is also a nice Beach Bar at the opposite of the Hauptbahnhof."
Thanh Nguyen:
"The Lüneburger Heide in Niedersachsen is worth a weekend trip since it is known for its picturesque landscape."
Antje Lopez:
"Enjoy an Italian ice cream: at
Da Dalt in Bölschestr, Berlin-Friedrichshagen or Skalitzer Str, Berlin-Kreuzberg: Duo – Sicilian Ice Cream."
Jana Halama:
"Day trip to Warnemünde: After a 3-hour train journey from Berlin, you have already reached the beautiful Baltic Sea. The beautiful wide sandy beach invites you to relax, the sea to refresh you and there are plenty of fish sandwich- and ice cream kiosks."
We at Wilde Relocation are here to support you during your transition to life in Berlin. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Enjoy your summer in Berlin!
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