A summer in Berlin…

If the winter is relatively calm, Berlin summer is so intense that its inhabitants express an extraordinary energy and creativity to enjoy every second. The numerous festivals held each year in the German capital are the reflection of this effervescence, and are addressed to all, families or revelers.

The festivities open with the traditional MyFest, a series of events in the streets of Kreuzberg and Neukölln, the most alternative areas in Berlin, every May 1st. Not only a political event, it is also a festive and family gathering, with street barbecues and street concerts. The famous Carnival of Cultures is held every year in June in the district of Mehringdamm. In a festive and family atmosphere, many stands representing different countries of the world offer to taste local specialties or to buy typical crafts, all on a background of street concerts.

Summertime in Berlin also brings music to life, especially with the Bergmannstraßenfest, a jazz festival that takes place every year in the charming shopping district of Bergmannstraße, at the junction between Kreuzberg and Schöneberg. Classical music lovers will enjoy the Classic Open Air in late July. Eclectic festival, it also proposes classical reinterpretations of rock and pop tubes, in the baroque frame of the elegant Gendarmemarkt, bordered by the cupolas of the two cathedrals. Party goers who love more contemporary music will opt for Loolapazoola, which takes place each summer late in a different and emblematic place of the city. This world-renowned festival brings together the big names of the electro-rock scene. The festival of the citadel of Spandau, a little away from the city, is also a must for lovers of rock music and current scenes. It is also a good reason to visit the impressive fortress of Spandau, one of the oldest buildings in the region, dating back to the 16th century.

Art and culture enthusiasts will be delighted by the Museums’ Night, which usually takes place in August: a hundred museums and cultural institutions open their doors until late into the night, an opportunity to discover numerous collections, some of them Unknown, in a new light. The 48-hour Neukölln is also a highlight of the Berlin summer: over a weekend, many artists of this bohemian and trendy area open the doors of their workshops, allowing the public to discover both people and exceptional places.

A stay in Berlin in summer is also an opportunity to enjoy the many parks in the very heart of the city. One of the most emblematic is the Tempelhofer feld, former airport converted into a huge park open to the public. Whether rolling, cycling or even walking, crossing this space provides a feeling of space and freedom. Areas are reserved for barbecues, a tradition particularly appreciated by the people of Berlin, which allows everyone to grill what he wants on small portable barbecues. This practice is very common in Berlin, especially in the Volkspark a huge park between Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain.

Summer also sees many open-air bars open to the public: the Sisyphos with its huge outdoor beach at the Club der Visionäre and its floating terrace, Berlin unveils unique and electrifying spaces.
Summer in Berlin is the generous nature of the Brandenburg at your fingertips. Several lakes, such as Wannsee or Schlachtensee, can be reached directly from the city center by S-Bahn and are well worth a day. The more adventurous will opt for a weekend by bike and camping in the refreshing red pine forests, punctuated by numerous wild and preserved lakes.