Since the dawn of time man has always sought to climb the highest peaks and for modern day travellers, it's no different. The desire to feel like a giant is almost immediate when arriving somewhere new. Looking out at sensational vistas gives you a sense of calm, allows you to pick out famous spots and draw a mind map of the place you are visiting. While Berlin may be lacking in mountains, it more than makes up for it with great spots to gaze out over the city.
So to give you that leg up (see what we did there?), we offer several funky and free walking tours that will let you explore this awesome city from many perspectives. And if you prefer to do it on your own (we don't mind!) here are NEXT City Tours' 5 Best Views of Berlin and how you can track them down:
1. Fernsehtrum
Source: Wikimedia
This one is not very difficult to miss as it can be seen throughout the city. Standing at an epic 368 meters - the tallest building in Germany and second in the European Union - is the Fernsehtrum (or "Television Tower") located smack bam in the middle of the city in Alexanderplatz. Naturally, the tower boasts a revolving restaurant and bar so you can see the finest sights and enjoy a drink while you’re at it. However, with more than a million visitors each year queuing may seem inevitable. But we have a sneaky tip:
pre-purchase your ticket to save some Euros and beat the crowds.
2. Teufelsberg, Grunewald
Source: Wikimedia
If a bit more of the rough and ready vibe is what appeals then we suggest getting yourself out to the Teufelsberg listening station on the outskirts of West Berlin. Built by the Americans to spy on the Russians’ occupation of East Berlin during the Cold War era, the abandoned buildings immediately catapult you back in time. Superb graffiti and artwork are on practically every wall in the complex while a Western view of the city combines the buildings of Berlin with the mellow influence of the Grunewald (literally translates as Green Forest). A 20-minute hike from Grunewald station is well worth the effort, though how you get in is up to you. Either pay the €7 entrance to a suspicious 'guard' or find a hole in the surrounding fence of the complex as many others have done. Regardless, remember to pack a torch and some snacks. This one is definitely for you adventurers.
3. Klunkerkranich, Neukölln
Source: Instagram @christian.dje
Rooftop Bar. The two words just go so perfectly together, particularly when they are combined to create the alternative oasis that is Klunkerkranich. Perched secretively atop the Neukölln Arcaden car park on Karl-Marx-Straße in East Berlin, Klunkerkranich boasts sumptuous vistas blended expertly with live music, markets on the weekends and affordable drinks and food. It conjures up quite the cocktail of bliss. Do not give up if you cannot find it at first just keep on going up through the shopping centre and car park. A cheeky tip: if you want to avoid queues and paying the €3 entrance fee then turn up before 6 pm. Check Klunkerkranich's Facebook page for updates on the latest events.
4. Reichstag Dome, Mitte
Source: Pixabay
For pure symbolic history in Berlin, there are few greater places to take in the city and gaze across the horizon than Reichstag dome. Added to Reichstag building to illustrate the reunification of Germany in 1991, the dome’s futuristic and transparent design represented a clear move by Berlin to move away from the troubling Nazi era and towards a more democratic country. The Dome offers a magnificent 360-degree panorama of Berlin from a central location and all for absolutely nothing. That’s right. By registering your visit online in advance, you can visit Reichstag Dome for free. What's more, you can also look down below into where the German Parliament meets and perhaps witness some history being made from a bird’s eye perspective.
5. Viktoriapark, Kreuzberg
Source: Instagram @seguirandando
If you don't quite fancy battling with the crowds in Mitte for your personal view of Berlin then head for the peaceful escape of Viktoriapark in Kreuzberg. While it's not the biggest green space in the German capital or even Kreuzberg itself, the park still packs plenty into 13 hectares including a breathtaking vista. Head to the top of the Prussian National Monument for the Liberation Wars for a view that takes in the Berliner Dom and Siegessäule. Renowned for its stunning sunsets too, you would be highly advised to bring a beer or two and simply soak up the view.
These are NEXT's top 5 views of Berlin. Do you have one to add to the list?
Dom Bryant
