Spring in Berlin: Out of Hibernation
Even the most beautiful winter has to leave us sooner or later and this is not always a happy situation. With the thaw often comes the last winter gloom, but there is one certainty which should provide comfort; spring is coming - and with it high spirits and good humour. When the trees lining the streets and flooding the parks exchange their late winter grey with green leaves and colourful flowers, the birds begin chirping and the flowers bloom, how can you fail to stroll through the streets with a smile on your lips? We show you how to make the most of this very special time in Berlin.
Liven up the year
Finally you can move your sporting activities back outdoors, be it morning yoga on your own balcony, running through the nearby park or chin-ups on the climbing frame next door. In Berlin there are hardly any limits. So maybe something will come of the New Year's resolutions after all, because let's be honest: your daily workout is much more fun in the fresh air.
Explore the city in bloom
In Berlin you are surrounded by nature almost everywhere. Even from the train station, shopping centre or office tower, the next park is not far away. There are few things more inspiring and motivating than watching the plants awaken from their lengthy hibernation and draw new life. It's a great way to recharge your batteries for day-to-day life, and renew your personal goals for the still young year.
Bring a little green into the gloom
If you've always wanted to help out a little yourself, and to try your hand at gardening, why not give it a go? The time is perfect to loosen up the soil, sow seeds and plant bulbs - regardless of whether you're trying it in the garden, on the balcony or in a flowerpot in the kitchen. If you'd rather participate in communal agricultural projects, many community gardens such as Prinzessinnengarten in Kreuzberg or Himmelbeet in Wedding will open their doors again in spring.
Visit the little ones
It is not only in the plant kingdom that new life awakens in spring. Many animals expect their offspring between March and June. This practically screams for a family trip to the zoo or animal park. But you can also marvel at the baby animals at the Domäne Dahlem, a farm within Berlin. And let's be honest, baby animals are always cute, whether they're piglets, foals or lion cubs.
An important part of German culture - barbecueing
Finally it is time to meet again in the park, light the coals and throw sausages, halloumi or baked potatoes on the grill. And even if it's only the beginning of a long season, barbecuing is something very special. Like no other event, it signals that social life is now shifting away from the pubs, cafés and restaurants and back under the open sky again.
Enjoying the cultural diversity
Springtime brings plenty of popular events to Berlin every year, including countless tree blossom festivals, trade fairs and food festivals. The Berlin Half Marathon is usually held in April. Anyone who wants to register and take part should be quick (an dnot only on your feet), as the starting places are often fully-booked by the end of the previous year. May traditionally starts with the Myfest in Kreuzberg, which offers tens of thousands of visitors a wide range of cultural and culinary delights. It first took place in 2003 and was intended to prevent the riots caused by the demonstrations for Labour Day. The Whitsun, or Pentecost, weekend in June is also worth marking on your calendar. At the Carnival of Cultures people from all over the world present food, clothing or dances from their homeland, culminating in a huge street parade.