When the first warm rays of spring pierce through the winter grey, Berlin undergoes a transformation like no other city. The sidewalks erupt with café tables, the parks fill with the scent of charcoal, and thousands of residents emerge like hibernating bees to reclaim the streets. Berlin is a city meant to be lived outdoors.
From the vast, windswept runways of a former airport to the crystal-clear waters of forest-fringed lakes, the German capital offers an endless playground for sun-seekers. Whether you're a local looking for a new weekend spot or a traveler visiting for the first time, here is your guide to the best outdoor things to do in Berlin.
When to Enjoy Outdoor Berlin
While Berliners will sit outside the moment the temperature hits 10°C (armed with a "Späti" beer and a thick jacket), the true outdoor season begins in late May and continues through September.
- Peak Sunshine: June and July offer the longest days, with the sun setting as late as 9:30 PM.
- Weather Expectations: Expect warm, dry days averaging 22°C–28°C, though occasional late-afternoon summer thunderstorms are part of the local experience.
8 Things to Do Outdoors in Berlin
Feel the Freedom at Tempelhofer Feld
Tempelhofer Feld is arguably the most unique park in the world. As a former airport turned public park, it offers vast runways where you can cycle, skate, or simply run without a single obstacle in your path.
Why it’s best in the sun: There is virtually no shade here, meaning you get every ounce of vitamin D available. Watching the horizon at sunset from the middle of the runway is a core Berlin experience.
Location: Tempelhof / Neukölln.
Picnic in the Heart of the City: Tiergarten
The Tiergarten is Berlin’s green lung. Stretching from the Brandenburg Gate to the Zoo, it’s a forest in the middle of the metropolis. It’s the perfect place for a long, lazy Sunday picnic.
Why it’s best in the sun: You can choose between wide-open sunny meadows and dappled shade under centuries-old oaks. Don’t miss the "Café am Neuen See" for a lakeside beer afterward.
Location: Mitte / Tiergarten.
Sundowners at the Spree River (Holzmarkt 25)
The banks of the Spree are lined with creative spaces, bar-villages, and urban gardens. Holzmarkt 25 is a standout—a colorful, sustainable urban village made of recycled materials.
Why it’s best in the sun: Sitting on the wooden bleachers by the water with a cold drink, watching the boats go by, is the ultimate way to soak up the "cool" Berlin vibe.
Location: Friedrichshain.
Lake Life at Schlachtensee
Berlin is surrounded by lakes, but Schlachtensee is a local favorite because the S-Bahn drops you literally steps from the water. The water is exceptionally clean and surrounded by a 7km walking path.
Why it’s best in the sun: Diving into the cool water after a walk through the forest is the best way to beat the summer heat. Rent a stand-up paddleboard for extra fun.
Location: Zehlendorf (S1 Schlachtensee).
Sunday Vibes at Mauerpark
Mauerpark is world-famous for its Sunday flea market and the legendary "Bearpit Karaoke." It is the epicenter of Berlin’s gritty, creative energy.
Why it’s best in the sun: The amphitheater comes alive with hundreds of people cheering on brave singers. The atmosphere is electric, sun-drenched, and totally unique.
Location: Prenzlauer Berg.
Beer and Pretzels at Prater Beer Garden
You can't visit Berlin in the sun without experiencing a traditional beer garden. Prater is the city's oldest, operating since 1837. It’s hidden behind a historic building and offers massive rows of wooden tables under chestnut trees.
Why it’s best in the sun: The dappled sunlight through the leaves, the smell of grilled bratwurst, and a cold half-liter of Prater Pils is the definition of German summer bliss.
Location: Prenzlauer Berg.
Badeschiff: Floating in the River
Badeschiff is an old barge converted into a swimming pool that floats directly in the Spree River. It offers panoramic views of the Oberbaumbrücke and the TV Tower.
Why it’s best in the sun: It’s a literal oasis. There’s a sandy beach, a bar, and DJs playing summer house music. It feels like a beach club in the middle of a concrete jungle.
Location: Treptow / Alt-Stralau.
Canal Side Stroll at Paul-Lincke-Ufer
The Landwehr Canal is the heart of Kreuzberg. The Paul-Lincke-Ufer side is famous for its "boules" players, waterfront cafes, and the Tuesday/Friday Turkish market at Maybachufer just across the bridge.
Why it’s best in the sun: It’s the perfect place for "people watching." Grab a slice of pizza or a gelato and sit on the grassy banks under the weeping willows.
Location: Kreuzberg.
Outdoor Berlin by Interest
Relaxed & Scenic
For those who want to take it slow, a boat tour on the Spree is unbeatable. You see the Reichstag and Museum Island from the water without breaking a sweat.
Active & Sporty
Rent a bike! Berlin is flat and incredibly bike-friendly. Cycle from the city center out to the Grunewald Forest or follow the old Berlin Wall Trail (Mauerradweg).
Food & Drink Outdoors
Check out Thai Park (Preußenpark) on weekends. It’s an unofficial market where local Thai families cook incredible street food on portable burners right on the grass. It’s a sensory explosion.
Outdoor Events & Summer Highlights
- Open-Air Cinemas (Freiluftkino): Locations like Volkspark Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg show movies under the stars. Bring a blanket and some snacks.
- Kulturkarneval (Carnival of Cultures): A massive four-day street festival in May celebrating Berlin’s diversity with music, dance, and food.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Berlin Outdoors
- Sun Protection: The "Berlin Sun" can be deceptive. Even on breezy days, the UV levels are high. Wear sunscreen!
- Parks Etiquette: Most parks allow grilling in designated areas. Always "Leave No Trace"—Berliners take their park cleanliness seriously.
- Getting Around: Use the Jelbi app to find e-scooters, bikes, and mopeds to hop between outdoor spots easily.
Conclusion
Berlin in the sun is a city that falls in love with itself over and over again. It’s a place where the standard "hustle" slows down to a walk, and where the best experiences are often the simplest ones—a cold drink by the water, a sunset over a runway, or a picnic under the linden trees. So, put on your sunglasses, grab a bike, and get ready to discover why outdoor Berlin is the best Berlin of all.