Welcome to Berlin - “the city of freedom”. Berlin is as alternative as it is unique, with a much-loved, vibrant and deeply unconventional soul. The city’s recent history has produced a counterculture like no other; since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the German capital has become one of the most invigorating, inventive and cultural centres of Europe. Berlin continues to overflow with creativity, openness and transformation. With such a long, rich and varied history, Berlin is brimming with incredible historical sites; wartime memorials, countless monuments and museums commemorating the many world-changing milestones that have occurred in the city.
Well known attractions include Alexanderplatz, the Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral Church), the Reichstag building (German Parliament), the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial and Checkpoint Charlie. Museum Island is a Unesco heritage site and embraces five incredible museums - located on an accessible ‘island’ along the river Spree.
Perhaps lesser known, Berlin’s collection of unique districts - Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, and Neukölln, amongst others – show the alternative sides to the city. These areas share their unconventional bars, free-spirited boutiques, killer nightlife, amazing local food, independent cinemas, a thriving contemporary art and music scene, plus offbeat museums, and welcome anyone and everyone to enjoy the smaller cultural gems of the city.
Thanks to the rich, cultural diversity of the city, Berlin is a Mecca for fabulous international food. Also try some of the local delicacies: pretzels, kartoffelpuffer (a pan-fried pancake), currywurst (sausage with curry sauce), königsberger klopse (german meatballs in white sauce), schnitzel (breaded meat), eisbein (simmered pig knuckles) and Apfelstrudel (apple pie) or Berliner pfannkuche (german donut). And, of course, don’t forget to try the local beers.
Just half an hour by train from Berlin, the palaces and gardens of Potsdam are magnificent. Between 1730 and 1916, Potsdam was designed by the best architects, painters, sculptors and landscape gardeners of the times, creating masterpieces like Sanssouci palace, Cecilienhof and the Park of Babelsberg. Each ruler set a different tone, contributing to these beautiful and complex works of art.
Berlin is celebrated for its green spaces; nearly a fifth of the city is covered with trees and there are 2,500 public parks and gardens. Berlin also has more than 100 miles of waterways within the city limits, with boat tours, plus kayak and canoe rentals available. The city is very pretty to visit during springtime, but can be enjoyed at any time of year (wrap up warm during the winter months).
Why chose Berlin as a place to host team building events? Berlin is shining brightly when it comes to business. It has the fastest growing start-up ecosystem in the world, is a cultural and political hub, is the number one tech-centre in Europe and has an economy which sees continued steady growth.
If you’re a fan of alternative urban landscapes, interior design, architecture and art; a fan of a long, rich historical past; a fan of alternative souls, then this is city for you.
“Berlin: the greatest cultural extravaganza that one could imagine” - David Bowie.