Visiting Berlin This Autumn: 10 Reasons Why You Should

With cooler weather, fewer crowds and lower prices, visiting Berlin in Autumn is a great option.

Here are 10 reasons why you should visit Berlin this Autumn:

1. The city looks beautiful

The seasons in Europe really are something. They’re true seasons; each of them exceedingly unique and distinguishable. Autumn has to be one of my favourite times of year in Berlin — the city just looks that pretty. Take a walk through one of Berlin’s many parks to admire Autumn’s vibrance. Treptower Park (pictured above), Tiergarten or Volkspark, Friedrichshain are all beautiful options. On the edge of the city is also the Grunewald (Green Forest), which is easily accessible by train and makes for a delightful stroll amongst the fallen leaves and filtered light.

2. 25 year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. A number of special events and exhibitions are planned for the city over this historic weekend. The highlight will be the special light installation made of thousands of illuminated helium balloons arranged along the 12 kilometer former border.

When: 9.11.2014

3. October Light Festivals

Every October, the annual Festival of Lights takes place across Berlin during which the city’s most famous monuments and sights are illuminated with a spectacular light show, the projections produced by a range of local and international artists. Ensure that you wanderings take you past Brandenburger Tor, the Berliner Dom and the Fernsehturm.

When: 10.10.2014 to 19.10.2014

4. International Short Film Festival

The 30th International Short Film Festival in Berlin is not something to be missed if you’re in Berlin this November. With competitions running across all genres from documentaries to cartoons and with 500 films on show, there really is something for everyone.

When: 11.11.2014 to 16.11.2014

5. Jazzfest Berlin

The Berlin Jazzfest has become quite legendary across Europe. With its inception dating back to 1964, this festival celebrates the talents of both international jazz performers as well as local musicians. It’s no wonder that it has earned itself such a reputation.

When: 31.10.2014 to 3.11.2014

6. BMW Berlin Marathon

With more than 40,000 athletes representing 120 countries and over a million spectators flooding the city on the last weekend in September, the Berlin Marathon is one of the city’s biggest annual events and one of the largest and most popular marathons in the world. The route takes athletes past some of Berlin’s most iconic sites such as Brandenburger Tor, the Gendarmenmarkt Konzerthaus and the Reichstag as well as the leafy Tiergarten. With musical performances set up along the course too, the atmosphere will be buzzing!

When: 28.09.2014

7. European Month of Photography

Only occurring every second year, the European Month of Photography, showcased in Berlin, is the largest German photography festival of its kind. During the month, over 100 galleries, museums, institutes and project spaces feature some of the most celebrated photographic art, both historic and contemporary. This year’s theme is ‘Upheavals and Utopias. The Other Europe’, exploring Europe’s continuous state of change over the past century.

When: 16.10.2014 to 16.11.2014

8. International Literature Festival

Every year since 2001, more than 100 authors from over 50 countries descend upon Berlin during the International Literature Festival to showcase their works of poetry and prose. Over the ten day festival, over 200 events across the city are held. The works are read in their original language, with interpreters translating texts into German. A number of events in English are also scheduled.

When: 10.09.2014 to 20.09.2014

9. Jewish Culture Days

As Germany’s largest and most prestigious event recognising the diverse Jewish art and culture scene, the Jewish Culture Days is an important festival to be recognised. Featuring musical performances, film screenings, food events among much more variety, this event really does showcase the diversity and talent within the Jewish community in Berlin.

When: 4.09.2014 to 14.09.2014

10. Day of German Unity

Every year, the 3rd of October marks the Day of German Unity, celebrating the reunification of Germany in 1990, when the former GDR joined the Federal Republic of Germany. Berliners celebrate with a national holiday and a four-day-long festival around Brandenburger Tor.

When: 3.10.2014

And never go without…

(11. Coffee and Cake)

Coffee and cake is always a good idea. And even more so when the air becomes crisper and the woolens start to make an appearance. Cosy up inside one of Berlin’s warm and inviting cafes such as Bonanza Coffee Roasters, Silo Coffee or The Barn Roastery for a quality brew and cheeky sweet on the side.