When fog spreads over Berlin, well-known places seem strange. The Fernsehturm, the Reichstag building and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church look mystical behind the milky clouds. One of the pleasures of autumn and winter is walking through misty parks or wading across thickly blanketed meadows. Here are 12 photos of Berlin in the fog, which will make you want to go on excursions when a veil has fallen over the city.
The Fernsehturm
Along with the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate, the Fernsehturm is one of the most important landmarks in Berlin. On the list of the world’s tallest buildings, headed by the Burj Khalifa at 830 metres, the Fernsehturm comes in at 50th, at only 368 metres high. But that’s still enough for first place in Germany and enough for it to disappear almost completely in the fog.
The Spree in Friedrichshain
The Spree is maybe not as famous as the Thames or the Seine, but it is just as important to Berliners as they are to Londoners and Parisians. Approximately 400-kilometres long, the river has its source in south-eastern Saxony and flows into the Havel in Spandau. For Berliners, the Spree is a lifeline, transport route and recreation area at the same time.
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
From the outset, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was not planned purely as a place of worship, but also as a monument. At the request of Kaiser Wilhelm II, it was to serve as a memorial in honour of his grandfather, Kaiser Wilhelm I. So on March 22, 1891, Kaiser Wilhelm I’s birthday, the cornerstone for the construction of the church was laid. Today, Berlin’s landmark stands in the centre of City West, which is well worth a stroll even when it’s foggy.
Kopenick Castle
The baroque moated castle in Köpenick has a remarkable history. Slavic castle ramparts were built on its site as early as the eighth or ninth century AD. Today, concerts are held now and again in the castle church, which also features a monumental organ. The palace park, the palace itself and also the old town of Köpenick are charming places for romantic walks in the fog.
Tegeler Fließ
Since 2015, water buffalo have been employed in the Tegeler Fließ as natural landscape conservationists (still haven’t been paid wages though). Conventional care would be just as tedious as it is expensive, which is why the ecological project was initiated – with success. Today, day trippers in particular enjoy watching the grazing animals. But even so, the natural landscape (not only when it is foggy) is a wonderful destination.
Reichstag
The glass dome of the Reichstag lights up spectacularly when the sun hits it just right. The Neo-Renaissance building on Berlin’s Platz der Republik is a tourist favourite for good reason. If you haven’t yet, go up to the roof terrace for lunch and a breathtaking view over the city. The whole thing looks even better with a spooky fog surrounding it.
Oberbaum Brücke
The Oberbaum Brücke is no ordinary bridge. It reflects the city in all its facets: It is a shelter for the homeless; on weekends, the party-goers stagger across it from club to club; it is a reminder of the proud pre-war history of Germany, and it’s resilience since; a symbol of the formerly divided city that has grown together again.
Fischerinsel
Fisherinsel or Museum Island? Despite their names, it can be hard to tell that you are surrounded by water when you visit. Fun fact though, they are actually a single island, the Spreeinsel. The views are great in any case. The Bode Museum with its striking brown dome is visible from afar at the northern end and at the southern end, the prefabricated buildings of the Fischerinsel from DDR times tower above you.
Großer Tiergarten
Großer Tiergarten is the green lung of the city and one of the most beautiful and historically important parks in Berlin. This expansive green area is characterised by its varied landscapes, which develops a special charm on foggy days. Meadows with trees meet ponds and canals. No wonder, then, that the park is a habitat for more than 1400 animal and plant species; including more than 100 endangered species.
Kladow
The Spandau district of Kladow is almost a village. The tranquillity and the abundance of nature here on the outskirts of Berlin makes you forget the hustle and bustle in the centre. The proximity to the water also ensures a holiday feeling and the Havel looks particularly beautiful in fog.
Hauptbahnhof
If you really want to experience Berlin in the fog, this is the place for you! Berlin Hauptbahnhof has around 330,000 visitors and more than 1200 trains every day, making it one of the most frequented stations in Germany. HBF is not only a transfer point for local and long-distance traffic, but also a prime example of modern architecture. In the fog, the colossus of steel and concrete is transformed into something out of a science fiction film.
Rosenthal
The former Rosenthal estate district is located in the north-eastern part of Pankow, but this municipality has only belonged to Berlin since 1920 (Yes, only, Berlin is 800 years old). In the 14th century, the settlement was first mentioned under the name of Rosendalle. Rosenthal is now heritage listed and is one of the best preserved village centres in Berlin.