{"id":3952,"date":"2013-08-15T21:02:56","date_gmt":"2013-08-15T20:02:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/students-mobility.ung.si\/?p=3952"},"modified":"2013-08-19T07:57:31","modified_gmt":"2013-08-19T06:57:31","slug":"secret-berlin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mobility.ung.si\/?p=3952","title":{"rendered":"Secret Berlin"},"content":{"rendered":"

– By Gavin Blackburn<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Berlin is famous for embracing the offbeat and alternative \u2013 an attitude that extends to all aspects of life and lends a rich texture to any exploration of the city.<\/p>\n

Throughout a century in which Berlin was the focal point for some of the biggest events in European history, and in today’s times of political stability and freedom, the city has displayed a penchant for the quirky and underground.<\/p>\n

Quit the beaten track and explore the city anew with this selection of just a few of the city\u2019s numerous curiosities.<\/p>\n

Peristal Singum at Salon Zur Wilden Renate<\/h4>\n

While there is something labyrinthine about Renate when it operates as a nightclub, the \u2018Peristal Singum\u2019 installation in the basement adds yet another dimension. Be warned though, it is not for the faint-hearted. The underground network of connecting rooms, tunnels and passageways is immense, dimly lit and filled with unusual sounds. It\u2019s genuinely disorienting, with no staff or signposts to hand: the idea is not to find your way out but to get completely lost. Visitors are picked from different groups at ten-minute intervals so that your entrance is solo and your trail through the labyrinth may lead to a burst of inner reflection \u2013 just hope you find your friends at the end of it.
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\nPeristal Singum at Salon Zur Wilden Renate<\/a>, Alt-Stralau 70, 10245 Berlin (www.karmanoia.de<\/a>). S-Bahn Ostkreuz.<\/em>\u00a0Open<\/strong>\u00a06-10pm Wed-Sat.<\/p>\n

See all\u00a0clubs<\/a>\u00a0in Berlin<\/p>\n

Meilenwerk<\/h4>\n

Meilenwerk is a must-see for fans of vintage cars \u2013 or \u2018old timers\u2019 as Germans fondly call them. This sprawling former factory in the Moabit district is a combination of showroom, repair shop and auto club and is crammed with lovingly restored classics from the likes of MG, Triumph and Bugatti. An unexpected highlight is the traditional Berlin Sunday brunch, served from 10am and without a whiff of engine oil; the setting is spectacular, whether you\u2019re seated in the restaurant or out on the terrace. Once you\u2019ve finished your coffee, pick a set of wheels to hire and take a spin through Berlin.
\n
\nMeilenwerk<\/a>, Wiebestra\u00dfe 36-37, 10555 Berlin (030 3435 5796,www.meilenwerk.de<\/a>). S-Bahn Beusselstra\u00dfe.\u00a0<\/em>Open<\/strong>\u00a08am-8pm Mon-Sat; 10am-8pm Sun.<\/p>\n

See all\u00a0attractions<\/a>\u00a0in Berlin<\/p>\n

Teufelsberg<\/h4>\n

Teufelsberg \u2013 meaning \u2018devil\u2019s mountain\u2019 \u2013 is a fascinating, if spooky relic from the Cold War. This artificial hill on the western side of the city was constructed from the detritus of post-war, bombed Berlin, and its top made home to the US Secret Service listening station, which monitored the Soviet military airwaves. Take a guided tour to the top to experience what seems like an ever-present melancholic wind blowing through the now derelict listening tower and get magnificent views over Berlin, the Havel River and nearby lakes, Wannsee and Schlachtensee.<\/p>\n

Teufelsberg,\u00a0Teufelsbergchaussee, 14055 Berlin\u00a0(<\/em>0171 3831 666<\/em>). S-Bahn Messe Sud or S-Bahn Heerstrase.<\/em><\/p>\n

See all\u00a0attractions<\/a>\u00a0in Berlin<\/p>\n

Olympic Village<\/h4>\n

Built to accommodate the 4,000 athletes competing at the 1936 Olympic Games, the Olympic Village covers 22 hectares in Elstal, Brandenburg, some 14 km from the Olympic Stadium. During World War II the site was used as an army training facility; later, in post-war East Germany, it was occupied by Soviet troops. Now a listed building, much of the site has been restored to its former glory with the support of the DKB Bank.
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\nOlympisches Dorf<\/a>, An der B5, Elstal, 14624 Berlin (030 9470 0451,www.olympisches-dorf.de<\/a>). U2 Nue Westend.<\/em>\u00a0Open<\/strong>\u00a0(Apr-Oct) 10am-4pm Mon-Fri; 10am-6pm Sat-Sun. Tours start at 11am Mon-Fri and 12noon and 3pm Sat, Sun.<\/p>\n

See all\u00a0attractions<\/a>\u00a0in Berlin<\/p>\n

Nikolaiviertel<\/h4>\n

Right at the heart of Berlin, the Nikolaiviertel is both historically significant and architecturally peculiar. This small network of streets, built on the site of the medieval settlement of Altberlin \u2013 along with C\u00f6lln on the opposite bank of the Spree \u2013 formed the origin of the city we have today. What remained of this site was subject to restoration in 1987 by the East German government, in celebration of Berlin\u2019s 750th birthday, and a number of new buildings were constructed in the style of a traditional German village. Rumour has it that funds dried up mid-construction and so work had to be hastily completed, which would explain the juxtaposition of historic-style buildings and concrete slabs. Nowadays, the quarter is full of gift shops, restaurants and bars.<\/p>\n

Nikolaiviertel<\/a>, Propststrasse 9, 10178 Berlin (030 2474 6010,www.nikolaiviertel-berlin.de<\/a>). S-Bahn U2, U5, U8 Alexanderplatz.<\/em>\u00a0Open<\/strong>11am-10pm daily.<\/p>\n

Pl\u00f6tzensee<\/h4>\n

As soon as the temperature rises, Berliners can be seen to strip off and launch themselves at the nearest body of water. Wannsee, the most popular of Berlin\u2019s lakes, can get so busy during the summer months that finding a spot on its famous beach can prove a challenge; neighbouring Schlachtensee\u2019s popularity is also on the rise. A more tranquil option is Pl\u00f6tzensee, in the northern district of Wedding, where the trees surroundng the lake provide shade from the sun \u2013 and a little privacy \u2013 and the locals claim that, of all Berlin\u2019s lakes, it has the clearest water. There are plenty of places to spread your towel on the shore, plus an official beach and cordoned-off swimming zone for youngsters. Hire a pedal boat at the rickety harbour and visit the boathouse for beers.
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\nPl\u00f6tzensee,\u00a013351 Berlin. S-Bahn Westhafen, U9 Westhafen.<\/em><\/p>\n

See all\u00a0parks and gardens<\/a>\u00a0in Berlin
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Caf\u00e9 im Literaturhaus<\/h4>\n

Get away from the hustle and bustle of Berlin\u2019s principal shopping mile, Ku\u2019damm, by turning into any one of the side streets, which teem with elegant caf\u00e9s and restaurants. A particular highlight is Caf\u00e9 im Literaturhaus on Fasanenstra\u00dfe, which belongs to one of Berlin\u2019s oldest literature groups. While those of a literary bent should check out the regular programme of literary events, tired shoppers can take a welcome\u00a0Kaffee und Kuchen<\/em>(coffee and cake) break in the secluded garden.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cafe im Literaturhaus<\/a>, Fasanenstra\u00dfe 23, 10719 Berlin (030 8825 044,www.literaturhaus-berlin.de<\/a>). U1 Uhlandstra\u00dfe.\u00a0<\/em>Open<\/strong>\u00a010.30am-7.30pm Mon-Fri; 10.30am-6pm Sat.<\/p>\n

See all\u00a0restaurants and caf\u00e9s<\/a>\u00a0in Belin<\/p>\n

Doctor Pong<\/h4>\n

Ping-pong is a popular pub \u2018sport\u2019 in Berlin and Doctor Pong in Prenzlauer Berg is the serious place to play \u2013 not that you\u2019d know from the outside. Its frontage is nondescript and lacking a sign; inside the bar is typically ramshackle. What\u2019s inescapable however, is the ping-pong table dominating the front room; the Chinese style of the game is played and up to 50 people can be involved round the table at a single time. Bats are available to rent. In the back the bar is replete with turntables \u2013 although ping-pong is the focus here, the music is surprisingly good.
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\nDr. Pong<\/a>, Eberswalderstra\u00dfe 21,\u00a010437 Berlin (oliver_miller@gmx.de<\/a>,www.drpong.net<\/a>).\u00a0U2 Eberswalder Stra\u00dfe,\u00a0M1, M10, M12 Eberswalder Strasse.\u00a0<\/em>Open<\/strong>\u00a08pm-late Mon-Sat; 6pm-late Sun.<\/p>\n

See all\u00a0bars and pubs<\/a>\u00a0in Berlin<\/p>\n

Gelbe Musik<\/h4>\n

There are many record stores in Berlin and lots of good, specialist ones at that. Among them Gelbe Musik is unique. Founded in 1980 by Ursula Block, you won\u2019t find anything commercial here. This neat little space is part record store, part exhibition space, and devoted to all manner of off-kilter experimental sounds, category-defying compositions and electronic studio outtakes. Expect sounds along the lines of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, John Cage and a sprinkling of musique concrete.<\/em><\/p>\n

Gelbe Musik<\/a>, Schaperstra\u00dfe 11,\u00a010719 Berlin (030 211 3962).\u00a0U3 Augsburger Stra\u00dfe<\/em>.\u00a0Open<\/strong>\u00a01-6pm Tue-Fri; 11am-2pm Sat.<\/p>\n

See all\u00a0record shops<\/a>\u00a0in Berlin<\/p>\n

Fassbender & Rausch<\/h4>\n

Indulge a sweet tooth with the luxury delights at Fassbender and Rausch, one of Berlin\u2019s finest chocolatiers. The bright and elegant store overlooks the grand Gendarmenmarkt square in Mitte, and the centrepiece of its window display is a rendering in chocolate of the German parliament building, the Reichstag. It is supplied by 25 skilled employees, who work around the clock down in Tempelhof to produce a daily delivery of 3,000 delicacies. Coffee and cake is served throughout the day in the store\u2019s caf\u00e9, while at night a restaurant opens its doors for less chocolate-centric meals.
\n
\nFassbender & Rausch<\/a>, Charlottenstra\u00dfe 60, 10117 Berlin (030 2045 8443,www.fassbender-rausch.de<\/a>). U2 Stadtmitte.\u00a0<\/em>Open<\/strong>\u00a010am-8pm Mon-Sat; 11am-8pm Sun.<\/p>\n

See all\u00a0food and drink shops<\/a>\u00a0in Berlin<\/p>\n

Chez Jacki<\/h4>\n

Nothing in Berlin changes faster than the club landscape: well-established venues can disappear without warning and tiny hyped locations come and go in the blink of an eye. The recent closure of Maria am Ufer by the River Spree was surprising but mourned by few; its replacement, Chez Jacki, is still something of a secret, despite the prominent location. The bar and club is bringing a sexy line-up of local electronic DJs and regular club and exhibition events to the riverside.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

– By Gavin Blackburn “Berlin is famous for embracing the offbeat and alternative \u2013 an attitude that extends to all aspects of life and lends a rich texture to any exploration of the city. Throughout a century in which Berlin was the focal point for some of the biggest events in European history, and in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":334,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[583],"class_list":["post-3952","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-outgoing_students","tag-berlin"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mobility.ung.si\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3952","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mobility.ung.si\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mobility.ung.si\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mobility.ung.si\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/334"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mobility.ung.si\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3952"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/mobility.ung.si\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3952\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3964,"href":"https:\/\/mobility.ung.si\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3952\/revisions\/3964"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mobility.ung.si\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3952"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mobility.ung.si\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3952"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mobility.ung.si\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3952"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}