Football Tours in Berlin: The Ultimate Destination for Groundhoppers
Football rarely springs to mind when thinking about Berlin, a city otherwise teeming with history, culture, and never-ending parties.
But, the city has an unwavering passion for football and is carving out its place as a premier destination for groundhoppers from all over the world. From the vibrant atmosphere in its stadiums to the distinctive fan culture that is on display at every match, Berlin offers an unparalleled experience for football enthusiasts seeking their 90-minute adrenaline fix. Let’s delve into why Berlin is the ultimate playground for groundhoppers.
Football in our Blood
With a plethora of football clubs spanning various leagues, Berlin epitomises a rich footballing heritage dating back almost to the dawn of the game in England.
Berlin’s football scene is as diverse as the city itself, with clubs representing a wide range of backgrounds, histories, and fan cultures. Whether you’re seeking the razzmatazz of a Bundesliga match or the grassroots grit of lower-league football, Berlin offers a panoply of footballing experiences that cater to every taste and preference. And, taking in no fewer than four games over a weekend is perfectly doable.
From the Nazi-era Olympic Stadium, home to the perennially shambolic Hertha BSC, to the intimate Alte Försterei Stadium, where Union Berlin fans (who actually rebuilt the stadium themselves and donated blood to pay for the materials) lay claim to being the loudest in the known universe, or the proudly inclusive Tennis Borussia’s newly revamped Mommsenstadion, each ground exudes its own charm and identity.
Add some old East-West rivalry and there are no prizes for guessing that this creates a tapestry of football tribalism which can hold its own against the Glasgows, Liverpools and Milans of this world.
Electric Matchday Atmosphere
Step into any football stadium in Berlin, and you’ll be swept up in a whirlwind of emotions as passionate fans fill the stands with chants, cheers, and unwavering support for their beloved teams.
This vibrant matchday atmosphere owes a great deal to the way in which German football is financially structured; the “50+1” rule means that billionaires, dodgy middle-eastern regimes, and corporate behemoths are largely prevented from holding sway. The name of the rule refers to the requirement for members of a club to hold 50 percent, plus one more vote, of voting rights – i.e. a majority. In short, it means that clubs – and, by extension, the fans – have the ultimate say in how they are run, not an outside influence or investor.
Of course, all football fans refer to “our club” but, in Germany and from top to bottom, that is exactly what it means.
What sets Berlin apart as a groundhopping gem is this immersive fan culture, where you will be left in no doubt that supporters play an active and integral role in shaping the footballing landscape. From choreographed tifos to spirited chants and a generous helping of pyro, Berlin’s fan scene is a vibrant tapestry of creativity, passion, and unwavering loyalty that adds an extra layer of excitement to every matchday experience.
Apart from the clouds of pyro smoke, the first thing that you will notice is how cheap Berlin football is compared to in other major European cities. Ticket prices for lower division matches are generally around the 10-12 € mark (or much less at the grassroots level) and from approximately 25 € for Hertha or Union games. The add-ons are also pleasantly affordable with the obligatory matchday programme, a bratwurst, and a beer topping out at around a tenner. Try that in London or Madrid!
Shout Out to the Locals
If you’re determined to eschew the corporate clutches of the modern game, you could do a lot worse than show a little love to hyper-local neighbourhood clubs like SV Traktor Boxhagen (Lichtenberg), Internationale (Schöneberg), or FSV Hansa 07 (Kreuzberg) who ply their trade barely five minutes’ walk from the Fabrik Hostel Hotel.
In fact, it is not difficult to be genuinely heartened by these passionately-run and socially-inclusive clubs; Hansa 07, for example, fields teams comprising all genders and age groups, and is particularly focussed on making space for refugees to enjoy the beautiful game. Literally on their shirt, they wear their uncompromising stance against sexism, racism, and homophobia!
Plan Your Groundhopping Tour
Travel, transport, and overnight accommodation (hopefully with us!) is just the beginning. The best way to plan a groundhopping tour in Berlin is to keep a keen eye on websites such as kicker.de and fupa.net. From the Bundesliga right down the pyramid to neighbourhood leagues, upcoming fixtures are published before the start of each season and, occasionally, they also publish short-notice changes due to inclement weather or other extenuating circumstances.
