Full-Strength Kreuzberg: do less, experience more

Full-Strength Kreuzberg: do less, experience more

Hedonism, Hipsters, Horrific History. Yes, we get it; even seasoned visitors to Berlin often want to gobble-up as much of the city as possible, cramming in a high-octane itinerary in this vibrant and diverse town which boasts limitless attractions and activities to satisfy every possible taste and preference.

Sometimes, however, it pays to take things at a gentler pace, experiencing the city, rather than merely seeing what’s going on in Berlin. And, because our Die Fabrik Hotel Hotel is located in the central borough of Kreuzberg, our guests are blessed with a wealth of choice within an easily walkable distance.

Here is a trio of our personal favourites and places which our guests have told us are genuinely interesting and rewarding things to do in Kreuzberg;

The totally unique FHXB Museum

We need another word for The FHXB Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg Museum. “Museum” suggests that it is a one-way, instructive experience. It is anything but that; it is a multidimensional joyride through the roots, the culture, and the everyday life of the borough, from its early days as a working-class neighbourhood to its current status as a vibrant and proudly-inclusive multicultural hub.

The museum’s collection includes a glorious array of artifacts, documents and photographs which tell the story of the district’s past. The permanent exhibition, housed in the impressive glass tower, chronicles being at the forefront of social movements and cultural change, including the riots and unrest which pockmarked the 1980s and 90s.

In addition to its permanent exhibition, the FHXB Museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, workshops, and events throughout the year. The museum is also committed to community engagement and works closely with local residents and organisations to develop programmes that reflect the district’s diverse population.

These workshops and events are open to people of all ages and backgrounds, including art classes, historical tours, and discussions on current issues.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of Berlin’s Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district, then the FHXB Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg Museum is a must-visit.

Key Facts:

Address: Adalbertstraße 95A, 10999 Berlin
Tue–Thu 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Fri–Sun 10:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Admission: free.
Current and regularly updated info is available on the FHXB Museum website.

Fancy A Bite?

Welcome to Markthalle Neun, a historic market hall which has been revitalized and transformed into a thoroughly modern foodie Mecca, albeit in an architecturally faithful fashion. It is a popular watering hole for locals and visitors alike, offering a cornucopia of fresh produce, artisanal products, and a variety of international eats.

The market hall dates back to the late 19th century, and is one of some fourteen similar halls which originally dotted the city as a more convenient alternative to standard open-air markets. But, it is now one of the few market halls which escaped the ravages of war or the savagery of “progress”.

Since its rebirth in 2011, Markthalle Neun has established itself as a Kreuzberg highlight in its own right, although very little can top their much-loved weekly Street Food Thursday event where everyone can tuck in to a broad range of international street food offerings and culinary adventures, and soak up the chilled vibe.

The accent is heavily upon seasonal and sustainable quality, so don’t expect a feast on the cheap, Rather, brace yourself for a selection of delicious treats at prices which are nonetheless much easier to digest than in comparable restaurants. Is there beer, too? Of course, there’s beer – lots of it!

Key Facts:

Address: Pücklerstraße 34, 10997 Berlin
Mon-Wed 12:00 – 6:00 pm.
Thursday 12:00 – 10 :00pm.
Friday 12:00 – 6:00pm.
Saturday 10:00 – 6:00.

Messin’ about on the water

For a relaxing and scenic experience – and a sure-fire hangover cure – we often advise guests to take a boat tour on the River Spree and the Landwehrkanal, which both flow through the heart of Berlin. You can cruise at a leisurely pace past the city’s landmarks, such as the Reichstag, the Berlin Cathedral, the Museum Island, and some hugely impressive industrial architecture, experiencing it all from a different perspective.

There are various options for boat tours, ranging from one-hour trips to full-day excursions. Moreover, all the central boroughs, including Kreuzberg, have station points where passengers can jump on (and off) their preferred service, or there is the large Treptower Park harbour, just a few minutes’ walk from Die Fabrik.

We wholeheartedly recommend taking an evening cruise to pair the fading light with a glass of wine from the on-board catering and an invariably authoritative but rarely overbearing commentary.

Key Facts:

Here’s a Link showing the main boat pick-up stations in Berlin, and perhaps the most convenient way for our guests to book tickets is to do everything online.

Operating times: Every day, all year round.
Prices: From approx. €19 per person.

 

 

Images: Generously made available by Unspash & Creative Commons.