Valentine's Day in Berlin

Romantic strolls in the park

Berlin is well known for being a green city, with numerous parks and wooded areas throughout the sprawling urban landscape. What better way to spend a day of romance than by strolling the grounds of an old fairy tale palace? A majestic, white castle stands amid beautiful grounds on the small, private island of Pfaueninsel. This elegant attraction is only accessible by ferry so be sure to book your trip in advance.
For those looking to add a touch of historical value to their Valentine's Day in Berlin, try Mauerpark. The name of this park literally translates to "Wall Park" and its history dates back to the wall dividing East and West Germany, originally erected here in 1961. A small segment of the wall still stands and graffiti and street art on its surface have been legally permitted, adding some splashes of rich colour to brighten up the imposing concrete mass.

The bridge of love

A day for lovers would be incomplete without a trip to what some regard as the most romantic bridge in Berlin. Located in the Friedrichshain district, Modersohnbrücke has become a popular haunt among trendy travellers and young and old lovers who make their way here to catch the sunset. A noticeable decoration is the mass of padlocks which dot the bridge's railings, often with names and dates engraved and personal keepsakes attached. Once the padlocks are attached, lovers or friends throw the keys into the River Spree. What started this trend or the history behind it remains relatively unknown, which simply adds to the mystique and romance of the bridge.

Romance for the active

Those adventurous souls will surely be looking to exert themselves with some physical Valentine's Day activities. One popular suggestion is to take a romantic bicycle ride around the city. There are numerous bike rental agencies dotted around, many even offering tandem bikes to add a unique experience – one of the more novel Valentine's Day ideas. Have a go on a conventional tandem or see if the rental agency stocks the more unusual side-by-side tandem for something even more challenging and unique.
For lovers of walking and hiking, nothing says romance like admiring the panoramic views of Berlin from one of the highest peaks in the city. Located on an artificial hill in the Grunewald forest, the 80 m Teufelsberg tower features quite a history. Once a landfill for WWII debris, the site was later used by the Americans to build one of the most important listening towers and spy stations during the Cold War. The old buildings are not allowed to be explored privately but guided tours are on offer. With a high vantage point over the relatively flat city, this spot promises a beautiful sunset and dusky views across Berlin.
After a day of exploration, wind up your Valentine's Day in Berlin by sampling its notorious nightlife. The cultural diversity of the city means its numerous bars, clubs and cafés will offer something for everyone. Sip on cocktails at a posh bar or dance the night away at one of the plethora of techno clubs. Well known for its internationally acclaimed dance and electronic DJs, it is advisable for romantic night owls to check club and festival listings in advance in order to catch the must-see acts.

Planning your trip to Berlin? Check out our best city center hotels in Berlin.

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Author: David Rickerson-Seidel

Guest Relations Manager at NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse

My name is David Rickerson-Seidel and I have been part of the NH Hotel Group since September 2015 when the first NH Collection Hotel opened in Germany. After 16 years of hotel experience, I was offered a great chance to meet people from all over the world and each time I was able to learn from them – this is one of the reason why I love my position as a Guest Relation Manager. My daily task is to fulfil our guest’s needs before they actually asking for it. With my passion for my job it is always a great pleasure to see our guests happy and smiling before they leave the hotel and I know that we have done the job right. I always say that the only thing that a guest can’t buy and book in advance is our smiling receptionist with a warm welcoming, the friendly breakfast host who would like to know if you slept well, and our elusive room maid, who is preparing the room so that it feels like home – our employees make the difference – this is why you are not checking into your room at a terminal. Whatever you need – we are always there for you.