August 8, 2023By Stefanie Friese

As we bid farewell to the final lingering moments of summer and eagerly embrace the vibrant hues of autumn, one thing becomes abundantly clear – Berlin is a city that never ceases to amaze.

Beyond the sun-kissed days, leisurely park strolls, and lakeside relaxation, this dynamic metropolis offers a world of captivating experiences waiting to be savored. Now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the sheer beauty of art and sculpture, indulge in the most exquisite cuisine, savor the finest wines, and relish in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Take a look at some of our favourite hotspots in Berlin that will invigorate your senses in the coming months.

Château Royal

Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s latest showstopper hotel near the Brandenburg Gate offers visitors the chance to relish in the beauty of days gone by, timeless and classic, yet ever-present.

The Château Royal celebrates past and present – for locals and tourists alike – with its unique interior design that pays tribute to Berlin at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, with interiors of colourful marble, herringbone parquet, oak, nickel, and contemporary twists on the city’s bohemian style. Those staying over in one of the 93 individually-styled rooms spread across five floors can enjoy the art and charm attached to each.

But locals can also relish in the timeless beauty of the hotel by soaking in the sensational views, cocktails, and freshly baked pizzas on the rooftop terrace, diving into the warmth of the classic cocktail bar nestled in the interior, or settling down to delight in a splendid Mediterranean-inspired meal in the hotel’s restaurant.

www.chateauroyalberlin.com

Château Royal © Felix Brueggemann

The Ember Rooftop

Berlin, Germany

A culinary phenomenon born of open-fire cooking has not only graced the city through countless pop-ups but has also found its permanent residence in the vibrant Kreuzberg district.

Nestled within a captivating glasshouse venue, this culinary haven not only offers a breathtaking city view but also promises to captivate guests with its awe-inspiring architecture and interior. As you step inside, prepare to be enchanted not just by the stories woven by the flickering flames but also by the tantalizing flavors they conjure.

This restaurant pays a splendid homage to the elemental power of fire. Here, guests embark on a gastronomic journey like no other, savoring dishes masterfully crafted through searing, sizzling, steaming, and scenting. Every bite is a harmonious symphony of fire and smoke, rekindling ancient methods of food preparation that yield complex and delightful flavors, igniting a renaissance for the modern palate.

ember-ofc.com

© The Ember Rooftop

Eva Fàbregas Devouring Lovers

Berlin, Germany

Art has always evoked feelings and raised questions, but this is taken to new levels by Devouring Lovers, a massive-site specific art installation at the Hamburger Bahnhof by Spanish artist Eva Fàbregas.

Devouring Lovers, running until January 2024, expands the boundaries of conventional sculpture by presenting massive biomorphous pieces made of soft and malleable materials, which have become one with the main historical hall of the Hamburger Bahnhof itself, creeping out from the walls and ceiling and winding around the building’s metal structures like an alien tumour destined to become one with the architecture.

While the pieces themselves offer enough fuel for thought for an ever-questioning mind, some of the seventy sculptures are animated through slight vibrations and movements, adding life to a seemingly breathing organism, where art and the building it is housed in become one new entity that tells a story unlike any other.

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Courtesy Eva Fàbregas, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Hamburger Bahnhof – Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart. Foto: Jacopo La Forgia

Julius

Berlin, Germany

Julius, minimalist and informal with an open-plan kitchen that invites guests straight into the heart of the restaurant, serves creative dishes full of life and conversation for breakfast, brunch, and dinner.

The brother restaurant to Dylan Watson-Brawn and Spencer Christenson’s Michelin-starred Ernst Restaurant, Julius focuses on all-day coffee, wine, and pastries, but also charms with an 8- or 10-course tasting menu.

This unassuming gem celebrates local and seasonal excellence, with a weekly-changing menu that reflects the seasons and ingredients sourced from a small handful of local farmers and producers. The focus on excellence extends to the coffee, and beans are roasted in-house in small batches over fire before being hand-brewed for each guest. Whether visiting for food or drinks, Julius guarantees that everyone can enjoy a taste of the finer side of life.

juliusberlin.de

Julius © Maya Matsuura

Hagius

Berlin, Germany

Ignited by the boundless passion of brothers Nicolas and Timothy Hagius, Hagius Fitness Studio is an electrifying fusion of fitness and well-being in Berlin. Their bespoke one-on-one training and small group classes dance to the rhythm of your body, offering exhilarating or tranquil workouts. From Kettlebell and Boxing to Circuit Training, Movement, Pilates, and Yoga, the choices are as diverse as your aspirations.

Yet, what sets Hagius on fire is its mesmerizing multisensory approach. Through the enchanting interplay of light, sound, and scent, they supercharge your brain, elevating your regeneration potential, all backed by cutting-edge neuroscience and sports science.

In the heart of Berlin, this marvelously restored 1902 gem, designed in collaboration with architects Pierre Jorge Gonzalez and Judith Haase, exudes an aura of tranquility amidst urban vibrancy. Hagius is a symphony of life’s equilibrium, a counterbalance to the sensory overload of modernity. It’s a fitness sanctuary, a manifestation of the Hagius brothers’ unwavering zeal and devotion.

www.hagius.de

Hagius © Robert Rieger

RAUS

Berlin, Germany

Being immersed in nature is only one breath (or short ride) away with the Raus cabins, located in a multitude of once-in-a-lifetime locations – nestled in the heart of a forest, on the edge of a field, or surrounded by wildflowers.

These unique cabins whisk you away into the wilderness, offering an intimate rendezvous with rural life, where time slows, and you can rediscover your soul, leaving behind the ceaseless buzz of the contemporary world.

Yet, the comforts of modernity remain close at hand, thoughtfully woven into these cabins. They cocoon you in sustainable luxury, boasting clever interiors, a sumptuous bedchamber setup, a contemporary kitchen adorned with every culinary instrument your heart desires (including a drip coffee machine), and an opulent bathroom where tranquility reigns.

For those chilly, starlit nights, romantic fireplaces flicker to life, while panoramic windows, adorned with discreet blinds for moments of intimacy, beckon you to bask in the sun’s tender embrace on the terrace. It’s the perfect setting for the ultimate escape, a voyage far from the clamor of the world.

www.raus.life

© Raus/Noel Richter