Between the Marathon, Festival of Lights and Oktoberfest, this is the ideal moment to experience the German capital in party mode, day and night.
By its very nature, Berlin is a city of major events, but few times of the year see as many events concentrated as late September and early October. The first is the sound of the thousands of footsteps of the Berlin Marathon, followed by the light projections of the Berlin Festival of Lights, and the spirit of Oktoberfest. This is great timing for those who like travelling with a packed itinerary.
Berlin Marathon
The Berlin Marathon takes place on the last Sunday in September and is one of the most popular competitions of the world circuit. The well-known route is famous for being flat, which makes it perfect for those seeking personal records and qualifying times. In addition to this, the event involves the whole city, with spectators lining the streets, bands playing, locals watching from their windows, volunteers handing out water, and tourists cheering the runners as they pass, with the 42.195 kilometres of the run blurring between the runners and spectators.
For runners, it’s important to sleep close to the centre and have easy access to the start and finish points. The route begins and ends at Straße des 17. Juni, between the Brandenburg Gate and the Kleiner Stern, which makes the hotel’s location important. The Pestana Berlin Tiergarten is a 4-star hotel in Berlin, next to the city’s largest park, in a calm central area. From there, it’s quick to get to the historic centre, to the marathon area and the main public transport connections, which simplifies the logistics involved for those who have to think about race bibs, times, hydration and rest.
Even for those not running, watching the marathon is an event in itself. There are those who choose to pick iconic spots along the route, such as the Potsdamer Platz or the Kurfürstendamm, while others prefer the finish line, at the Brandenburg Gate, where the atmosphere is more intense.
Festival of Lights
A few days later, the city turns into the Berlin Festival of Lights. For about ten days, a number of buildings, squares and monuments turn into canvasses for light projections, animations and artistic installations. Historic façades, churches and museums come to life as night falls. The festival is free and takes place at various locations across the city, inviting visitors to take long evening strolls in search of the surprise waiting just round the next corner.
Although the programme changes every year, there are a few places that are always popular: like the Brandenburg Gate, Television Tower, Museum Island, Potsdamer Platz. Seeing these iconic places lit is a different way of experiencing them. This programme is suitable for families, groups of friends, couples or for those travelling alone.
From the Pestana Berlin Tiergarten, it’s easy to catch public transport to the various places of interest. The city has plenty of public transport (metro, commuter trains and buses) and the Pestana Berlin Tiergarten is in a central but not overly busy area, allowing you to get quick access to the heart of the city without being caught up in Berlin’s more frenetic pace.
Oktoberfest
At the same time as the marathon and festival, Berlin also experiences the atmosphere of the Oktoberfest. The event does not stem from the German capital, but rather from 600 kms away, in Munich. Despite this, the German capital also celebrates this traditional event in true German fashion. Berlin hosts several local versions of Oktoberfest with marquees, beer, music and traditional food. One of them is just a stone’s throw from the Pestana Berlin Tiergarten, just 400 metres from the hotel, to be precise.
This time of the year, the city is particularly lively: what with more events and people on the streets, as well as more reasons to stay out late and enjoy the atmosphere that can be found throughout the whole capital.
Berlin also deserves to be discovered beyond the major events. Between activities, it is worth setting aside time to discover different neighbourhoods, like Kreuzberg, Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg or Charlottenburg, each one with its own personality. Cafés, markets, galleries, independent shops and restaurants help understand a city that combines history and modernity in a light and natural way.
Another reason to extend a trip is the national cuisine. From classic currywurst and pretzels to more contemporary options, Berlin has choices for all tastes and budgets. During the autumn months, when the temperatures begin to fall, sitting down at a cosy restaurant or a café after an evening spent exploring the Festival of Lights becomes part of the experience.
For those who visit the city at this time of the year, it’s best to plan in advance. The coincidence of the different events might mean greater demand for accommodation and transport, particularly during the days of the marathon.
Booking a hotel and planning your main journeys in advance means you make the most of the city and ensures that logistical arrangements don’t steal time away from exploring one of Europe’s most interesting capital cities.
