Berlin

Riverside views - and look! No crowds

Image credit: lilas59, flickr.com

Ever feel like escaping Berlin's crowds?

Bagging a bench under the trees on Moabit's riverside Wikinger Ufer shouldn't be too difficult - it's one of those tucked-away Berlin locations that only locals seem to visit (and few of them, at that).

What's more, this leafy embankment promenade offers striking views across the Spree to an impressive complex of 19th century factories and warehouses. A perfect way to soak up a little industrial history as well as peace, quiet, and hopefully some sun.

To investigate the old brick courtyards themselves, simply cross the Gotzkowskybrücke bridge into Franklinstraße where you'll find the entrance to the Gebauer Höfe.

If this were London or New York - or even, perhaps, just about any other district of Berlin - these lofty industrial spaces would all be occupied by designer stores and arty little eateries.

Here, however, you'll find a curiously un-chic assortment of businesses, none of which seem particularly busy at all.

Luckily, this also means that you'll probably have a choice of tables at what must be Berlin's least-frequented riverside cafe (above).

You could also opt for an outdoor snack on the cosy terrace of the adjacent Hohmann golf centre, which, if you're feeling sporty, offers an indoor driving range and snug 'fireplace corner' for colder weather.

All in all, a rather odd little Berlin enclave, but there aren't too many city centre locations where you'll have the riverside pretty much all to yourself. Enjoy temporarily owning a tiny, atmospheric slice of it.

See also:
Lovely lakeside views
An industrial classic
Former pumping station and riverside views

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