2024 - October - Berlin - Festival of Lights

For years I have wanted to come here: To the 'Festival of Lights' in Berlin. This amazing event is free and outdoors and, unfortunately, only takes place for a few days each year. Every early October, from 7 to 11 PM, various buildings can be seen in a completely different light, and this is now the 20th time.

The motto for 2024 is 'Celebrating Freedom'. Once again, various artists from many countries will illuminate the buildings of the capital.

We visited several of them. What is truly worthwhile is simply starting at the Brandenburg Gate and walking down Unter den Linden towards the TV Tower. This way, you automatically pass many attractions. For example, the Cathedral, the buildings of Humboldt University, the Hotel de Rome, the St. Hedwig’s Cathedral and much more will also be illuminated. The entire route has a festive atmosphere, with many people out and many musicians entertaining by the roadside.

We also found the light art at the Marx-Engels-Forum really cool, as you feel almost part of it and become a part of the art. Here, you are lit up yourself, and the effect is enhanced by artificial fog.

Of course, we also visited a few 'outposts'. We went to the very popular Charlottenburg Palace and to the Siemensbahn. Then additionally to Potsdamer Platz.

But forever in our memory will be our journey to the Funkturm. Unlike the illuminated TV Tower, this one is not in the city center. Located near the fairgrounds, the surroundings here are almost dystopian. In the underpass, which was built decades ago, no escalator works anymore, there are puddles of urine everywhere, and homeless people have set up their camps in rows.

Upon arriving at the Funkturm, we were almost the only visitors there. Unlike other buildings, the tower is not illuminated with images, but only with different colors. We found it beautiful nonetheless and took the elevator up. The view from there is great, and if you look closely, you can also spot the TV Tower in the distance.

So, lace up your shoes and discover Berlin from a completely different side.