Best Walking Routes to Experience Berlin’s Festival of Lights

So, you have touched down in Berlin. You might have come for the famous currywurst, for the techno music or perhaps simply from a friend you met in your last hostel who told you, ‘Trust me, you should go to Berlin.’ However, if you are in Berlin from October 8th-15th, you’ve hit the jackpot; it’s the Season of the Festival of Lights. Walking around in Berlin during this time will feel like you’re wandering around the biggest outdoor museum you’ve ever visited (we promise!). 

What Time Does the Berlin Light Show Start?

The Berlin Light Show will begin at 19:00 (as the sun starts to disappear) and continues to illuminate Berlin’s landscape until 23:00. This gives you plenty of time to try and convince some other backpackers in the hostel happy hour to wander around the city with you. 

Is the Berlin Festival of Lights Free?

The good news is that the event is completely free! No fee, no bands and no guest list. The only thing you need to do is start wandering and discover all that the city has on display for you. Free events are always music to the ears of any backpacker, but it does also mean that the streets will be crowded. Be prepared to walk slowly while looking up and taking in the mesmerising light show. 

Credit: Michael Hodgson Photography | Getty

What Buildings are in the Festival of Lights Berlin?

Every year, the line up has some changes, but the show stoppers remain in:

The Brandenburg Gate– the Beyoncé of Berlin landmarks, always the star of the show. 

Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm)– on occasion illuminated, other times it is used as a projection. 

Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)– looking the most holy decorated with colourful light patterns. 

Bebelplatz– with the opera house and St. Hedwig’s Cathedral in their artistic glow. 

Museum Island-because nothing screams ‘culture’ more than a range of lit up museums.

Does Berlin Cathedral Light Up?

The Berlin Cathedral is one of the highlights that isn’t to be missed on your visit. It doesn’t just light-up in a display of mesmerising colours but it also hosts a multi-day concert with music syncing to the light display. Whether you’re a techno-house or neo-classical music fan, be sure to take a look at the official lineup here to decide whether to see the live DJs or other musicians.

The Best Walking Routes

We’ve saved you the effort of researching the best route to take for the Berlin Festival of Lights, so depending on how far you’re willing to walk and how much mulled wine you’re willing to carry, here are two of the best walking routes:

Short and Sweet (about 45 minutes) 

This route will take about 45 minutes, so is best for those not looking for a marathon walking tour and who want to see the top attractions:

→ Beginning at Alexanderplatz – get a picture of the TV Tower while it shines over the square. 

→ Stroll to the Berlin Cathedral – an absolute showstopper, complete with mesmerising projections. 

→ Skip to Museum Island – a maze of museums where you can gaze at the reflections of the lights along the Spree River. 

→ Proceed along the Unter den Linden to arrive at Bebelplatz – a favourite spot for light displays. 

→ Finally, Brandenburg Gate – the heart of Berlin and the festive finale of the day.

The Full Glow-Up (about 2 hours with stops)

This is for those wanting to do a bit more leg work, see a bit more and perhaps stop for a sandwich or a beer (or two) at one of the many kiosks you’ll pass along the way:

→ Beginning at Potsdamer Platz – the skyline and rigorously illuminated architecture to see is a must. 

→ Stroll to the Holocaust Memorial – often lit with gentle yet deeply moving lights. 

→ Then to the Brandenburg Gate – the centerpiece of the festival. 

→ Finally walk towards the Unter den Linden and stop at Bebelplatz, Berlin Cathedral then Museum Island.

→ End the day at Alexanderplatz (TV Tower) Level, and on the way, stop on for late night currywurst- the perfect way to cap off your day before returning to your hostel.