A Skaters Guide to Berlin

On March 16th 2024, myself and five others set off to explore the city of Berlin. There are few places I have travelled to that feel like home and Berlin is definitely one of them. The cities unique architecture, the abundance of skateparks, skate spots on every corner, banging food and interesting friendly people make Berlin feel like Europian Bristol (without all the hills and triple the size)

Skateparks 

Skateparks are absolutely everywhere throughout the city, there's truly something for everyone! Here are some of my favorites, if you'd like a more detailed look at everything Berlin has to offer check out the skate map at the bottom of this article.

Skatehalle

Rained out? Skatehalle has you covered, over 1600 metres squared of skateble space including a wicked big bowl and an outdoor section. Skatehalle is a must visit for all skate tourists looking for a space that has it all! Sessions are cheap and the food & drinks are high quality and affordable.

Dogshit D.I.Y

Situated next to skatehalle, Dogshit is a must visit on a clear day. The quality of Berlin's DIY parks is impeccable and professional. With a fingerboard replica of the park to the side you know the builders have thought of every detail. The park flows well and has a decent mix of street and transition. It's also a great spot to meet some of the locals and get an understanding of Berlin's skate culture.

Greifswalder DIY

For me this park is #1, Greifswalder DIY is much more than just a skate spot, make sure to read the rules when you arrive and respect the space, the surrounding area includes different subculture groups including a techno club, art exhibitions and a circus with much more to explore and skate. Respect is key for this spot, the locals won't put up with any shenanigans so respect the space and the people that helped create this amazing spot. 

Skatepark Heidelberger Platz

Berlin is notorious for rain, if you happen to get rained out Skatepark Heidelberger Platz is a great shout. One of Berlins only under cover spots, this park is perfect for those wet and gloomy Berlin days. This park is very transition heavy but has an absolutely perfect ledge for your street skating homies. 

Skatepark Vogelfreiheit

Situated on the old Tempelhof Airport, this plaza is exploding with banks ledges and manny pads, it's clear the designers of this park took heavy inspiration form street skating culture in Berlin, steep banks and icey ledges are found throughout the city and this plaza is no different. Wanna bit of transition? Vogelfreiheit has you covered with two mini ramps tucked behind the plaza, this park has it all. Catch a sunset session and watch the Berlin skyline slowly fade into darkness. 

Gleisdreieck Skatepark

Last on our list is Gleisdreieck Skatepark, there aren't many bowls around Berlin but this park definitely makes up for it. This spot is perfect for beginners and experienced skaters offering two bowls, one gnarly and one mellow. These bowls are a must visit for any transition based skaters, unfortunately the park does not have a street section but there is plenty of flat ground to satisfy your mates that still can’t drop in. 

We made a video with DOSE Skateboarding at this park check to out: 

Street Spots

I’d be writing this article for 12 years if i went through all the fun street spots the city has to offer, so i'm just gunna list my top three, if you want to check out some more street spots check out the map below this article that has everything you'll ever need to explore Berlin with your skateboard. 

Neue Nationalgalerie

Potsdamer Str. 50, 10785 Berlin, Germany

This museum of modern art is the perfect street spot to check out, perfect ledges, perfect flatground and some gnarly spots to get some clips on. Situated right next to the famous Kulturforum plaza this is a must see for any skate tourists. 

Philarmonie

Scharounstraße, 10785 Berlin, Germany

Right next to Kulturforum and Neue Nationalgalerie this spot fills all of your street skating needs, icy ledges, perfect flatground, stairs and manny pads. What more do you want and what more is there to say?

Warschauer Banke

Warschauer Str. 57-58, 10243 Berlin, Germany

Another one of Berlin's famous street spots, these benches are endless and the possibilities are infinite, bust out your back tails and front crooks and film some lines at this extremely aesthetic spot.

Skate Shops

There are many skate shops throughout Berlin but in my opinion there's only one worth going to.

Search & Destroy Skate Shop

Search & Destroy is my go to skate shop when in Berlin, the staff are lovely and accommodating. They have every size board you'll need and all the proper brands, do yourself a favour and ask the staff about spots, parks and everything else Berlin related. I'm sure they'll be able to help you out!

Travel 

There are many ways to get around the city, Berlin's public transport is easy to use and for the most part is on time and fast. Whether you're biking, skating, bus-ing or train-ing you can easily get to where you need to be. 

Bike

Berlin is an incredibly flat city, which means cycling around the city is a breeze on the legs. You can find many bike rental services around the city but personally I would prefer to rent a e-bike or e-scooter, a lot of spots are super close to each other so skating in between them is easy, using an e-bike or e-scooter just gives you a little more freedom as you are not tied down to one bike rental store. 

Train & Bus

The most important part of getting around using the train and bus is the BVG Tickets app. Berlin's public transport runs on an honour system, there's no turnstiles in sight and no bus man to pay, if you buy your ticket at the station make sure you validate your ticket before getting on the train/bus. Alternatively using the app is a little easier, you just have to select the station you're leaving from and activate your ticket.

Miscellaneous 

Berlin is full of fun and interesting things to do, here are a few of the non-skate related bits we got up to! 

Liquidrom 

Techno Spa, that's all I have to say :)

Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate & Checkpoint Charlie 

Berlin's history is everywhere and the locals don't shy away from Berlin's past, damage from the war and remnants of the Berlin wall remain throughout the city. Whilst most skaters will focus on skating you can't miss something historical on every street. Take some time out of your day and learn something new and do all of the touristy stuff, the Reichstag, Brandenburg gate and checkpoint charlie are a must visit as a minimum. Discover a new perspective and appreciation for the city through history. 

Graffiti

Home to notorious graffiti crew 1UP Berlin's graffiti scene is booming. Keep your eyes to the roofs when exploring the city and spot some of the best graffiti you will ever see. Paint is on every wall on every corner. If you're into graffiti take the time to appreciate the great lengths artists go to for their pieces.

Spot  Map