11th Annual Winter Wonderland in the Heart of Berlin
Every year Potsdamer Platz is transformed into a Winter Wonderland or “Winterwelt”.
December 10th, 2014
Particularly popular with winter sports fans, it has cemented its place as one of the largest Christmas markets in Berlin, boasting 2,5 million visitors each year. One of the main things that set it apart from the traditional Christmas markets is the wide range of activities available.
Wintersports
Until the fourth of January sports fans can experience the “rodelbahn”, an activity that can only be explained as sliding down a hill on a top of a tire. Nowhere else in Europe can you experience such a large toboggan run and with the view of the Brandenburg gate it presents an unrivalled experience. Curling is also a possibility. A ice rink with all the equipment necessary is available to rent for an hour at a time for between 20 to 30 euros.
Cooperation with Der Bundesstützpunkt Eislauf Berlin
For children between the ages of 4 and 7 they get the chance to attend free skating lessons in cooperation with “Der Bundesstützpunkt Eislauf Berlin” or the Berlin National Training Centre. Three coaches attend to the children, teaching them the basics of Ice Skating, and those children showing the most promising talents and agility are invited to a final competition with the chance to win a four-week introductory course at a Berlin skating club of their choice.
Traditional Fare
Every year the organisers try to create a different atmosphere, providing a different focus for the market. This year the Market huts are fashioned on the Salzburg Alpine region, creating a ski chalet atmosphere. A Salzburg snack hut offers a range of Austrian cuisine. The hut was built from 180 year old Austrian hut wood and is fitted with a traditional stove, tools and to create a truly authentic experience the employees are dressed in traditional Austrian dress. An Après-Ski party starts off the evening at 7pm.
As well as these alternative activities, there is everything one would expect from a traditional market, from arts and crafts and home-made christmas gifts to Glühwein and Bratwurst.
References and Links
- For more info: http://www.visitberlin.de/en/event/01-04-2015/11th-winter-world-on-potsdamer-platz
- Flickr gallery of Weihnacht Markt: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125776584@N02/sets/72157649597622066/
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