Berlin has long been a hotspot in international aquatics. The German capital is a frequent host of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup. In fact, no other city has hosted this event more often. With fans and racers making a near-annual trip to Berlin for the World Cup for over two decades, here's some places to also check out while in town.
Berlin also played host to a variety of national and World Cup events in swimming, diving, and men's and women's water polo in the past and again this year. The arena and the adjacent velodrome are located within a huge sports complex that rises only a few feet above the ground. Today, the Schwimm- und Sprunghalle im Europasportpark (SSE), with it's 8 pools and a spectator capacity exceeding 2,000 makes it the largest and only fully accessible indoor swimming venue in Berlin.
Built for Berlin's hopeful bid of the 2000 Olympics, the SSE also provided a compelling atmosphere for the European Aquatics Championships in 2002 and again in 2014.
Here are five top tourist attractions to visit between the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup competitions in Berlin:
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is the Berlin landmark and symbol of reunification. Built in 1791, it was originally just one of many city gates around Berlin. In front of the gate, there is the Pariser Platz – a beautiful square surrounded by the historic Hotel Adlon and the Academy of Arts. The famous Reichstag, home of the German parliament, is also nearby. Stroll along the Spree River or take a boat trip to experience the modern government district from the water.
The Brandenburg Gate also plays a role in Berlin's vibrant sporting scene, with public watch parties often taking place here. It's also on the route of the Berlin Marathon.
TV Tower
At 368 meters, the TV Tower (Fernsehturm) is not only Berlin’s, but Germany’s tallest building. Built in the 1960s, it offers visitors a unique 360 degrees panorama of the city. The TV Tower is located on Alexanderplatz, the centre of former East Berlin. From here, it’s only a stone’s throw to the historic Nikolaiviertel and to the hip quarters of Berlin-Mitte.
Kurfürstendamm
If you want to go shopping, this is the place to be. The Kurfürstendamm is Berlin’s most popular shopping mall – a 3.5 kilometer-long boulevard with theatres, cafés and shops. On the extension of the Kurfürstendamm, the “Tauentzienstrasse”, you can find the KaDeWe, the largest department store on the European mainland. Or would you rather go to the Zoo Berlin, Germany's oldest zoo?
Gendarmenmarkt
The Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most beautiful squares in Berlin. With the concert hall designed by famous architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel and the German Cathedral and French Cathedral, it boasts three architectural highlights of the German capital. Have a break in one of the many cafés and then continue on to Friedrichstrasse, another exclusive shopping mile.
Museum Island
Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and combines some of Berlin’s most important exhibition venues: the Old Museum, the New Museum, the Bode Museum, the Pergamon Museum and the Old National Gallery. Their collections showcase over 6,000 years of art and cultural history. Also don’t miss the monumental Berlin Cathedral.