Winter in Berlin is a unique challenge—harsh temperatures, long nights, and the ever-present grey skies. But it doesn’t have to be all gloom. By focusing on staying warm, boosting mental health, and embracing Berlin’s quirks, you can turn the season into an opportunity for growth and connection. Here’s how:

‍1. Defeat the Cold: Dress Smart, Stay Warm

Berlin winters can feel endless, but dressing cleverly can transform your experience. The key is layering:

1. Start Smart: Begin with thermal underclothes to keep your core warm. These are lightweight but effective.some text
   • Uniqlo Heattech: Offers varying heat resistance levels, combining durability with reasonable prices.
   • Decathlon: Affordable, colorful options, including specialized sportswear.
   • DM & Rossmann: Budget-friendly basics that still deliver reasonable quality.
2. Build Up: Add a medium-thickness t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt, followed by a medium sweater.
3. Cover Up: Finish with a long under-jacket and an insulated coat. Puffer jackets or wool coats work perfectly for retaining heat.
4. Focus on Extremities: Protecting your extremities is essential for staying comfortable outdoors. Equip yourself with gloves, scarves, hats, thermal socks, and insulated boots. For an extra touch of warmth, consider hand warmers, available at DM and Rossmann at affordable prices.

When you’re dressed right, outdoor activities like a snowy walk in Tiergarten or ice-skating at Plänterwald Ice Rink can feel enjoyable, rather than unbearable.

2. Fight the Winter Blues: Soak Up the Light

The lack of sunlight is one of winter’s toughest challenges. To counter it:

• Get outside during daylight (8 AM- 4PM): Even Berlin’s short winter days offer some natural light. A walk in Volkspark Friedrichshain, along the Spree around Museum Island, or through Treptower Park can do wonders for your mood—or explore a nearby park in your area.
• Use a Vitamin D lamp: These lamps mimic natural sunlight and can help energize your mind and body.
• Try Vitamin D drops: Massaging them into your skin can be a soothing ritual, even if the health benefits are still debated.

By prioritizing light, you’re setting yourself up for better mental clarity and energy throughout the season.

3. Focus on Mental Health: Mindfulness and Therapy

Winter can take a toll on mental health, especially for newcomers to Berlin or those from sunnier climates. Here are ways to care for your mind as well as your body:

• Practice Mindfulness: Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations to help reduce stress and clear your mind. Spending just 10 minutes a day can significantly boost your mood.
• Seek Counseling and Therapy: It’s okay to ask for help. Berlin has many expat-friendly therapists who can support you through tough times:some text
  • The Expat Therapy Center provides English-speaking services tailored to internationals.
  • Platforms like Doctolib.com or Complicated.life can help you find therapists who meet your needs, though finding an English-speaking therapist might take some persistence. 

Good to know About Financing Your Therapy: If you have private health insurance, therapy sessions are often covered. For those with public health insurance, the process can be more complex, but it’s still possible. Feel free to reach out to us or visit our website for guidance on health insurances. 

Therapy isn’t just for moments of crisis—it’s a proactive way to maintain mental well-being during winter. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as keeping your body warm. With the right tools and support, you can navigate Berlin winters with resilience and calm.

4. Keep Moving: Stay Active to Stay Happy

Physical activity isn’t just for fitness—it’s crucial for mental health during winter. Movement releases endorphins, lifts your mood, and keeps you feeling alive. Plus, it helps you feel less guilty about indulging in those Christmas cookies and sweets! 😉

• Join a Gym: Try Superfit, Fitness First, Pink Frauen Fitness (women-only, with sauna and hammam), or Holmes Place, which also offers relaxation areas and saunas.
• Take Yoga Classes: Options include Yellow Yoga, HiYoga, or Peace Yoga Berlin.
• Dance (or Move Creatively): Studios like Marameo Berlin, Tanzfabrik, and Motion*s Tanzstudio offer classes for all levels. You don’t need to be a dancer—just have fun and move your way! For at-home creativity, try Gaga’s online platform, offering playful sessions for movers and non-movers alike.
• Explore Nature: Go sledding at Teufelsberg when it snows, or enjoy long walks in Grunewald Forest or around Berlin’s lakes.
• Easy At-Home Activities: Even a quick stretch or two minutes of dancing to your favorite song can make a huge difference. If you prefer lighter activities, try a guided yoga or workout video, light stretching, or an indoor walk at one of Berlin’s beautiful museums or diverse malls like Mall of Berlin, Alexa, KaDeWe, or Dussmann. These are great options for staying warm while staying active on cold or wet days.

Staying active, in whatever way feels good to you, will help you feel refreshed both physically and mentally.

5. Stay Social: Connection Is Key—Escape the Cold with Berlin’s Cultural Warmth

Winter can make us retreat into isolation, but staying connected is vital for mental health. Social activities and cultural outings can strengthen your sense of belonging, even in the chilliest months.

• Visit Cozy Cafés: Reconnect with friends over coffee or brunch in warm, inviting spaces:some text
  • House of Small Wonder: A cozy brunch spot with a unique, charming ambiance.
  • Zimt & Zucker Kaffeehaus: Perfect for coffee and cake lovers.
  • Balaboosta: Enjoy Middle Eastern delights like hummus and rugelach.
• Explore Christmas Markets: Immerse yourself in holiday cheer while sipping Glühwein at Berlin’s festive markets:some text
  • Gendarmenmarkt: Known for its traditional charm and stunning backdrop.
  • RAW Gelände: A vibrant market with an urban, alternative vibe.
• Jazz Bars with Live Music and Cocktails: Warm up with soulful music in these atmospheric venues:some text
  • Rhinoçéros: A cozy spot with a vintage vinyl vibe.
  • Vault Bar: Perfect for live music, dancing, and even Sunday nights.
  • Quasimodo: A legendary jazz club with an intimate stage in Charlottenburg.
• Immerse Yourself in Berlin’s Theater and Music Scene: From edgy cabarets to grand opera houses, there’s something for everyone:some text
  • Cabaret: Laugh and marvel at Bar Jeder Vernunft or Wintergarten Varieté.
  • Opera and Classical Music: Experience grandeur at Deutsche Oper Berlin, Staatsoper Berlin, or the renowned Berliner Philharmonie.
  • Dance and Theater: Catch cutting-edge works at Sophiensæle, renowned performances at Volksbühne, or experimental creations at Uferstudios.
  • Musicals: Enjoy Broadway-style productions at the stunning Theater des Westens.

These experiences bring warmth, inspiration, and connection, helping you forget the winter blues. Whether you’re savoring a latte, enjoying a jazz solo, or watching a world-class performance, Berlin’s cultural offerings are sure to lift your spirits.

6. Embrace the Indoors: Make Cozy Moments Count

When Berlin’s weather keeps you inside, turn it into an opportunity to create warmth and joy at home with these easy-to-try ideas:

• Get Creative with Crafts: Make your own candles, paint, or try DIY holiday decorations. Visit Modulor for supplies, or grab a ready-to-use crafting kit from stores like idee. Creativmarkt or Christmas markets. Short on time? Try an easy origami project or knit a cozy scarf—it’s both relaxing and rewarding!
• Host a Cozy Dinner Night: Invite friends for an evening of hearty winter dishes. Think raclette (fun and easy to prepare) or a potluck where everyone brings their favorite comfort food. Pair the meal with Glühwein or hot chocolate for that extra winter vibe.
• Create a Self-Care Ritual:some text
  • Set the Scene: Light candles (get different-sized ones from DM or Rossmann, or try Berlin-made soy candles from Hallesches Haus) to warm and brighten your space. Germans love their hot water bottles—find one with a cozy cover and let it bring you comfort.
  • Relax and Unwind: Wrap up in a blanket and dive into a book or series while sipping a warm drink. For tea lovers, try Yogi Tea Halswärmer or their classic blends for a soothing treat. Prefer a movie night? Winter is perfect for indulging in a long film or binge-worthy series.
  • Pamper Yourself: Take a relaxing bath with Lush bath bombs, or enjoy a hot shower before snuggling into bed with hot chocolate and your favorite playlist.
• Try an Indoor Adventure: Looking to shake up your routine?some text
  • Visit Berlin’s Illuseum for interactive fun.
  • Host a board game night—explore games like Pandemic (work together to “beat the virus”) or Codenames (a test of teamwork and creativity).
  • Check out quirky workshops or activities around the city, like pottery classes or indoor group events.

Why Winter Is an Opportunity?

Winter in Berlin can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a time for reflection, connection, and growth. With the right tools—warm clothes, meaningful routines, and a commitment to staying social—you’ll not only survive but thrive in the colder months. So embrace the season, one cozy moment and cheerful outing at a time.