One of the best ways to spend a summer evening in Berlin is at the open-air cinema, or Freiluftkino. Nothing beats a balmy evening under the stars in front of the latest blockbuster or cult classic – just don’t forget the mosquito repellent.
Freiluftkino Kreuzberg
Secluded in the courtyard of Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Freiluftkino Kreuzberg is one of the oldest open-air cinemas in Berlin. Most films are shown in OmU (Original mit Untertitel). You can choose to sit on your own blanket or in one of the comfortable garden chairs. The kiosk offers a solid selection of drinks and snacks ranging from classic popcorn to hearty meatballs.
- Freiluftkino Kreuzberg, Mariannenplatz, Kreuzberg, details.
Freiluftkino Friedrichshain
Friedrichshain’s open-air cinema is located on the edge of the beautiful Volkspark Friedrichshain with its wide range of sports and cultural activities. Up to 1800 people can be seated here on the wooden benches (with backrests!). If you like, you can make yourself comfortable with a picnic basket on the lawn or take a seat at the tables in front of the screen.
Induction loops are provided for the hearing impaired. Typically, the films run in German-language dubbed versions, but there are often original versions and English subtitles too.
- Freiluftkino Friedrichshain, Volkspark Friedrichshain, details.
Open Air Kino Mitte
It’s often beautiful behind the pretty facades – and that’s why we’re so in love with the backyards in Berlin-Mitte. At Rosenthaler Straße 39, right next to Hackesche Höfe, you’ll find Kino Central, a wonderful little cinema that specialises in arthouse films, absolute classics, and occasionally premieres and special events. There is an extensive program for students.
Film screenings also take place outdoors here, but you should be quick with your ticket booking, because the Open Air Kino Mitte only has a few seats!
- Open Air Kino Mitte Rosenthaler Str. 39, Mitte, details.
Mobile Kino
The Mobile Cinema is on the road again and shows films in the open air at changing locations. The program includes classics as well as preview screenings and short film programs. This year’s venues are once again the Kiezkino in Charlottenburg and the courtyard of the Alte Münze.
- Mobile Kino, Alte Münze, Am Molkenmarkt 2, Mitte and S-Bahnhof Charlottenburg, Stuttgarter Platz, Charlottenburg, details.
Freiluftkino Rehberge
The open-air stage was built in the 1930s for the Nazi Thingbewegung, served as an open-air theater after the war and was eventually abandoned to vandalism. In 2008, a new operator took over the gem and extensively renovated it. The result can still be seen today: In the already very idyllic Volkspark Rehberge, there is a large open-air cinema whose diverse program ranges between independent films and major Hollywood flicks.
- Freiluftkino Rehberge Volkspark Rehberge, Windhuker Str./Petersallee, Wedding, details.
Freiluftkino Hasenheide
Current films are shown, but older productions are also common. This cinema benefited greatly from an improved sound system and a new stage, allowing the open-air cinema program can also take place during the day.
- Freiluftkino Hasenheide Volkspark Hasenheide, Neukölln, details.
Pompeji – Freiluftkino am Ostkreuz
The open-air cinema Pompeii belongs to the future – a combination of cinema, event location, theatre halls and a beer garden. During the open-air season, sophisticated films are shown in their original version with German subtitles.
- Pompeji – Freiluftkino am Ostkreuz Laskerstr. 5, Friedrichshain, details.
Sommerkino auf dem Kulturforum
Is there a better location for an outdoor cinema in Berlin? At the Kulturforum, you can enjoy a view of the skyline at Potsdamer Platz, the striking silhouette of the Berlin Philharmonic Hall, comfortable deck chairs and, of course, a view of the huge screen. Every year, the most best films of the past months are shown here, as well as classics in their original versions and previews, sometimes with the actors in attendance.
- Sommerkino Kulturforum am Potsdamer Platz Matthäikirchplatz 4/6, Tiergarten, details.
Freiluftkino Friedrichshagen
Friedrichshagen is a perfect destination if you want to spend a day in the southeast at Müggelsee. And after the day on the water? An evening at the movies is our recommendation. The open-air cinema Friedrichshagen, which is part of the Union-Filmtheater, shows feature films as well as music films from time to time and offers cultural programs completely without a screen: concerts, readings, poetry slams and lectures also take place on the stage.
- Freiluftkino Friedrichshagen Hinter dem Kurpark 13, Friedrichshagen, details.
Freilichtbühne Weißensee
The days when international stars made guest appearances in Weißensee are long gone unfortunately, but there is still plenty going on! The program includes readings and small theatre performances, especially for children. That said, there are also plenty of open-air movies. The open-air season in Weissensee in already well underway, showing not only recent films, but also classics.
- Freilichtbühne Weißensee Große Seestr. 9, Weißensee, details.
OpenAirKino Spandau
In the cosy courtyard of the historic Spandau City Library, you can expect even more cultural programming come sunset. Our tip: Spend the afternoon exploring the leafy district of Spandau before settling down for a screening in the moonlight.
- OpenAirKino Spandau, Carl-Schurz-Str. 13, Spandau, details.
Freiluftkino Insel
Open-air cinema operator Freiluftkino Insel can be visited in two locations this year. They’ll be holding screenings at their regular location of Revier Südost, as well as the former film studio complex Atelier Gardens. Known for well-curated selection of cinema classics and contemporary crowd-pleasers, odds are you won’t be disappointed with what Freiluftkino Insel has on offer.
- Freiluftkino Insel, Revier Südost, Schnellerstr. 137, Schöneweide and Atelier Gardens, Oberlandstr. 26-35, Tempelhof, details.
Astor Filmlounge Freiluftkino at Alice Rooftop & Garden
Head on up to a sky-high screening at the Alice Rooftop and Garden. The open-air kino is organised in cooperation with Astor Filmlounge, so you can expect a stellar selection of films. Alice’s cosy rooftop terrace has an out-of-this-world view and is surprisingly sheltered from the wind. Film screenings start at 8pm, and the cinema is open two hours before so you’re welcome to enjoy the atmosphere with a rooftop cocktail or two.
- Alice Rooftop & Garden, LIVING BERLIN, Kantstr. 17, Charlottenburg, details.
Summer Cinema at Britzer Gardens
Britzer Garten isn’t just perfect for a daytime Sunday stroll, but also for what’s probably Berlin’s most peaceful open-air cinema. We suggest arriving well before screening time to enjoy as much of this stunning botanical garden as possible.
- Britzer Gardens, Sangerhauser Weg 1, Britz, details.
Open-Air Kino im Kranzler Eck
Tucked away in a surprisingly peaceful corner of the mall courtyard, the open-air screenings at Kranzler Eck should not be missed (and that’s not just because they usually have free entry). The film selection varies from current blockbusters to classics and kid-friendly programming.
- Kranzler Eck, Kurfürstendamm 22, Charlottenburg, details.
