The last two days of my visit to Germany were spent in the glorious city of Berlin. With a city like Berlin, with so much history and significance, two days seemed too little to explore its little joys. I got on one of those Hop-on Hop-off buses, to have a quick express tour of the city. After a busy day, walking down from the famous Checkpoint Charlie, I reached Potsdamer Platz, a popular city square. I knew something was happening here, the lights could be seen from afar. Exploring the city on a crisp October evening, I walked into Berlin’s Festival of Lights.
Amazing Berlin’s Festival of Lights
The square at Potsdamer Platz was lit up like Christmas eve. The whole city I learnt, became a big massive ‘Light Art’ exhibit. Well known landmarks of Berlin were illuminated, with light shows. Every year in October, projections are placed around the city, the whole city vibrates with lights, colors, and designs. The Festival this year was from 9th-20th October.
The Riot of Colors
There were colors everywhere, on the floor, on the buildings, and Berlin’s iconic landmarks. Walking on this magical lit up floor, was quite a fascinating experience. Berlin’s Festival of Lights lasts for 12 nights and offers a world of adventure every October.
Who Wants a Green Ride?
Walking down Berlin, you can’t miss the cool little cycle rickshaws or pedicabs. A fun alternative to trains, cheaper than taxis, and greener than all combined. Alternatively you could rent bikes; Berlin is a very bike friendly city, with bike rentals starting from EUR 8 per day. Even at night, you could spot Berliners going about their way on these green machines.
What’s That On The Building?
Standing in the middle of Potsdamer Platz square, it was an awe-inspiring moment, watching the lights changing colors on the building before me. From famous cultural icons to symbols from around the world, during the Festival of Lights, as the sun goes down, Berlin transforms into one large exhibition, with light installations by artists from around the world.
Light Art At The Brandenburg Gate
Around 8 pm the presentation started and the famous Brandenburg Gate became the site of an illuminated art exhibit.
I stood there, as fascinated as a little child, in awe of the lights show on this famous landmark in Berlin.
One kilometer from the Potsdamer Platz square was the famous Brandenburg Gate. With a light drizzle in the air, I walked into the complex of Germany’s famous landmark, which was set up as a subject for light projections. The 3D light projections on the Brandenburg Gate started around 8 pm and made this historic place into a magical theater. I couldn’t resist pulling out the camera to make a quick video.
Video: Brandenburg Gate – Berlin’s Festival of Lights
Read more about Famous Light Festivals Around the World.
If you’re planning a trip to Berlin in October, or want a break after attending the Frankfurt Book Fair in the same month, I’ll suggest visiting this historic city, not just for its rich history, but for its fascinating Festival of Lights.