Berlin Microbrewery Guide

Berlin has a long history of beer culture. Around 1900 you found huge brewery’s in nearly every district of Berlin. Now days you still find these huge Industrial relics mostly used for cultural purpose like the “Kulturbrauerei” in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg. In times of globalisation the important brewery’s combine into one big company, brewing several brands under one Name. But since a few years many microbreweries flourish in the districts Friedrichshian, Kreuzberg and Mitte. If you come to Berlin and are on the look-out for a very special taste try out some of their creations.
Maibock, Märzen, Mondscheinbier, Schwarzbier, Bernstein, Brown Ale, Rotbier, Weizen or Schoppe Hell are just some of the names you should look out for. We put together a list of our favourite Microbrewery’s in Berlin Friedrichshain not far from the U inn Berlin Hostel and of course also from some other districts.

 

Schalander

Saturated in the northern part of Friedrichshain the Schalander successfully established quality fresh brewed beer in this area of Berlin where it was more common to just get you a cheap “Sterni” from the Späti. With “Helles” Pils “Dunkles” and “Weizen” they have 3 permanent beers fresh from tab plus seasonal beers. For the month May it will be a “MaiBock” a real speciality. The food they serve is called “Gut Bürgerlich” which is basically good German food. The menu is changing every week with seasonal speciality.

Schlander Berlin Friedrichshainwww.schalander-berlin.de
Schalander Hausbrauerei
Bänschstr. 91

Hops & Barley

Welcome to Berlin Friedrichshain. Not shiny, not blinky but we really know beer J Hops & Barley is a small local brewery right at the busy night-life area of Berlin. People come here of beer and of course for football. The variety of beer goes from typical Friedrichshainer Dunkel or Hell Pils to English Cider or Brown Ale. Bread made out of “Treber” a side product of the brewing process is served if you are hungry.

hops and barleys Berlin Friedrichshianwww.hopsandbarley-berlin.de
Wühlischstraße 22-23
10245 Berlin

BKK Bier Kombinat Kreuzberg

At the Bier Kombinat Kreuzberg you get served a great variety of fresh brewed beer by Schoppebräu a local Microbrewery. They Serve Schoppe Hell or Dunkel but also a Weizen witch tastes a little bit like banana with a slice of pickled gherkins. Definitely off the mainstream taste.

Bier Kombinat Kreuzbergwww.bier-kombinat.de
Manteuffelstraße 53
10999 Berlin

Marcus Bräu

The Marcus Bräu is a little hideout in Berlin Mitte. This district is usually more main stream and little Bars must close and make space for new big commercial places. But the Marcus Bräu has held its place for a long time now. And their recipe is simple.. Just a little Tank for their delicious beer and a typical down to earth menu in-case you are hungry. Simplicity at its best. And because of that fact it’s worth to visit this place if you around Alexanderplatz. Their Speciality is a huge Roasted Pork knuckle with a half litre of Helles or Dunkles Beer.

Berlin Marcus Bräuwww.brau-dein-bier.de
Münzstraße 1-3
10178 Berlin

Brauhaus Lemke

The Brauhaus Lemke on Hackischer Markt is like the Mercedes of the microbrewery. It’s not really small. They have a beer garden for the summer month. The interior is rustic and the beer.. Woohooo! 4-Kinds of fresh brewed beer on tab. You can sit next the huge tanks. And there is always a smell of fresh beer around. Beside many Seasonal beers you get the so typical for Berlin Helles and Dunkles Pils plus a Weizen. The menu is outstanding. Good German kitchen which even for this part of Berlin has very reasonable prices. Check out their “Kasespetzle” one of my favourites.

Brauhaus Lemkewww.brauhaus-lemke.com
Dircksenstr. S-BahnBogen 143
10178 Berlin

Go Veggie in Berlin Friedrichshain

Veganz in Berlin Friedrichshian

Green is in again, so why not on the plate too? It shouldn’t be just a matter of the environment, but also good for us and above all our friends the animals. Berlin offers a great selection for vegetarians and vegans to go crazy with. Now Friedrichhain’s first vegan supermarket opens their doors on the 30th of March 2013 at Warschauer Strasse 33. www.veganz.de

 

And here are more vegan/vegetarian places in Friedrichshain worth a visit:
• Yoyo Foodworld 27 Gärtnerstr. (Burger, Pizza, Salads and Co.)
• Vöner 56 Boxhagener Str. (Vegan Döner)
• Ohlálá Tartes Shop 18 Mainzer Str. (French Vegan Food)
• Bistro Bardot 83 Boxhagener Str. (100% Organ Vegan/Vegetarian Dishes)
• Hot Dog Soup 67 Grünberger Str. (vegetarian/vegan Soups and -Hot Dogs)
• Emma Pea Vegetarian Food & Bar 99 Revaler Str. (Soups, different Meals every day, Wraps, Tapas, Cakes – Vegetarian/Vegan-)
• Eisdiele Caramello/Organic Delicious 31 WühlischStr. (vegan/non-vegan organic Icecream)
• Eisbärliner 11 GärtnerStr. (tasty homemade vegan Soy- and Fruit-ice cream, bursting with fruit)

Source: http://www.berlin-vegan.de/berlin/restaurantkritiken/

For everyone who would like to find out more about Veganism http://www.berlin-vegan.de. You’ll find information about everything from `Vegan Taster Weeks´, renting vegan/vegetarian WG’s/Rooms to TIPS for being vegan and pregnant.
U inn says it’s worth having a look at !
STAY HEALTHY !!!!

*Vegetarian – don’t eat meat, mostly no fish as well
*Vegans – don’t eat any products from animals (NO milk, meat, fish, honey, …)

Happy Birthday to us!

 

U drinks

We turn five on the 1st of March! So give us a high 5! Every Check-in on that day gets a free Welcome Drink and everyone in the house is invited to the U inn Berlin Birthday Party! We will have free food and all drinks for only 1,-Euro!!! Test your karaoke skills and battle it out with other international guests and the hostel crew!

 

It has been an incredible 5 years hosting so many interesting and wonderful people from all over the world!! This celebration is our way of saying thank you to all those who have previously stayed here, for their part in building so many kind memories that have given spirit and warmth to our little home away from home! But also as a welcome to our current guests to come on up and boogie down yo…

U inn Berlin Hostel Our first guestbook entry

 

From the first day we opened till now, 5 years on our doors are always open to all the happy backpackers and other globetrotting travellers alike…. here are some of our favourite guest-book entries:

 „ … This Hostel is a Gem, probably one of the best hostels i was ever visiting (and I’ve been in many) Will surely recommend this Place! …” Tobias 2009

“ War ne richtig coole Woche, Geile Party Mukke am Morgen und supi Hostel. See you soon …“ Unknown happy guest 2011

“… it smells like rice in here but I like it. Makes me feel like home. 5 of 5 toasters. …” Jenny 2012

OMG It’s Justin Bieber!!

43 million Facebook fans, 22 million Twitter followers and 2.9 billion YouTube clicks make Justin Bieber the most successful teen star of all time!

What is a ‘Justin Bieber’

Justin Bieber NRJ Music Awards 2012The music career of Justin Bieber began when the Canadians with 12 years of second place in the singing competition “Stratford Idol” finished. In the following period, he placed videos on YouTube in which he sang songs by artists such as Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys, Ne-Yo and Chris Brown, and were called in a short time over ten million times. There, he was discovered by his current manager, and invited to Atlanta, where Bieber met his idol and mentor Usher. A short time later, he signed a recording contract and released in 2009 “My World” is his début.

Still don’t know what we talking about?

In March he gives his concert at the O2 World in Berlin Friedrichshain. Everybody who doesn’t know what we talking about right now should avoid the area on the 31.3.2013 unless you are well equipped with earplugs. Remember the good old 90s: Take That, Backstreet Boys or East17. Yes Boygroups!! Justin Bieber is basically the same.

For everybody else who think Justin Bieber is World Hero Nr.1

But even if he is the greatest Child star to date, there are some rules to be observed understandably for younger fans:

  • Children under 6 years are not allowed into concerts.
  • Children / adolescents aged 6 to 16 years must be accompanied by an authorized person or guardian.
  • Aged 16 and over may enter the concert unaccompanied by an authorized person or guardian.

See you in the front row. OMG it’s Justin Bieber!!

10 year BNG anniversary! Book 2 sleep 3

As you all know the U inn Berlin Hostel is a proud member of the Backpacker Network Germany. This year the BNG celebrates its 10th anniversary! The whole year hostels from all over Germany award gifts to their guests. Next week its our turn. From the 7.1 till the 14.1.2013 we have a surprise for you…!!

U inn Berlin Hostel BNG Offer

Special offer for January guests!!

Book your bed for two nights at the U inn Berlin Hostel and you will get the third night for free. How about that? Sounds cool doesn’t it?! But there’s more.. on Check-in you will get a free welcome beer!! The only thing you will have to do is book a 3 night stay at the U inn Berlin Hostel and mention that you would like to book with the BNG Anniversary Offer. This offer is good for bookings between 7.1 and 14.1.2013. So see you in Berlin and of course we wish you a Happy New Year and for the Backpacker Network a happy 10th Anniversary!!

Berlin Six Days Race 2013

2013 marks the 102th year of the Berlin Six Day Race in the heart of Germany since it began in 1909. Since its premier at the Velodrome on Landsberger Allee in 1997, the ISDE- creates a mood of good humour during the races; the days will not be short! So, in 2013 there is no doubt that there will be an attractive entertainment program!

Sechstagerennen BerlinSechstagerennen Berlin

Six Days International

World-class sport, exciting shows and exquisite cuisine are the keywords. The “Six Days” have been held every at New York’s Madison Square Garden year since 1896. First, each driver drove for himself, starting in 1899, but there still the usual two teams. At the first meeting in Berlin in March 1909 in the Aussstellungshallen at the Zoo in the 150-meter oval crossbar, 15 teams fought for victory.

Six Days Facts

A highlight not only for all sports enthusiasts, because the supporting program is perfect for a nice holidays!

The 102nd Berlin Six Day Race, 24.01.2013 until 29.01.2013!

Tickets can be had from about 25-35 €

Berlin Survival Guide part three – More bang for your Buck!

The age old question: “Do you get what you pay for?” In most cases yes, but that is not to say you cannot find quality for a good price! Supermarkets in Berlin, or Germany in general, are tricky because there is no rule where “this one” is the cheapest or “that one” is more quality because it depends on what you are looking for.

Supermarket or Turkish Market

For example you can get the essentials like pasta and rice for less than a Euro, including milk and bread which are pretty much the same price across the board even if you prefer to go the bio/ vegan/ hipster route ;). However, vegetables, meats and fruits it gets a bit more complicated. In general, Lidl and Netto tie for the cheapest in this department but it does vary from week to week and what is on sale. Kaiser’s is generally a bit more expensive, but the quality is also quite a bit better. Berlin overall is quite famous for its incredibly cheap food prices so if you are on a budget it is quite easy to still eat well. So in short, Lidl and Netto are going to be the best bet for your fruit and veggie supply if the Flohmarkt/ Flea-market, Farmers-market or the Turkish Market in Kreuzberg are not available. If you are whipping up a simple pasta dish, any will suffice, and if you are more quality conscience then mosey on over to the nearest Kaiser’s (some are even open 24/6) or check out one of many Turkish Markets in our neighbourhood .

Don’t forget your empty bottles

Additionally if any of you heavy beer drinkers out there wonder why there are so many people asking for your empty beer bottles you might find this Blog post about collecting bottles  interesting. Did you know?! All Supermarkets accepting empty bottles as payment Woohoo!!

Also read our first and second part of the Berlin Survival Guide.

Holy Shit Shopping Berlin – The Design Christmas Market

One idea, four cities, hundreds of young designers and artists, and a great audience – that is Holy Shit Shopping – The Weihnachts Shopping Lounge. Since 2004, the design platform Holy Shit Shopping goes on tour and presents about 150 hand-picked designers, creative’s and artists to some groovin beats.

Holy shit shopping Postbahnhof Berlin Friedrichshain

Club night X-Mas Shopping

Over four weekends in December respective venues transform into a giant pop-up concept store. At 3,000 square meters hand picked by creative s includes a wild mix of fashion, jewellery, product design, art, photography, graphic design, comics, literature and much more. Holy!Shit! It’s X-Mas shopping! With a mulled wine in hand, it can be a casual stroll to the sound of everyone’s favourite DJ’s through the hallowed halls of awesomeness! Holy Shit Shopping is the ‘Club night’ of Christmas markets!!

Location:

15th + 16. December: Postbahnhof Berlin Friedrichshain

Opening times:
Every Saturday 12:00 to 22:00
Friday, Sunday 12:00 to 20:00
Admission: 3 Euro

www.holyshitshopping.de

New Years Eve 2012 in Berlin

On the 31st of December the biggest party in Berlin will take place again at the Brandenburg Gate. Be one in million and welcome in the New Year together!

The biggest party in Germany

Whether at Brandenburg Gate or in one of countless clubs, Berlin offers – as always – Partygoers or those with quieter tastes the right ambience. Since the fall of the wall in 1989, the unarguable main event has traditionally been held at the Brandenburg Gate. Every year around 1 million people from all over Germany and the globe turn out to celebrate the New Year at one of the biggest parties in the world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73rREVHiykc

Performing this year, among others:
Andreas Bourani, Cassandra Steen, Culture Beat, DJ BoBo, DJ Ötzi, Frida Gold, Glasperlenspiel, Hermes House Band, Hot Chocolate, Jimi Jamison, Johnny Logan, Kim Wilde, Marianne Rosenberg, Musical Rocks, Scorpions, The Boss Hoss, Udo Jürgens

So get your warmest socks out, get your coat on and get up to Berlin.

Berlin Survival Guide part two – Validate your ticket

You see it on your metro ticket, you see it on the screen when you buy it, and occasionally you will see it on the train, but what does it mean?

We trust You

validate your ticket by genista @ flickr.com

flickr.com/photos/genista

Well this may sound strange to some people, it definitely did to me when I first heard it, but Berlin’s metro system is on the HONOR SYSTEM!!! Can you believe it?? Such a populous and modern city such as Berlin cannot possibly have smoothly running public transportation by trusting in its citizens and visitors… Can it? Apparently it can, and does. Here is how it works. Instead of buying your ticket, inserting it in the machine and entering through the gates one at a time, Berlin has a more efficient system. Just buy your ticket, validate it at any of the strategically placed machines and that’s it! No waiting for the guy in front of you to feed his ticket through the slot 12 times because it got too crumpled in his pocket… or huge lines during rush hour, just get on the metro!

Don’t bet against the house

So, why does anyone do it?? Why not just get on the train and not even mess with getting a ticket?? Well, I suppose it’s not 100% honor system. They have a few people whose entire job is going from train to train in normal clothes asking you to show them your ticket, and if you do not have one, or even if you have one and it is not VALIDATED it is a 40 Euro fine… Uh oh, that just became an expensive train ride… So if you are a gambling man, technically you can risk it and not pay. But remember: in the end, the house ALWAYS wins!

See also the Berlin Survival Guide part one – Make money out of empty bottles and part three More Bang for your Buck