Freischwimmer

Freischwimmer: Boathouse on the Flutgraben in Kreuzberg

This restaurant emerged from an old boat rental and repair shop, now located directly on what was once a border area between Kreuzberg and Treptow. This history is palpable in the place. The building on the Flutgraben is furnished with wooden furniture, old lamps, and playful picture frames, giving it a romantic, rustic, and casual feel. The 100-meter-long riverside plateau offers 140 outdoor and 60 indoor seats. Those who snag a spot right by the water are in for a treat. A very good one, in fact.

For a long time, the area on Lohmühleninsel was part of the inner-German border zone and largely forgotten. Today, that’s hard to imagine. Amidst the club landscape, you can retreat here and enjoy the waterside location with international cuisine and refreshing drinks. Freischwimmer is no longer an insider tip; it has long been a true Berlin institution.

Freischwimmer: Brunch, Flammkuchen, and Movie Nights

Freischwimmer is an open-air restaurant located on the canal, where you can enjoy everything from breakfast to brunch, lunch, coffee, and dinner. Additionally, there’s the Inselgarten, which can be rented for private parties, as well as a boat rental service. Brunch is recommended on Sundays, wonderfully complementing a leisurely morning by the water. The furnishings and many of the pieces of furniture were handcrafted in the in-house workshop, and three wood-burning stoves provide cozy warmth in winter.

It’s also worth checking out the program: dance parties, readings, and movie nights take place on the jetties and terraces. The location is a relaxed stroll away from Treptower Park or Schlesisches Tor. Either way, Freischwimmer is one of those Berlin places where you arrive and never want to leave.