Christmas Fondue at Ars Vini

Ars Vini in Fährhaus Saatwinkel: Fondue on Lake Tegel

Those who know Ars Vini from Prenzlauer Berg will search in vain. The fondue restaurant has moved and now welcomes its guests in the historic Fährhaus Saatwinkel, Im Saatwinkel 15, directly by the water. The house has a long history: the tavern in the former crane master’s house opened as early as 1882. Surrounded by forest and a lakeside path, the nearest main road is far enough away that no city noise remains.

In winter, everything takes place indoors. Around 180 seats are grouped around the fireplace, with views of the lake, and the fondue season runs from November to March. In summer, the terrace opens instead, with around 250 seats by the water. The house is operated by Fonduewelt Eventgastro UG under managing director Lars Kettenbeil. After the summer break, the new fondue season starts on October 30, 2026. The move to the lake has also changed the concept: what used to be a restaurant in a densely built-up old district is now an excursion destination, where the journey there is part of the evening.

Christmas Fondue, Goose Leg and Groups at Ars Vini

The establishment has been a fondue restaurant since 2003 and features around twenty cheese fondues on the menu, plus variations with meat, fish, and vegetables, a vegan line, and chocolate fondue for dessert. Since this season, the kitchen has been entirely gluten-free, including gluten-free bread from Berlin production. For groups, there is a modular offer: the Fondue Fonduewelt Deluxe with sirloin steak, grilled sausages, chicken breast, duck breast, shrimp, and mushrooms costs 49 Euros per person and includes an aperitif with Feuerzangenbowle or non-alcoholic punch. Dessert and a drink package can be added.

On December 25th and 26th, 2026, Ars Vini will serve its own Christmas fondue menu for 79 Euros per person. This includes a reception with homemade Christmas punch at the table, a choice of appetizer, such as feta cheese in foil with fig mustard or salmon tartare, a main course from cheese fondue to a fish variation, and a cinnamon roll with Bourbon vanilla ice cream. The house also caters to groups of fifteen or more upon request outside of regular fondue days, and the season also includes Italian fondue dinner concerts.