Steglitz-Zehlendorf

Deep in Grunewald, in the Dahlem district, the Châlet Suisse is hidden behind old pines and deciduous trees. This rustic wooden house combines Swiss mountain romance with Berlin forest air, and anyone who has once taken a seat by the crackling fireplace knows why this restaurant has been attracting regulars for decades.

In Dahlem, not far from the Botanical Garden, the Königliche Gartenakademie (Royal Garden Academy) is much more than just a plant shop: Here, historic greenhouses meet an English garden school where hobby gardeners and professionals alike can develop their plant knowledge and design sense.

The Celtic Cottage in Steglitz opened in 1979 and is one of Germany's oldest Irish pubs: nine draft beers, around seventy whisky varieties, steel darts, and a heated terrace with over sixty seats. The pub shows the 'Tatort' crime show on a big screen in the back room. Whoever guesses the culprit and submits their tip in time gets half a draft beer on the house.

Peacock Island in the Havel near Wannsee is only accessible by ferry, a connection that has existed since 1821. On 67 hectares of UNESCO World Heritage, there are around 400 old oak trees, the white pleasure palace from 1794, and Berlin's oldest rose garden, with peacocks roaming freely in between. As an autumn excursion in Berlin, this means: golden foliage, water all around, and hardly any traffic noise.

World-class craftsmanship: In Lichterfelde, Enrico Piccin has been producing uncompromising gelato since 2019. Natural ingredients, unique flavors, and an international competition placement make Artigiani Eis arguably Berlin's most serious gelateria.

For years, Jungbluth in Steglitz has been cooking at a level that consistently impresses the Michelin Bib Gourmand. For Easter 2026, guests can look forward to a festive menu where New German Cuisine meets spring: seasonal, regional, and with a distinctive signature.

The Gründerzeit villa Am Sandwerder is situated above the Großer Wannsee, with its garden extending to a private jetty. Up to 86 guests can celebrate in the house, and 34 can stay overnight in the 17 rooms, with double rooms starting from 88 Euros. For a romantic wedding in Berlin, this means: a ceremony on the shore, and no one has to travel across the city at night.

The Schlosspark Theater in Steglitz is Berlin's most charming private theater: Director Dieter Hallervorden has been staging comedies, readings, and concerts that appeal to all generations – from nephew to grandmother – in the neoclassical building since 2009.

In Lichterfelde West, right on Curtiusstraße, you'll find one of Berlin's best ice cream parlors: Berliner Genussmanufaktur, formerly known as Eiskimo, produces fresh ice cream daily from natural ingredients, complemented by handmade chocolates and aromatic coffee on a sunny terrace.

Hidden in the middle of Bäkepark in Steglitz is one of Berlin's most beautiful playgrounds: around 3,000 square meters of Africa and adventure, right by the Teltow Canal. Wooden giraffes, zebras, and palm trees create a jungle atmosphere, while climbing towers, zip lines, and hammocks do the rest.