Cinema under the Stars: Program, Seating, and Refreshments
The Freiluftkino Friedrichshagen has a long history: it opened in 1931 as the “Naturtheater Friedrichshagen” with 800 seats and 500 standing places. Today, it offers 714 outdoor seats, and those who arrive early enough can grab one of the new benches with a backrest. In the top row, there’s even a rain cover for more comfortable film viewing. We found this particularly appealing, as Berlin’s summer is notoriously unpredictable.
The program focuses on comedies and family-friendly films, but also on features covering music and travel. So, if you’re into light entertainment, solid feel-good dramedies, or documentary road movies, this is the perfect place. Niche arthouse productions or original version with subtitles (OmU) screenings are rather rare; instead, the open-air cinema in Friedrichshagen is a true venue for a broad audience, young and old. Since 1998, cinema evenings have been hosted here, and together with Kino Union, films are shown almost daily, no matter the weather.
At the cinema bar, there’s a wide selection of beverages, popcorn, hot dogs, and snacks from sweet to salty. So, no multi-course menu, but the essentials for a relaxed evening are definitely available. Reservations are not accepted, as there is ample seating capacity. However, purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended.
Arrive and Enjoy the Evening: The Location in Friedrichshagen
Friedrichshagen is a beautiful district in Köpenick, known for picturesque streets, abundant water, and many parks. Bölschestraße is the heart of the area and offers numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops. Those who arrive a bit earlier can stroll along Bölschestraße to Müggelsee, Berlin’s largest lake and a popular excursion destination. For dinner, a stop at Casa Italiana on Bölschestraße is worthwhile, known as the former restaurant “Die Spindel,” which combines traditional Italian cuisine with warm hospitality. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, check out Mauna Kea, a café-restaurant right in the middle of Bölschestraße. After that, it’s just a few minutes to the cinema.
