Two ways to look up in Berlin: watch a film beneath the trees at Freiluftkino Hasenheide, or drift through constellations at the Zeiss‑Großplanetarium’s 360° dome. Whether you’re in town for summer nights (June–September) or a cloudy afternoon, here’s how to plan a memorable screen—or star—experience.
Freiluftkino Hasenheide — amphitheatre among the trees
Address: Volkspark Hasenheide, (U7/U8 Hermannplatz)Arranged like an amphitheatre in a small forest, this open‑air cinema is one of Berlin’s most local experiences. Bring a sweater and a seat cushion; nights get chilly even in July.
Zeiss‑Großplanetarium — 360° shows under a vast dome
Address: Prenzlauer Allee 80, 10405 Berlin (S Prenzlauer Allee)Dedicated in 1987, the Zeiss dome remains one of Berlin’s most impressive indoor “skies.” Shows range from kid‑friendly astronomy to immersive journeys across the solar system.
Government District openair cinema in summer
A very hidden gem is the openair cinema in the "Regierungsviertel". Every evening in summer a film about the history of democracy in Germany is shown on the façade of the Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders-Haus. On the bend of the river Spree lies the Government District, which is home to not only the Reichstag, but also the Bundestag office, the Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders Haus and the Paul-Löbe-Haus, which are all styled in unitary architecture.
It is a free openair cinema shows film about German history. Every day, when darkness sets in, a film, light and sound projection takes place in the center of Berlin. The film is called "Dem deutschen Volke - Eine parlamentarische Spurensuche. From the Reichstag to the Bundestag". The 30-minute film tells the story of parliamentarianism in Germany and the Reichstag building in Berlin and shows important milestones and emotional events in German parliamentary history. The film begins with the imperial era at the end of the 19th century, follows the parliamentary development in the Weimar period and leads through the darkest period after the National Socialist takeover.
Address: Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders-Haus, Adele-Schreiber-Krieger-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin
Sommerkino am Kulturforum — ARTE Summer Open-Air Cinema
Every June, the ARTE Sommerkino at Kulturforum Berlin marks the start of the city’s open-air cinema season. Until the end of August, the square in front of the Gemäldegalerie turns into an outdoor movie theatre, screening some of the most beautiful films of recent months alongside beloved classics. The focus is often on cinematic treasures and audience favourites, all under the summer sky. Tickets are around €12.
Address: Matthäikirchplatz, 10785 Berlin (near Potsdamer Platz)
What to expect
- Language: Listings indicate DE/OV/OmU; some planetarium shows offer English audio or subtitles.
- Weather: Open‑air screenings proceed unless conditions are severe—check the venue’s social feeds day‑of.
- Comfort: Pack layers; consider a blanket for late shows.
- Payment: Some kiosks are cash‑friendly; bring a card and small cash just in case.
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