Walking the Nikolaiviertel, Berlin

Despite being a stones throw from Alexanderplatz, the Nikolaiviertel is an area of Berlin that many people living in the city haven't visited. Originally dating back to 1200, the area takes it's name from the church, Berlin's oldest, sitting in the middle of this quaint little quarter. I took my toddler there for an afternoon stroll recently and thought I'd write about it for those of you who haven't explored that area yet…

Originally part of a trade route for merchants and ships, this area was largely destroyed in 1944 bombing raids however, it was reconstructed to look as accurate as possible and holds a beautiful feel of 'Old Berlin' with it's cobbled streets, central church and alleys. 

Clearly a tourist attraction, many of the shops sell the typical tourist merchandise you'd expect, such as Berlin bears and the like, but it doesn't totally detract the area. Highlights for the children are the row of sitting giant teddy bears, the St. George and the Dragon statue and waving to the tourists on the boats floating past along the water. 

They also hold a weekly farmers market each Wednesday and various events throughout the year, including a Fairy Tale Festival in November. You can find their event calendar (in German) here.

The Berliner Dom, Museum Island, Unter den Linden, Alexanderplatz & Hackesher Markt are all a reasonable walking distance from the Nikolaiviertel. My preferred route is to go to Alexanderplatz, walk to the Nikolaiviertel, from there, take a right along the river to Unter den Linden, cross over and enjoy the water fountain in the Lustgarten, walk through Museum Island and end up on the grass next to Hackesher Markt for a drink and an ice cream. 

You can find out more about the history of the Nikolaiviertel here.

Here are some more images from our stroll through the Nikolaiviertel, down along the water and to Museum Island...

All photographs  ©Sarah Winborn Photography