Berlin lights up: lighting installations make the capital shine

The “Berlin leuchtet” festival © berlin.lights.com

“Berlin leuchtet” – Berlin lights up – certainly lives up to its name. The colourful spectacle of light by artists from all over the world attracts millions every year.

The “Berlin leuchtet” festival lights up the capital and makes visitors beam with delight

Every year, “Berlin leuchtet” lights up some of the city’s most impressive buildings with fancy illuminations, not just by artists from Berlin, but also international experts, giving the cityscape a colourful and exciting brilliance for two weeks in autumn. The spectacle with more than 80 illuminations annually attracts more than two million visitors and is one of the capital’s most popular events. Berlin can easily rival the festivals of light in other major international cities.

Connecting cultures and people with light

The festival of light has taken place in Berlin every autumn since 2013, growing bigger and more popular each year. While the event was originally concentrated on the city centre, there are now illuminations in other parts of town as well. Artists participate with projects at the festival, organised by the association “Berlin leuchtet e.V.”. The fundamental idea of the event is to connect different cultures, religions and nations with the help of light installations. The intention is to underline the multicultural nature of the capital city and set an example for artistic freedom. This means visitors can expect a wide variety of artistic representations and productions which impressively showcase the atmosphere and culture of Berlin.

What makes the light spectacle so special

　　• More than 80 illuminations all over the city for magical and impressive light shows.

　　• Elaborate light shows by artists from Germany and abroad cleverly use buildings and locations in the city as a backdrop, telling stories with light on their façades.

　　• Every year more than two million people visit the festival of lights.

　　• Daily events and highlights accompany the festival.

　　• Special tours including night trips and boat tours show you the highlights.

Recommendations and tips for your visit

　　“Berlin leuchtet” takes place every autumn, this year from 28 September to 14 October. Most of the light installations can be found around the city centre, with a particular focus on the most famous buildings and sights, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column. A very special view can be had from the water, and boat tours during the festival of lights pass numerous illuminated buildings along the river Spree. Night tours of the city are on offer as part of the event: a must for tourists and locals alike. Not only can you admire the most beautiful and spectacular light installations, but also enjoy the city’s many other sights. Because the festival attracts more than two million visitors every year, it can sometimes get crowded on the streets. That means it’s best to leave the car at home and use public transport instead, which gets you quickly and easily to all the venues. Don’t miss the 3D Mapping Show at the Brandenburg Gate, the annual highlight of the festival. Eight projectors beam a light show lasting several minutes onto Berlin’s most famous landmark.