Sunday is market day in Berlin. Or rather, it’s flea market day at Mauerpark. Located at Bernauer Strasse 63-64, close to the Berlin Wall Memorial, this huge green area fills up with stalls selling everything from hand-made clothes by trendy designers to all kinds of antiques you could imagine. There are books, vinyl records, toys, jewelry, military war clothing, old telephones, and all those fascinating oldies that we find in markets of this kind.
Mauerpark alone is worth a visit. The place was built in the so-called “Death Strip” of the Berlin Wall. In the past, that area was a no-man’s land – right between the two walls separating the Soviet side from the Western side. Anyone who stepped into that area was at risk of being shot. With such a tragic past, transforming the space into a place for socializing seems entirely appropriate, don’t you think?
Today, the area is frequented by Berlin’s alternative youth, no matter the day of the week. Not nearly as beautiful as the Tiergarten, Mauerpark captivates with its creative, modern, and transgressive aura. On Sundays, when it’s crowded, this atmosphere intensifies.
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The market is enormous. Walking among the stalls is an exciting activity even for those who, like me, had no intention of buying anything but ended up leaving with cool T-shirts and a few vinyls.
The market is also a haven for collectors of antiques and quirky items. You might stumble upon old military memorabilia, rare coins, or even historical artifacts. Each stall offers something different, making the hunt for that perfect piece exciting. It’s a place where you can find a 100-year-old camera, a classic typewriter, or a set of Soviet-era postcards.
The food section is well-stocked with very Berliner options, like the famous bratwurst, kebab, and currywurst. Still, there are also representatives of the various nationalities that make Berlin such a multicultural city.
You might find yourself biting into a warm, fluffy naan bread filled with rich, spicy Indian curry one moment and enjoying a delicate, freshly-made crepe filled with Nutella and bananas the next.
Many of these vendors are small, independent operators who take great pride in their offerings. They use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are not only delicious but also tell a story of their heritage and culinary traditions.
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Think that’s all? People gather in the arena near the stalls from 3 PM for a super karaoke session, also on Sundays. This tradition started modestly when a crazy Irishman brought a microphone and a speaker to the park to see who was up for singing.
The idea caught on with the regulars, and today, a crowd gathers to watch the “amateur show.” The singing only stops when the cold starts to hit, usually around the end of October. Anyone can get up on stage and perform. No one cares about being in tune or the quality of the singer. People are there for fun.
It’s a good idea to arrive a bit earlier. This way, you can snag a good spot. The seating is on the steps and grassy areas – so bringing a blanket or a portable chair might be a smart move for added comfort.
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