One of Europe’s great cities hosts the BetVictor German Masters next week, as snooker’s biggest stars head for the Tempodrom in the heart of Berlin.
By Tomos Wyn Jones
Ali Carter will defend the title in a field packed with green baize giants, at the tournament which runs from January 29th to February 4th. For the match schedule click here and for ticket details click here.
For those heading to Germany’s capital city, here’s the key information…
Getting to Berlin
Berlin Brandenburg is the capital’s international airport and is located a 40-minute drive from the Tempodrom. If you’re coming by train, the Möckernbrücke station is closest to the venue, just six minutes walk away.
The Venue
The Tempodrom is widely renowned as one of snooker’s best venues, and when the 2,500 seat arena is packed, the atmosphere is hard to beat. The German Masters was first staged there in 2011 and has remained there ever since – apart from 2021 when Milton Keynes played host during the pandemic. For the rest of the year, the Tempodrom stages many different entertainment acts, including opera, comedy and musical shows.
What to do in Berlin?
Brandenburg Gate
From the Tempodrom, it’s a short walk into the centre of the city, where you can see the Brandenburg Gate, one of Germany’s most famous buildings, completed in 1791 on the orders of the King of Prussia Frederick William II. There are many other fascinating landmarks in the same area, including the holocaust memorial and parts of the Berlin Wall.
Checkpoint Charlie
This was the best-known crossing point of the Berlin Wall during the Cold War, and became a symbol of the division between East and West. It is now on display in the Allied Museum, which documents the political and military history of that period.
Berlin Cathedral
This monumental Cathedral Church, built in the 15th century, is one of the major attractions of the city, with a rich vein of history evident in its interior and impressive architecture. It is a central landmark to the Protestant community of Berlin.
TV Tower
Visible from miles around, the iconic TV Tower, known locally as Berliner Fernsehturm, has an observation deck with a 360 degree panorama. There’s also a restaurant and bar where you can relax and enjoy the amazing views.
For more information on these attractions and much more, click here or here.
Local Food and Drink
Make sure you try currywurst – it’s available from stalls outside the Tempodrom and the dish is a matter of national pride for Berlin locals. Schnitzel, thinly sliced veal or pork fried in breadcrumbs, is another famous dish served across Germany. For dessert try a ‘Berliner’ which is a jam doughnut, but don't declare “Ich bin ein Berliner!” as John F Kennedy did in a 1963 speech in the city. The most popular local beer is Pilsner.
For a list of restaurants in Berlin click here.