In the two decades following the reunification of Germany, the culturally rich city of Berlin has emerged as one of the true world capitals of gay travel, a destination that rivals any in Europe in terms of acceptance of gays and lesbians, eclectic and sexually charged nightlife, and queer-themed fine and performing arts. As the modern gay rights movement began in Berlin at the end of the 19th century, and the city's gay scene flourished during the 1920s until the tragic rise of the Nazi party, it's only fitting that Berlin should enjoy such acclaim today as a wonderful place for gays and lesbians to live and visit.
Shop for the best hotel deals in Berlin during Gay Pride
It's also fitting that Berlin hosts a spectacular Gay Pride celebration that's attended by hundreds of thousands of revelers and supporters. The Berlin Gay Pride Parade, aka Christopher Street Day, takes place at the end of June (June 27, 2009), thus coinciding with the Stonewall/Gay Pride celebrations held in New York City, San Francisco, Paris, and countless other large cities around the world.
Additionally, during the weekend before the Gay Pride Parade, Berlin hosts the annual Lesbisch-Schwules Stadtfest (Lesbian and Gay City Festival) - it's Europe's largest such event. In 2009, the dates of this rollicking party are June 20 and 21.
Here's a brief preview of Berlin Gay Pride and the Berlin Lesbian and Gay City Festival in 2009, both of which take place in the gay-popular neighborhood of Schoneberg:
On Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and June 21, the Berlin Lesbian and Gay City Festival is held in Schoneberg's vibrant hub of GLBT life, Nollendorfplatz - the street leading southwest of the square/metro station, Motzstrasse, is lined with many of the city's most famous gay bars and businesses, as are nearby streets like Kalckreuthstrasse, Fuggerstrasse, and Martin-Luther-Strasse. During the festival, which takes place each day from 11 am into the late-night hours, participants can watch dozens of musical performances, lectures, art installations, and exhibits on all facets of GLBT life. There's dancing at local clubs, a "Women's Showcase" entertainment program, and market stalls and booths selling food and representing business and community organizations.
The following weekend, on Saturday, June 27, the Berlin Gay Pride Parade, now in its 31st year, takes place in the same area of Schoneburg. It commences at noon at the corner of Kurfurstendamn and Knesebeckstrasse, and proceeds east past Wittenbergplatz and Nollendorfplatz, then turns left (north) at Bulowstrasse and continues along Potsdamerstrasse to Potsdamerplatz. It then turns north past the Holocaust Memorial to Brandenburg Gate, where the processions then turns west through leafy Tiergarten park to the towering Victory Column (Siegessaule). The parade until 6 pm, after which there's a Pride Rally in the shadows of the Victory Column. Here's a map showing the Berlin Pride Parade route.
Many of the city's gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Pride Week. Check local gay papers, which are distributed at popular gay bars. And check out the Berlin Gay Travel Guide by Patroc.com, which is very handy and has extensive information on the local gay scene. Additional excellent trip-planning resources are the Gay Travel site produced by Visit Berlin (the official Berlin Tourist Office), and the German Office of Tourism's site on GLBT travel in Berlin.
