Known for its eclectic mix of new and classic architecture, dark history and significant cultural landmarks, Berlin has become one of the hottest destinations in Europe to visit. The German capitol is an interesting blend of contradictions–glamour and grittiness, old and modern, laidback and wild. There’s a lot to learn about the city besides the historical aspect. There’s also a lot to experience like the buzzing nightlife and delicious dining. And the best way to take in Berlin and its diverse local scene is by a private tour, but not just any private tour, you need Henrik Tidefjärd.
By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist
“I think the greatest way to discover a new destination is through food,” Tidefjärd said as we walked to Konnopke’s Imbiss for currywurst– German grilled sausage with curried ketchup on top. It’s the signature dish of Berlin and after gobbling up the vegan version, I was hooked. “This is the most famous place. Politicians, workers, tourists, and celebrities line up here at lunch and the queue is the whole street. It’s the top place for currywurst in Berlin,” he revealed.
Currywurst
Mural of Actress Marlene Dietrich outside of Konnopke’s Imbiss
Starting at $400.00 for an afternoon excursion, his tours aren’t cheap, but you’re guaranteed a good time. Tidefjärd, who is the founder of Berlinagenten, a luxury lifestyle tour company, is all about creating unique experiences for travelers. He introduces his mostly high-end cliental to trendy, chic places, amazing food and lively nightlife–and yes he goes out clubbing with you! Although he’s a licensed and professional guide, he’s more like the most convivial travel partner you’ll ever have.
He also takes his unforgettable tours a step further and caters to people who are looking for inspiration because they’ve already seen and done everything. Storytelling travel and concept VIP is the trend right now for high rollers who’ve traveled extensively and are in search of a new thrill.
“You create an experience almost like a theatre. So if you take a cruise or private boat then they will set up maybe like a mermaid on the rocks and then she disappears into the ocean. There’s no limit on price. It’s all about experience,” he said.
Henrik Tidefjärd
So what would a storytelling experience look like for Berlin?
“We have an edgy, sexy, underground, creative scene. You could step in behind closed doors and meet the founders of creative companies, go to a special bar, clubs and restaurants. Everything that Berlin is about and its creative scene, you would feel it and touch it and meet,” he continued.
Tidefjärd moved to Berlin in 2001 and quickly learned there wasn’t many “cool trendy restaurants” at that time. So he scouted out the places he’d want to go and “put together a tour to offer travelers who are keen on the food scene. But not traditional restaurants, more hip. Berlin doesn’t represent Germany because it’s much more multi-cultural,” he said. “This is more like New York or London. If you go to Munich there you will find the authentic German food, here’s it’s really international,” Tidefjärd said.
Night Kitchen
Photo Courtesy of Night Kitchen/Berlinagenten
Over the last couple of decades the city has experienced a culinary explosion of immigrant and classic cuisines, as well as an impressive array of fine dining, adding to Berlin’s increased popularity.
“We have the biggest Turkish community in the world outside of Turkey. They are important to Berlin. They have restaurants open 24 hours, they import fresh fruits and vegetables. They’re very hard working people. They put the spice in city. We also have a big Vietnamese population because during the Cold War there was an exchange between Communist countries. In East Germany, they got Vietnamese workers to work in the factories and they stayed here. We have so many good Vietnamese restaurants,” Tidefjärd told The Voluntourist.
Blend
Photo Courtesy of Blend/Berlinagenten
But eating good relatively inexpensive food isn’t the only exciting thing about Berlin.
“When it comes to sex, drugs and rock n’ roll, people should make their own decisions on what to do and when we do it. That’s why there’s no closing restrictions on bars and club,” Tidefjärd said. And on our tour of Mitte, one of Berlin’s coolest neighborhoods, he explained how locals like to party.
Dead Chicken Alley
“A typical bar scene looks like someone pulled in furniture from the street or the garbage. We like the concrete and rough style because that means we can’t destroy anything when we’re having a good time. If you walk into a fancy place where they have a fancy chandelier and it’s super nice, you’re afraid to dance because you don’t want to destroy anything. In Berlin we go pretty wild and want to feel relaxed. So we love vintage furniture because it’s already used. And we like concrete because that means it’s very stable to dance on,” Tidefjärd laughed.
Inside Cosmic Kaspar–a popular local bar in Mitte, Berlin
Another amazing fact about Berlin is how welcoming locals are.
“Berlin is a city of contrast. When it comes to people, Berlin is a healthy city with acceptance and tolerance of others. In one courtyard you have part of a building, which is more like a community, bohemians, anti-capitalists, anti-fascists. Then next door you have Coco Chanel people, very wealthy, hipster people who have moved in,” Tidefjärd told us.
“Many other cities around the world you have the rich people in the centers and their own communities, so they never get the chance to meet those alternative people and vice versa. So in Berlin we have a high acceptance and understanding of subcultures because they live next door. That makes us very healthy and not divided or segregated. That’s why Berlin is such a special city where we love each other and we live in peace,” he added.
Squatter House in Berlin
The outside of a squatter house in Berlin
Tidefjärd and his team of 40 guides entertain intrepid travelers, large groups, corporations, celebrities and thrill seekers who are into vibrant culture, cutting-edge architecture, shopping, art, lifestyle, fabulous food and parties.
Here’s just a taste of what you could be doing on a Berlinagenten tour.
“In the summertime you have to check out the beach clubs. We don’t need to go to Ibiza. We have the best summer parties. The two you must go to are Haubentaucher and this floating swimming pool in the river called Badeschiff,” Tidefjärd said.
“Another cool thing to do is the historical airport Tempelhof. It’s the former American airport during the Cold War. It’s a public park today so you can go ziplining, parachuting, picnicking, grilling, whatever. You have fun on the runway. It’s a very cool place. There are so many different ways to discover Berlin, but the waterways is the highlight because you see places that you wouldn’t from the street. You will be surprised about the hidden gems around the river. It’s beautiful and fun,” he added.
If you are looking to just hit up Berlin’s typical touristy attractions, Tidefjärd isn’t for you, but he does have some advice.
“Don’t do the beer bikes. It’s so touristic. You just go around on a stupid bike with 10 people with a barrel of beer and a Berliner will spit on you and throw a bottle of beer at you because we hate it.”
For more information on Berlinagenten and the custom tours Henrik Tidefjärd offers please visit https://www.berlinagenten.com/#/tourshop
Also check out Gil Travel Group if doing a fun multi-city vacation of Eastern Europe is more your thing. I’m all about tours when I travel and while I haven’t tried Gil Travel Group yet, they look awesome and I hope to soon.