Berlin news · 1 October 2026
40,000 expected at Brandenburg Gate protest against rearmament
Up to 40,000 people are expected at a weekend demonstration at the Brandenburg Gate against military build-up and conscription, with performances by K.I.Z. and Apsilon.
Court keeps Görlitzer Park open at night
A Berlin court rejected the Senate's appeal, confirming that Görlitzer Park in Kreuzberg must remain open throughout the night.
Charité performs first approved CRISPR gene therapy on a patient
A 19-year-old at Berlin's Charité hospital has become one of the first patients treated with the newly approved CRISPR gene scissors, freeing him from regular blood transfusions.
90,000 rent increase notices sent in Berlin, tenants' association demands halt
Berlin's tenants' association reports around 90,000 rent increase notices in the city and is calling for an immediate stop.
Fire under a U3 train halts Berlin subway for hours in Zehlendorf
A fire beneath a U-Bahn train in Zehlendorf interrupted service on line U3 for several hours before firefighters brought it under control.
Fuel subsidy launches in Berlin as drivers remain sceptical
Germany's new 'Tankrabatt' took effect on October 1, 2026, but Berlin drivers at the pumps are reacting with mixed feelings about actual savings.
Expensive flats in Berlin: supply exceeds demand for the first time
A new survey of Berlin's housing market shows that offers of high-priced apartments now outnumber those looking to rent them, while cheap flats remain scarce.
Senefelderplatz U-Bahn renovation drags on for years
The listed Senefelderplatz subway station in Prenzlauer Berg will remain a building site for several more years because of unforeseen structural problems.
Berlin's 'Rainbow Bench' vandalised again, sparking soul-searching
The repeatedly damaged 'rainbow bench', a symbol of queer Berlin, has been vandalised once more, triggering a debate about the city's values.
Neukölln food delivery rider threatened with a knife by teenagers
A food delivery courier was threatened at knifepoint by a group of teenagers in Neukölln; police caught several suspects but one escaped.
Prenzlauer Berg neighbours launch 'Sun Helmi' initiative for homeless
Residents of Prenzlauer Berg are building a tiny house and offering showers to homeless neighbours to defuse street tensions.
AfD official files incitement complaint against entertainer Hape Kerkeling
A regional AfD politician has filed a criminal complaint accusing comedian Hape Kerkeling of incitement to hatred over recent remarks.
Jewish Berliners describe shrinking safe spaces in the city
Jewish residents tell Tagesspiegel that their safe spaces in Berlin are getting narrower following October 7 and recent election results.
Berlin among Germany's youngest states, average age 42.8
New demographic figures show Berlin remains one of Germany's youngest federal states, with an average age of 42.8 years but strong differences between districts.
Left, Greens and SPD open coalition talks under antisemitism debate
Berlin's Left, Greens and SPD held preliminary coalition talks overshadowed by an internal debate about antisemitism in parts of the left.