Tentstation - Urban camping in the centre of Berlin (Camping Sites in Germany)

Member Name: famouslastwords

Product:	Camping Sites in Germany
Date:	08/11/08 (114 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, friendly, unusual and excellent facilities

Disadvantages: spoilts you for camping elsewhere! Not for those who want a silent time.

Campingplatz Tentstation.

Well, this year we fancied going somewhere different for a short break post-exams. Id been to Germany a few times but the other half had never been and really wanted to go. A few checks to a few certain low-price airlines and we booked some cheap as chips flights to Berlin. The only problem was, finding somewhere to stay in or near Berlin for our low budget was basically impossible. This is where the idea of camping came in.

The only time i had ever been camping before was at Reading festival, so i wasn't wildly in love with the idea. However, we found the tentstation website and quickly fell in love with the "urban camping" theme.

The campsite is located about a 5 min walk from Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) and around 20 mins walk from the Reichstag. If you fly into Berlin Schonefeld, you can get straight off the plane then take a short walk to the U-Bahn, get yourself a A,B,C zone travelcard (around 5.50eu) and go straight through to Hauptbahnhof in around 30 mins. I cant speak for Templehof or Tegel Airports but as Schonefeld is the furthest away from central Berlin it shouldnt be a problem.

Anyway! - The campsite really makes you feel like you are in the woods just a stones through from central Berlin. To save money on flight extras, we took only hand-luggage and rented a tent for 4euros a night. You can also rent mats for 1 eu. a night, but they lovely staff let us borrow these for free :)

The charm of the campsite is that is it based on an old GDR swimming pool. The main swimming pool is open for sunbathing or cooking (obviously, the water has gone!) and they have a smaller pool filled with sand for volleyball.

Another charm with the campsite being based where it is, is certainly the fantastic facilities. two sets of flushing toilets for men and women, showers which have hot water 24 hours, sinks for cleaning plates and full locker facilities.

The old viewing stage for the pool has been turned into a bar. Good prices and open late, different things are on in the bar on different nights. The first night we were there it was a full viewing of the Mighty Boosh! (in English) then they did DJ sets. excellent entertainment and great company.

Food wise you really need to fend for yourselves. The campsite do offer breakfast for a few euros but its only toast or pretzels really. There are 2 supermarkets at the Hauptbahnhof for supplies (and cheappppp beer!!) Also, there are loads of restaurants in the station from chinese to McDonalds to Dunkin Donuts. May i recommend the chinese place on the second level at the Reichstag exit? - im a veggie and they did an amazing range of tofu meals with noodles for around 5euros. yummmm.

Another tip for food is to have a BBQ! BBQ's are included at the campsite or get a disposable from the supermarket and have a cook in. lovely and great fun. We had a radio so we put some tunes on and all round us were people cooking and having a good time <3

This really is a campsite with a twist. My other half says i am spoiled for campsites for life because of how fun and bohemian this one was. The staff are fantastic and most are almost fluent in english and i dont think you will get accommodation this cheap and nice so close to central Berlin whilst feeling like your in the countryside. If you want something really different, you can rent an authentic GDR campervan or a pool hut :)

Really, cannot speak highly enough. Clean, fun and unusual. Loved it.

Prices -
(includes tentspot, carparking and hot shower)

11 Euro - per person/night
8 Euro - Children from 10 to 17
5 Euro - Children from 5 to 9
0 Euro - Children up to 5

Tent rental
4 Euro - Tent for 3 person per night
1 Euro - Camping mat per night

TIP - book online in advance, or check out the pictures and stuff on their website
- http://www.tentstation.de/englisch/index.php

We got up to so much in Berlin - I will be sure to give some hints and tips of the best places to go really soon :)

Summary: Excellent, ideal for young hip backpackers who want somewhere nothing like anything else.