Fireworks explode over the Oberbaum Bridge during New Year's celebrations. (Archive image)
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Hundreds of thousands of people will be out and about in Berlin on New Year's Eve. At the same time, special rules apply in parts of the city. Here are some questions and answers for anyone who wants to celebrate the New Year outdoors.
December 31st and January 1st are the only days of the year when private fireworks are permitted. However, many districts only allow fireworks from 6 pm until 7 am on New Year's Day. This applies, for example, in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Reinickendorf, Pankow and Marzahn-Hellersdorf.
Private fireworks are completely prohibited at Alexanderplatz, in the Steinmetzkiez neighbourhood in Schöneberg, on part of Sonnenallee in Neukölln and adjacent side streets, and on Admiralbrücke and adjacent streets in Kreuzberg. However, smaller pyrotechnics such as sparklers and firecrackers are permitted. Within the prohibited zones, checks will enable the police to act more flexibly as needed. According to the current operational plan, rigid barriers and comprehensive identity checks will not be used this time. According to Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU), the Berlin police have been preparing for months for New Year's Eve and will have a strong presence in the city.
The S41 and S42 circle lines will run every 10 minutes throughout the night. According to the traffic information centre, the S1, S2, S25, S3, S46, S47, S5, S7, S75, S8 and S9 lines will run continuously throughout the night at 20-minute intervals. On 1 January, all S-Bahn trains will run according to the Sunday timetable from around 9 a.m. Underground trains will also run throughout New Year's Eve. Until around 5 pm, all lines except the U4 will run every 5 minutes, and every 10 minutes thereafter, according to the BVG. Due to the large New Year's Eve party, the underground will no longer stop at the Brandenburg Gate from 4 pm onwards. Buses and trams will mostly run according to the Saturday timetable. In addition, tram lines M2, M4, M6 and M8 will be reinforced during the night.
Due to the two large parties at the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column, the Großer Stern and the access roads will be closed on 31 December from 6 a.m. The Straße des 17. Juni between Großer Stern and Brandenburg Gate will also be closed to motorists, including Ebertstraße and Yitzhak-Rabin-Straße. According to the traffic information centre, the closure of Straße des 17. Juni and the adjacent Tiergarten also applies to pedestrians and cyclists. The Kemperplatz exit of the Tiergarten tunnel may be closed due to the large number of visitors to the New Year's Eve celebrations.
A large party with DJs and fireworks is planned at the Brandenburg Gate. There is space for 20,000 people, tickets are free and must be reserved in advance. The motto: "Yeah 26". Admission begins at 9:30 pm. Bags will be checked. You are not allowed to bring your own food, alcoholic beverages or fireworks. Large rucksacks and bags are also not allowed. The event is being organised by the state-owned Kulturprojekte Berlin GmbH. The We Are Berlin alliance is also planning a large party around the Victory Column, which is registered as a demonstration. Several trucks are planned, on which DJs will play. The organisers are calling it the biggest New Year's Eve rave in the city. Fireworks have also been announced. According to the police, 5,000 participants have registered. The party starts at 6 pm. New Year's Eve parties will also be held in numerous Berlin clubs.
"Cats and other pets should stay indoors during fireworks displays. Windows, balcony doors and cat flaps should be closed in good time," recommends the Berlin Animal Shelter. In addition, darkened, covered retreats can provide animals with a sense of security, such as a cosy cave made from blankets. Animals should not be left alone on New Year's Eve if possible.