One Polestar 2. One fully charged battery. One day to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Germany’s vibrant capital city, currently hosting one of the year’s most significant sporting events. Load up on Haribo and join us for this electrifying road trip.
Berlin, one of the European Union’s most densely populated cities (thanks to the UK’s departure), is rich in both ancient and modern history. The city’s division and subsequent reunification have fostered an inclusive, creative atmosphere that has given rise to a globally renowned nightlife scene and a continuously evolving cultural hub where art, fashion, and music intersect.
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While it’s impossible to experience all Berlin has to offer in one day, our journey begins on the city’s outskirts, high in the Drachenberg region, offering spectacular views of the sprawling urban landscape. Dubbed “Kite Mountain” by locals, this elevation is partly formed from rubble left over from World War II—a stark reminder of the city’s dark history, now a place of joy for many.
On clear days, paragliders launch above the forests of Grunewald, but closer to the ground, it offers a picturesque and winding route perfect for enjoying the Polestar 2 and its impressive 400-mile (655 km) range.
With the sun breaking through Berlin’s bruised skies and some spirited driving under our belt, it’s time to recharge with caffeine. Few places are better for a coffee break than Bonanza Coffee Roasters, located southeast of the famous Brandenburg Gate. Their flat white, made with beans roasted in-house, paired with fresh pastries, provides a hearty breakfast to fuel the next leg of our adventure.
Next, we visit the Brandenburg Gate, adorned with its iconic bronze sculpture atop fluted Doric columns. Once a symbol of a divided city, it now represents peace, unity, and acceptance. The area is currently bustling as the Fussball Fanmeile, or football fan zone, showcasing live games on giant screens and hosting impromptu parties throughout the event.
Our journey continues through Berlin’s tree-lined Tiergarten to the Siegessäule Victory Column. This 67-meter column, topped with a golden-winged Goddess Victoria, originally commemorated Germany’s military victories but now symbolizes peace. It’s also linked with Berlin’s techno-infused Love Parade, now known as Rave the Planet, overseeing the city’s electronic music celebrations.
Crossing the river Spree via the beautiful Lutherbrücke, we stop at the Bode-Museum on Museum Island. This museum, housing art from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, including Italian Renaissance pieces, is a paradise for culture enthusiasts. However, time is of the essence, so we continue east, crossing the Spree again to admire the iconic Oberbaumbrücke. This double-decker bridge, heavily damaged during World War II and later restored, serves as a reminder of Berlin’s tumultuous history.
In the distance, we spot the boxy structure of Berlin’s most famous nightclub, Berghain. Set in a former power station, Berghain is renowned for its pounding techno, hedonistic atmosphere, and notoriously exclusive door policy, making it one of the hardest clubs in the world to enter.
Although tempted by the idea of a drink at Berghain’s Panorama Bar, the Polestar 2 has more charge left than we do. We head west toward our final destination—the Olympiastadion. Built for the 1936 Olympics, this imposing 74,649-seat stadium will host the final of this year’s football competition, a fitting end to an incredible journey.
As Berlin’s skyline fades in the Polestar 2’s rear-view mirror, we head toward the city’s green outskirts, confident that the city’s vibrant energy will continue until our next visit.
Words by: Leon Poultney
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