Introduction: Why Berlin is a Haven for Sustainable Vegan Travellers
Here’s your complete guide to sustainable vegan travel Berlin.
When you think of Berlin, images of street art, history, and cultural diversity come to mind. But Berlin is also Europe’s beating heart for sustainability and vegan living.
From eco-friendly hotels and zero-waste cafés to sprawling vegan street food markets, the city has firmly established itself as a paradise for plant-based travellers who care about their footprint.
As someone passionate about both veganism and sustainability, I’ve found that Berlin strikes a rare balance – it’s not just vegan-friendly, it’s a city where ethical choices and green living are woven into daily life.
Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended stay, this guide to sustainable vegan travel in Berlin will help you experience the city consciously, joyfully, and deliciously.
Where to Stay: Eco-Friendly & Vegan Accommodations
Berlin offers a range of eco-conscious stays, many with vegan-friendly dining options.
Here are some top picks:
1. Almodóvar Hotel
A 100% vegetarian organic hotel in Friedrichshain with a strong focus on sustainability. They use eco-electricity, serve an organic vegan breakfast buffet, and their spa is powered by renewable energy.
2. Essentis Biohotel
Located by the Spree River, this hotel offers organic plant-based meals, yoga classes, and a car-free setting, perfect for eco-conscious relaxation.
3. Circus Hotel
While not exclusively vegan, Circus has strong sustainability practices, including energy-efficient infrastructure, refillable water stations, and a commitment to local, seasonal food.
Vegan Food Scene in Berlin: Eat Consciously, Eat Joyfully
Berlin is legendary for its plant-based food. You’ll find everything from comfort food to fine dining – all with a sustainable twist.
Must-Visit Vegan Restaurants
- Kopps – A vegan fine-dining restaurant offering innovative plant-based tasting menus focused on seasonal and regional ingredients.
- Vöner – A sustainable take on Berlin’s iconic döner kebab, entirely vegan and packed with flavour.
- 1990 Vegan Living – An Asian-inspired vegan spot in Friedrichshain, offering fresh, share-style plates perfect for conscious travellers.
- Frea – Europe’s first zero-waste restaurant, crafting 100% vegan meals while composting leftovers and sourcing from local suppliers.
Entrance to Vöner Restaurant
Vegan Street Food & Markets
- Markthalle Neun – A food market showcasing local, seasonal, and vegan-friendly eats.
- Vegan Sunday Market – A vibrant market with cruelty-free fashion, sustainable products, and street food vendors.
Sustainable Transport: How to Explore Berlin Consciously
Getting around Berlin sustainably is surprisingly easy.
- Public Transport – The U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and trams are efficient and increasingly powered by renewable energy.
- Cycling – Berlin is a bike-friendly city with designated cycling lanes, bike-sharing services, and scenic routes along the Spree.
- Walking Tours – Opt for eco-friendly guided walking tours focusing on sustainability, street art, and vegan food culture.
Ethical Shopping: Where Conscious Travellers Can Support Local
Shopping in Berlin is more than picking up souvenirs – it’s about supporting fair, sustainable, and cruelty-free businesses.
- Loveco – A vegan fashion store selling sustainable clothing, shoes, and accessories.
- Avocadostore – Germany’s largest online eco marketplace, but they also host pop-up experiences in Berlin.
- Green Fashion Tours Berlin – Guided tours through ethical, fair-trade, and vegan fashion stores in the city.
Eco-Friendly Activities & Green Spaces
Berlin is dotted with eco-conscious experiences beyond just food and shopping.
- Tempelhofer Feld – A repurposed airfield turned into a public park, perfect for picnics, biking, or kite flying.
- Prinzessinnengarten – An urban gardening project where visitors can learn about permaculture and sustainability.
- Spreepark – An abandoned theme park being rewilded into an eco-cultural hub.
- Berlin Botanical Garden – A mindful stroll here offers a chance to reconnect with nature amid the city buzz.
How to Travel Responsibly in Berlin
A few mindful practices to make your vegan Berlin trip even more sustainable:
- Bring a reusable kit – Carry a water bottle, bamboo cutlery, and cloth bags.
- Support local farmers’ markets – Shop seasonal, organic produce while connecting with Berlin’s growers.
- Choose plant-based milk & food – Berlin cafés always offer oat, soy, and almond milk – a small choice with a significant impact.
- Stay longer, travel deeper – Instead of rushing, slow travel reduces your carbon footprint and deepens your cultural experience.
Day Trip Ideas: Sustainable Vegan Escapes Around Berlin
If you’re staying longer, Berlin’s surrounding areas are rich in eco-friendly adventures:
- Potsdam – A short train ride away, known for parks, palaces, and vegan-friendly cafés.
- Spreewald Biosphere Reserve – A UNESCO-listed wetland, where you can kayak through canals and enjoy regional plant-based foods.
- Wannsee Lake – A natural retreat where locals swim, cycle, and picnic sustainably.
Practical Tips for Vegan Travellers in Berlin
- Download the HappyCow app to find the nearest vegan restaurants and eco stores.
- Learn a few German phrases like “Ich bin vegan” (I’m vegan) – Berlin is English-friendly, but locals appreciate the effort.
- Keep an eye out for the V-label – an EU-recognised vegan certification symbol often used in German supermarkets and restaurants.
Conclusion: Why Berlin Should Be on Your Vegan Travel Bucket List
Berlin isn’t just a destination; it’s a living example of how sustainable, vegan-friendly cities can thrive. From zero-waste dining to green spaces, ethical fashion to eco-hotels, it’s the ultimate playground for conscious travellers.
When you walk through Berlin, you’re not just exploring a city – you’re experiencing a way of life where sustainability and compassion aren’t afterthoughts, but the heartbeat of the culture.
One Response