Words by Robert Birnbaum. Photography by Sonni Holmstedt.

When the days in the German capital get shorter and the cold starts to bite, the city’s running community could be forgiven for entering hibernation. Not to don their shorts and running shoes again until the streets are again frost-free. But Berlin runners Sani Demirkol and Julia Appelt are not big believers in a purely restful off-season.  

They are instead the running proof that “Big B”, as the city is affectionately dubbed by its inhabitants, is highly runnable even in the depths of winter. For an outsider, it’s hard to see how these two runners flourish when Berlin seems cloaked in an impenetrable cold grayness. So we asked them how they find a way through. 

The Berlin Experts

Sani Demirkol is a true Berliner. One whose bright smile and characteristic humor leaves no doubt about his close ties to the German capital.

“Being a Berliner, to me, means being a little cheeky. Berliners carry themselves in their own way. They are unique. You’ll meet lots of ‘main characters’ here – and that’s not meant in an arrogant way. People here like to show a little personality.” 

Inspired by his first run club experiences, Demirkol founded his own sports group in 2018 at just 21 years of age – Berlin Beyond Limit. There, he offers free and hassle-free outdoor workouts on a weekly basis. Not only to keep his community fit but also to connect the people that form it.

“[The Kreuzberg neighborhood of Berlin] might not be your typical ‘hood’, but I definitely did not grow up in the wealthiest circumstances. Back then, I would have loved to attend free workouts. We have lots of young people in the group – college students, teenagers and people who just moved to Germany – and I want to give them this opportunity. I want to help them and set a good example for them.”

“In winter, we run much more than in summer, since the functional workouts on the ground get uncomfortable. When I run, I aim to reach that point when my body starts telling me: ‘I can’t go any further.’ I wait for this sensation and then try to push through it. To keep taking the extra step. That’s where I’m in my zone.”

Julia Appelt moved to Berlin for a job three years ago, without a network of friends and running buddies. But that would change quickly, thanks to the diverse community of runners she found in the capital.

“During Covid, I struggled to meet new people. But through the run community, I found many of my current friends and discovered corners of the city previously unknown to me. Art, culture, sports, parties, people. You just feel alive in Berlin. Many people meet up for a run, and the selection of classes and gyms is really rich and creative.”

But before hitting her stride in Berlin, Appelt had to discover running for herself first. Because even though sports and movement come naturally to the former gymnast and Yoga instructor, running wasn’t an option for her past self. 

“It all began with the hated ‘Cooper test’ in school – a standardized running test to grade a student’s fitness. I told my teacher to give me the worst possible grade, and I quit the test. A couple of years later, I was asked to fill in for a colleague during a 5K relay race, and [running] started to grow on me. At first, you think you’re not going to make it, but in the end, you do. I realized I really enjoy it and felt myself beginning to improve. I signed up for a 10K race, then for a half-marathon, then for a marathon – and I’m still hooked.”

Outfits change as seasons change

At a refreshing average temperature of just under zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), Berlin’s freezing winters test even the most daring runners. Those who don’t mind running on a treadmill, probably stay inside. But Demirkol and Appelt are not among these runners. Shielded by the right running apparel for winter, they defy cold and windy days.

“I don’t leave the house without a neck gaiter and headband. Sometimes even with two pairs of pants. Layering is essential. I also always bring an extra sock with me to put my phone in. This way, it doesn’t get too cold and my battery lasts longer,” Appelt reveals with a grin. “I always bring my public transport pass. Just as a last resort – so if I’m really freezing, I can take the tram home.”

When and where to run in Berlin during Winter

“Back in the day, I never wanted to be out in nature,” Demirkol admits. “Yet the older I get, the more I’m drawn to nature. But I would avoid running in the parks after dark – especially in Berlin.” As a police officer, the wellbeing of his peers is close to Demirkol’s heart. “You’re more likely to get hurt when you can’t see the ground properly. That’s why I mainly run between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., during daylight hours.

“My favorite spot is Volkspark Humboldthain [a lush public park in Berlin’s Gesundbrunnen quarter] – even when the weather isn’t great. We call it ‘Bootcamp Humboldthain’. We run 5 kilometers through the park and finish with a stair climb to the top of the old Flak tower [a hulking former military structure used to defend the city against air raid attacks during WW2] – it just feels great.”

Appelt also makes the most of the sparse daylight and looks to reconnect with nature in one of Berlin’s many spacious parks – without necessarily relying on lengthy train rides to reach them.

“I make sure to choose parks without too much wind, like the Volkspark Friedrichshain. It’s really pretty with its lanterns, even with a little bit of snow – it’s quite romantic. I especially like Rummelsburg Bay and Treptower Park. It’s so nice and quiet in these natural areas. Whenever possible, I try to find routes in my neighborhood. If you take a bus or train home after getting sweaty on a run it’s easy to catch a chill.”

Even better: Demirkol and Appelt also have a couple of aces up their sleeve for summery runs through Berlin – they collected their route recommendations for the multi-faceted metropolis in the CeeCee x On Neighborhood Map.

A matter of attitude

As a seasoned runner, Appelt knows the potential frustration when conditions make tempo runs feel surprisingly slow, and sometimes uncomfortably hard, during winter. Simultaneously, she’s aware that the cold season isn’t necessarily only about results.

Demirkol’s sports group calls it a year during winter – but only regarding their functional training. Running season starts now, since a complete break is out of the question.

“It’s a special challenge to say: ‘Hey, now that the sun isn’t shining, I need to get off my ass.’ It’s all about mentality. If you’re a comfortable person that only wants to run in the best of conditions, you won’t be 100% happy in Berlin winters. But if you’re somebody who just wants to run or stay in shape, you’re going to make it through.”

Next season … Loading

Demirkol and Appelt visibly thrive in the cold season. What’s more, they see winter as more than an important training period. The time between the golden days of autumn and the reawakening in spring invites introspection. Appelt knows this from years surrounding herself with sport. 

“You can use winter to plan for the next season: which goals you want to achieve, which races you want to compete in, how you want to approach your training. And if you were to skip a run, this way you can still use the time to support your sporting goals.”

Another example: While some puddles on the street freeze, Demirkol and his sports group embrace the spiritual side of their training with ice baths and breathing exercises. They gather at public bathing sites like the Plötzensee and venture into the icy water for a moment or two. Being part of a group creates the necessary boost in motivation needed to take the plunge. 

“Many of us are anime fans, where certain parts of the story are referred to as ‘arc’. We always tell each other, how our winter arc starts now. Meaning that we approach our winter workouts with even more intensity to be fit during summer.”

Whether it’s a winter arc with intensive training and ice baths or a relaxed yet bracing run in the fresh air – Berlin can be a runner’s paradise in winter. And, as Demirkol says, anyone who wants to stay fit and keep moving can persevere through Berlin’s coldest months.

Running in winter can be really rewarding – but stay safe and be cautious if running alone, specifically at night, during quiet times and in parks or dimly lit areas. If, like Demirkol and Appelt, you prefer running in good company, you can find a running community via our Run Crew Finder, with whom any run – no matter how frosty – will feel that bit easier.