Berlin is a mecca for history, art, music, fashion, fun… and yoga?  This Bohemian refuge probably isn’t high on your list of yoga holiday destinations but think again.

It is making some serious headway in the yoga world with international teachers offering intensive trainings and new yoga centres popping up in every neighbourhood, yoga is gaining popularity and fast.  If you are headed to this German hot spot, pack your mat and check it out for yourself.

If you have been practicing yoga for a while you will probably find that you can muddle your way though a class in German but the good news is that you don’t have to.  English yoga classes are available in Berlin; you just have to find them. I searched high and low from Mitte to Kreuzberg and these are my choices.

Yoga School Berlin
You will find this yoga center tucked off the busy main road in the ‘back house’.  It is a beautiful bright open space, dotted with candles, soft light, flowers and antiques; an ideal space for a ‘blissed out’ yoga practice. The center is run by André & Susen Pijur who travel twice yearly to India to study Ashtanga Yoga.  You can choose between morning and afternoon Mysore Style Self Practice classes.  All of the teachers speak English and are able to adjust and guide you through your practice. If you are a seasoned practitioner you might want to check out Vinyasa Moon or the Led Ashtanga Intermediate Series classes, both are taught in German but the asana names are also called out in Sanskrit. 

Bonus: Hot tea and biscuits served after class.

Hasenheide 8, Kreuzberg 10967
Transit: U7 / U8 Hermannplatz

Jivamukti Yoga Berlin
If Jivamukti is what your after you will find everything you need here, five English classes a week for all levels.  If that’s not enough, you can attend a German class with an In Class Private, for €50 you will be guided, assisted and massaged through the practice by your very own teacher.  I didn’t try it myself but they say it’s very popular in New York.  All classes always start with a Jivamukti China Gel massage and expect to hear Sting at some point during the class. Be prepared to sweat, chant and sample a bit of yoga philosophy.

Brunnenstrasse 29, Mitte 10119
Transit: U8 Rosenthaler Platz‎

Yoga im Graefikiez
Julie Blumenthal, senior teacher of the ISHTA lineage offers five classes a week from beginner to advanced in this little shala in the middle of Kreuzberg.  She infuses her classes with chanting, yogic philosophy, mantras, pranayama and meditation.  Each class follows a flowing vinyasa sequence with restorative postures added for balance. Individual sessions are adjusted based on Ayurvedic principals depending on the students’ energy and the weather.  Classes are small, ideal for getting some individual attention and are mostly full of neighborhood regulars. Before you leave be sure to check out the yoga Barbie’s in the window.
This center also offers a prenatal class in English.

Grimmstresse 19, Kreuzberg 10967
Transit:  U8 Schönleinstraße‎ or U7 Südstern‎

Spirit Yoga
Spirit Yoga is one of the largest yoga centers in Berlin.  It is a gorgeous space; dotted with Indian saris and antiques.  Impressive architectural features include high curved wood ceiling, stone and mental fittings throughout, with large windows overlooking the courtyard. It feels a bit like an Indian Zen Garden rather than a yoga center.  At present, they only offer two English classes a week.  A level 2 Vinyasa Flow class on Friday night will get your blood pumping, and there is also a discounted ‘new teachers’ class, great if you are on a budget.  Not too many options but a beautiful space. Bonus: Hot tea and fresh cut fruit served after class.

Rosenthaler Stresse 36, Mitte 10178
Transit:  U8 Weinmeisterstraße‎

Yoga Raum
Yoga Raum offers two English classes a week, both suitable for all levels. This yoga center will be healthy for your wallet, four classes for €24.  A great deal, just make sure the classes fit your schedule, as it is only valid for a month.

Pfuelstraße 5, Kreuzberg 10997
Transit:  U1 Schlesisches Tor‎
Other places worth checking out:

Ashtanga Yoga Berlin – Brunnenstrasse 185, Mitte 10119
Yoga Lila  Rykestrasse 37, Prenzlauer Berg 10405
Ashtanga Yoga Palace Berlin  Schönhauser Allee 36-39, Prenzlauer Berg 10435

And More Importantly… Lets Eat!

After class, once you have had your complementary chai, you will need to cater to the growing hunger in your belly. Thankfully, Berlin is a great place to eat.  If you are a vegetarian you will find certain options are plentiful, but you may need to forage a bit more if you want some variety.  If you enjoy falafel you will have endless choices in almost any neighborhood and you can mix it up by adding halloumi or a fried vegetables. Indian and Vietnamese restaurants are widely available and usually offer fresh and flavorful vegetarian options.  Monsieur Vuong is a good choice and the menu changes every two days.  Once you have depleted your desire for falafel and Pho, check out these tasty alternatives.