Celebrating at New Year’s Eve and now slowly arriving in the new year? If you live in Berlin, you can only be happy – because the capital always has surprises in store. Innovations and new openings are part of everyday life here: in 2026, we can look forward to a new club at the former TXL airport, and much earlier, on January 15, the first NBA game in Germany will be a real highlight. Whether it’s parties, sport, art or culture – Berlin is a frontrunner when it comes to new things. But it’s not always the new things that make us happy. It’s also the places and things that make Berlin what it is. While we fortunately didn’t have to say goodbye to the Wilde Renate, other favorites of the city have indeed said adieu. And that’s exactly who we want back! These are our top 3 comebacks that we would like to see in Berlin.
1. the cultural train to Wroclaw
Music, readings and trips to Wroclaw for 27 euros – that was the legendary cultural train to Wroclaw, which was discontinued in December 2025 due to high financing costs and falling passenger numbers. And we know: We are not the only ones who already miss it. The train was a popular connection for Berliners, who were able to enjoy entertainment, encounters and language exchange. While the night train to Paris was saved after all with the European Sleeper, we wonder whether there is still a new chance for the culture train?
2. the SchwuZ
One of Germany’s most important queer institutions had to close in November 2025 due to insolvency. The closure of SchwuZ was probably the hardest goodbye of the past year. After long hopes and intensive talks with potential investors, no party was ultimately willing to take over and continue running the SchwuZ. A tough break – because its history goes back to 1977, when it was founded as a gay center: a political, social and cultural meeting place for the queer community, long before queer life was visible or socially accepted. The end of an era that we don’t want to accept – because Berlin is simply not the same without the SchwuZ!
3. the restaurant in the Eierhäuschen
First opened in February 2024 and closed again on December 14, 2025: Restaurant Ei-12437-B in the Eierhäuschen was looking for a successor for a long time, but ultimately had to close its doors due to low customer numbers. The clientele was mainly concentrated at the weekends – some came specifically from the neighborhood, others rather spontaneously for coffee and cake, but without the intention of spending a lot of money. In addition, construction work in September and October considerably restricted the operation of the beer garden. However, there is hope for the location itself: the Eierhäuschen is about to make another fresh start. Grün Berlin is planning a new gastronomic successor and sees both cultural and economic potential for the entire Spreepark. The reopening is scheduled for 2027 – we remain excited!