Berlin launches heat protection portal: How to find cool places in summer!

Berlin launches heat protection portal: How to find cool places in summer!

On August 13, 2025, the Senate Health Administration launched a new heat protection portal to provide the population in Berlin with comprehensive information about heat management measures. Loud berlin.de The portal contains current activities of the state of Berlin and the districts and is updated regularly. The aim is to increase public awareness of the issue of heat protection and to promote preventative measures.

A central element of the heat protection portal is the “Bear Heat” public campaign, which has been active since 2023 and offers citizens tips on how to behave on hot summer days. In addition, model heat protection plans for facilities in the health and care sector were developed as part of the Berlin Heat Protection Action Alliance. This alliance consists of various actors in Berlin's health and care system who work together on solutions.

Cool places in Berlin

The heat protection portal also offers a so-called “cool places map”. This interactive map shows Berlin citizens relevant locations such as shady green areas, bathing areas, beaches and drinking fountains. The need to know such cool places is becoming loud Kühle-orte.de exacerbated by the increasing frequency of hot, dry summers, particularly in urban areas. Asphalt, narrow buildings and a lack of green spaces contribute to the intensification of the heat.

The provision of “cool rooms” in facilities such as churches, town halls and shopping centers has been expanded in Berlin since 2023 to offer citizens a comfortable place to retreat during heat periods. To support this initiative, digitalization funds from the “ÖGD Pact” were used, which was concluded in 2020 and is to be continued from 2021 to 2026.

Long-term measures and planning

In May 2024, the Berlin Senate decided to develop a nationwide heat action plan. This plan will be submitted to the Senate and the Council of Mayors for discussion and decision-making. At the national level, the states and municipalities are also responsible for heat measures and heat action plans, such as bundesgesundheitsministerium.de explained. The aim of these plans is to protect the local population during heat periods and to take specific measures.

The recommendations for action are based on a WHO guide and include, among other things, urban design measures, the promotion of urban greenery and short-term shading measures. Special procedures in health and care facilities as well as information campaigns are particularly important in order to best prepare and protect the population.

Overall, the multitude of initiatives and measures shows that Berlin is pursuing both short-term and long-term strategies to meet the challenges of climate change and increasing heat periods.