Activities for young blind people in Berlin

Hello

Does anyone here know of any Berlin based museums or other activities that cater for the blind?

One of my visitors in a few weeks time will be a blind 12 year old boy. He enjoys parks, swimming, picnics and stuff but I’d really like to know if Berlin has anything else to offer the blind.

I’d be immensely grateful for any tips or ideas as I’ve a few weeks to check out any leads and plan their visit.

Either way, I'll post our experiences after their visit.

Thanks, Mike

Maybe this site will help you. It recommend the Bundestag (pre book required) and the Berlins Museum Johann-August Zeune for the blind

Blind tourism Berlin

this isn't exactly an "activity" per se nor does it particularly cater to the blind but i thought it may be interesting nonetheless. i recently went to Nocti Vagus, aka the dark restaurant: http://www.noctivagus.com/home_english.htm

i think it's quite special because the waiters and staff (musician, masseuse) are also blind, so it makes for a wonderful experience for blind and non-blind alike. it's quite expensive though, with prices ranging from 45-50 euros for a 4 course menü, but the food is absolutely lovely.

oh, an afterthought: the waitstaff could probably give tips on things to do in berlin that cater to the blind as well =)

The Hoppegarten is a big favourite with the young people from the School for the Blind round the corner in Steglitz.

They have menus in braille and also an impressive selection of reading glasses to borrow if you need a little help.

Its is a nice bar, with good food, and also caters to a blind clientele. So should avoid all the usual pitfalls.

Not really a theme place, more a local hangout for young blind people.

Convienently located near the Botanical Gardens.

Hey - Deccie, Mareluna, and Kommentarlos – thanks so much for your quick and inspirational responses!

I’m really very grateful and will check them all out.

Cheers, Mike

There's another dark restaurant in Berlin too - Unsichtbar, in Gormannstrasse (near Weinmeisterstr. U-Bahn). Not been myself but it was recommended by the Rough Guide.

The only trouble is, I think these dark restaurants are designed to be an interesting experience for people who can see because it gives them a sense of what life is like for blind people. I don't know how special it would be for a blind person.

Thanks Leah,

I see you point so I’ll ask him mum before I book up – although this kid does have a pretty good sense of humour so I can well image he'd get his kicks from us making fools of ourselves!

Cheers, Mike