I have just read that shops in Berlin close at 2pm on Saturday and don't open again until Monday. Is this true???? I'm going next weekend!

The majority of shops do close in Germany at 2 pm on Sat and are closed on Sun. There are a few exceptions to this rule (some grocery stores/convience type stores for example). However, the first Sat of each month is called Langersamstag and the stores stay open till 6 pm. I should say that I haven't been over there in a couple of years, so things might have changed, but I doubt it.

As of June (2003) shops _may_ be open until 8 pm on Sat, but many are still choosing to close earlier. The larger shops are more likely to stay open later (e.g., KaDeWe is actually open until 8 pm), but many will still close by 6. On Sundays, everything is closed. (There would be a _very_ few exceptions, basically only convience stores in gas stations, shops in train stations and airports, and "tourist" shops.) If you think such hours are a pain for travelers, you should try living here.

Enjoy your trip,
Paul
(An American in Marburg)

My experience in Berlin is the same as those listed above. Another "store" that is closed on Sunday is the drugstore..although one will be open somewhere..finding that "one" can sometimes be difficult so if you usually take "emergency" type meds such as cold tablets, anti-diarrheals, antacids, etc., make sure you have enough...I didn't once and came down with a sudden sinus infection. Fortunately the hotel front desk directed me to the "open" drugstore for that Sunday which was waaaaaayyyy across the city.

For those of us who live in a country where shopping is a sacred right/rite which can be pursued 24/7, it's downright unthinkable, isn't it? I know I sound sarcastic, but honestly, I was SHOCKED!

Marilyn, what were you shocked by?

Uhhhh...I was shocked that the stores closed Saturday at 2pm (responding to your original post). I had just found an entire line of wonderful cashmere/silk blend sweaters at very modest prices and I simply did not have time to spend as much money as I would have liked. I was leaving Sunday, the next day. I'm telling you, it was a shopping trauma!

Thanks everyone for your input, especially about the chemists. Will make sure I bring aspirin. Not that I'm particularly going to Berlin to shop but it's just useful to get verification. My surprise at the closing times comes from so much of the press about Berlin being a "24 hour city" but I guess they only mean the nightlife/bars, etc.

On a general note, I had already moved to Britain when they decided to introduce Sunday trading laws. I have to say I wouldn't go back to the old days!!

Glad to hear things are changing!! It never failed my friends and I would get the WORST chocolate craving (or some other craving) Sat at around 4 pm then we were SOL till Monday - made for a long weekend!