Berlin

Berlin's battiest attraction

Berlin has its very own bat cave. Yes, really. And although, unfortunately, it doesn't harbour any caped crusaders, it does house one of Europe's largest colonies of bats.

They've been occupying the vaults of the 16th-century Spandau Citadel (Zitadelle Spandau) pretty much since the time it was built, and torch-lit tours during the summer months provide an intimate glimpse of their dark and rather spooky habitat (they hibernate and are unavailable during Berlin's bitter winters, clearly knowing what's good for them).

For those who can't wait for warmer weather to bat-spot, an adopted population of friskier tropical bats obligingly hang out year-round in the Fledermauskeller, or bat cellar.

Nothing but a plexiglass screen separates spectators from the swarm, and if you're lucky enough to coincide with mealtimes, you can watch them getting fed.

Thankfully, they're strictly vegetarian, but if you've never seen a bat guzzling a banana, trust us that the sight is either very cute or extremely creepy, depending on your disposition.

See also:
Free zoo views
A buddhist temple in Spandau
Exotic birds, hidden off the Ku'damm

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