Berlin is a skateboarder’s paradise, mostly because of the relaxed attitude of officials – like graffiti it’s seen as a form of expression and is not too frowned upon.

One of the biggest halfpipes in Europe is in the Berlin-Skatehall (Revelar Strasse 99, www.skatehalle-berlin.de) in Friedrichshain. This and other hotspots are listed at www.skatespots.de and www.sk8mag.de, two good resources for skaters. Many of the best places are found in the spacious streets and parks of Friedrichshain, the undisputed capital neighbourhood of the sport. The Berliner Skateboardverein, based in Kreuzberg (Oranienstrasse 18), is the official governing body of competitive skateboarding. Club of Skaters (www.clubofskaters.de) runs various contests, including the German Skateboarding Championships. If you need a board, check out California Boarding (Emser Strasse 45, 030 882 3728).