Berlin winter help 2026/27: where to find shelter and when the night buses run

Berlin’s winter-help network is operating again, with additional overnight shelters and food services available since 1 October and more support due in November. For anyone without a safe place to sleep, the most useful starting point is the current service directory — not an old list of addresses.

In an announcement on 28 October, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf highlighted its renewed winter assistance, including emergency accommodation, warming rooms and food distribution. The wider Berlin Kältehilfe coordination service confirms that the 2026/27 season has begun.

Where to find help now

The coordinator’s online directory separates offers into sleeping places, daytime facilities, meals, advice, medical help, clothing, hygiene and mobile assistance. Its website and Kältehilfe app carry updated listings; the homepage also links to an October overnight-accommodation list dated 21 October.

Check the individual service’s opening hours and entry arrangements before setting out. A listed shelter is not a reservation or a guarantee that a bed is free. RBB reported on 28 October that October’s emergency sleeping places were around 90% occupied, citing the coordination service.

Two night buses return on 1 November

The Berliner Stadtmission Kältebus operates from 1 November to 31 March, daily from 8pm to 2am. Its number is 030 690 333 690. The team offers support on the street and, when the person wants it, transport to an overnight shelter.

The German Red Cross Wärmebus runs during the same November–March season, from 6pm to midnight, on 030 600 300 1010. Its team provides items such as warm drinks and sleeping bags and can help arrange transport and accommodation.

These seasonal bus hours do not apply before 1 November. Until then, use the current directory to find operating services.

Helping someone on the street

Both providers ask people to speak to the person first and check whether they want assistance. Respect a refusal when there is no emergency. If someone is unresponsive or there is a clear medical emergency, call 112 rather than waiting for a winter-help bus.

The network offers immediate support during cold weather. For continuing housing difficulties, use the directory’s advice services as well as its overnight options.

Archive photograph of snow in Berlin Mitte, published in January 2026; not current weather or a winter-help service. Photo: Nikita Pishchugin / Unsplash, used under the Unsplash License. Cropped and resized.