The Berlin Wall: Best Places to See
Finding good places to see the famous Berlin Wall is easy as we offer the best guide on locations to visit. This guide is designed for people who either love history or want to explore the famous Berlin Wall; in this or that case, we are to help you to discover the different sites that are connected with this phenomenon. Let’s dive in!
1. East Side Gallery
One of the attractions that falls under the category of ‘absolutely worth seeing’ for anyone with an interest in the Berlin Wall is the East Side Gallery. This open-air gallery is 1,300 meters long and used is the remaining parts of the wall, with over 100 new murals painted by artists coming from all corners of the world. Spend some time to view the artworks; each of them portrays a different message.
2. Berlin Wall Memorial
For those who plan to get a complete experience, there is Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse. This site provided me some general history in regards to the wall and what it has done. Trek through the sections of the wall that still remain standing, take a look at the documentary clips and get acquainted with the inhabitants of East and West by visiting the Documentary Centre.
3. Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie is one of the most well-known borders that is located in Berlin. This is a former crossing separating East and West Berlin where today one could only see a part of a wall remained. You will find out more about escape attempts and espionage in CheckPoint Charlie Museum nearby. Take a picture before the actual gate with the heroes who are dressed as soldiers which is quite a common activity among tourists.
4. Topography of Terror
The visitors to Topography of Terror museum where the headquarters of Gestapo and SS were once located will get a deep insight into the villains of the Third Reich and the Berlin Wall. Get to learn some reasons as to why the wall was built and the daily life experience of the people who are living in the shadow of the wall.
5. Berlin Wall Memorial Park
The last point is their visit the Berlin Wall Memorial Park located at Bernauer Strasse and Nordbahnhof where perhaps they could have been able to really get the feel of the wall and how it separated people emotionally as well as physically. The park has the border strip with towers and preserved fragments of the wall and the Window of the Remembrance to the victims of the wall.
6. Mauerpark
So if you’re goal is getting to have a lively experience and spend Sunday in a quite different way in Berlin, it will be a good idea to visit Mauerpark. The former death strip has been transformed into a busy flea market and it is gaining its popularity among the citizens and travelers. It is also worth to visit or participate in the Bearpit Karaoke show that is held every week with the participation of people.
7. Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer
If one wants to avoid a crowd, one can visit Bernauer Strasse to get to the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall Memorial). This memorial uses concrete relics of the wall and artifacts that explain the history and making of the barrier. Take a pacified Death Strip and later go to Chapel of Reconciliation.
Final Tips:
If the simple walk through the wall has proven quite fascinating, it is HIGHLY recommended that one should try taking a guided tour to further enhance ones requirements of knowing the historical background and the importance of the Berlin Wall.
Comfortable shoes should be worn because one may have to walk between different sites.
It is also recommended before going there, especially during the peak seasons, go there during the weekdays when there are many people.
It is important to come with a map of Berlin to facilitate the movement from one place to another.
Make sure to read the historical panels provided at different places of the memorial.
We trust that this information helped you to familiarise with the best places to visit and enjoy the Berlin Wall. Enjoy the piece of art as well as history and bond yourself with the wall which was an influence in many ways to the city and its inhabitants. Of course, visiting these sites will give you a climactic experience depending on which side of the divide you belong and enhance your understanding of this symbol of the north and south.
Table of Contents