What makes the Oberbaum Bridge in Berlin, Germany so special?
The bridge is also referred to as the Oberbaum Bridge which is in Berlin is in Germany. This noteworthy bridge crosses the River Spree and, apart from being a transport complex, is also emblematic of the city’s history and unification. Now let us consider the factors that make the Oberbaum Bridge very unique and why anyone visiting Berlin should not miss it.
A Gateway between East and West Berlin
An interesting fact about the Oberbaum Bridge is that it was situated on the border of East and West Berlin during the period of the division of Germany in the Cold War period. Actually built in the late nineteenth century, the bridge purpose started as a way of establishing connection between the two districts of Friedrichshain and Kruezberg. However, the concept of division of the city became physical with the building of the Berlin Wall in the year 1961 and Oberbaum bridge became the border separating West Berlin and East Berlin.
It was shut to people as well as to vehicles during the Cold War and for almost three decades it divided East from West Berlin. It was brought before reunification of Germany in 1989, when the Berlin wall was dismantled and the Oberbaum bridge regained its meaning, which is that of a reunification and hope.
Architectural Marvel
Apart from its historical background, the Oberbaum Bridge has a marvelous architectural design. It can be described as neo-Gothic structure that was characteristic of structures built in the 19 th century, it has two towering turrets placed at either end of the bridge. These towers shares the beautiful and majestic features which are marked by columns with excellent carvings as well as pointed arches.
While walking through or cycling on the bridge, do not fail to insisted on the beautiful grille that complements the walkway of the bridge. The use of the bricks, metal, and stone with integrating interconnection makes it quite more visually appealing and gives the actual feel of Berlin architecture.
Meeting Point of Cultures
This is perhaps another key reason why the Oberbaum Bridge is so peculiar as it is situated in one of the most popular districts known as Kreuzberg which is industrious and rather multicultural. Kreuzberg is a popular area for tourists due to its artistic attitude and bohemian approach that is greatly different from other parts of Berlin.
The bridge is where the traditional culture of the people is met by the modern and newly constructed one. On one side of the city, there are still the Wall and other icons of the Cold War, which could give a hint about an existence of a past tension. On the one hand, Kreuzberg is full of graffiti, street vendors, fashionable cafes, and vibrant nightclubs.
Exploring the Area
It is noteworthy that after crossing the Oberbaum Bridge, one can visit the area mentioned above. Stroll along the East Side Gallery, which is an open-air gallery with murals painted by artists from different countries that are currently painted on the western part of the Berlin Wall. Learn about what Görlitzer Park is and why it is considered as the favourite place where people in Berlin go for leisure.
Any history enthusiast should definitely pay attention to the nearby museum called Checkpoint Charlie. This is a historically significant Cold War border that presents quite a number of interesting exhibits and it is also possible to observe the famous sign stating that one is leaving the American sector.
A Popular Filming Location
It can be easily understood why the Oberbaum Bridge became a shooting location for filmmakers as it looks very impressive and has a rich history of being one of the symbols of Berlin: This bridge was widely used in many films and television series. It has been used in filming of popular shooting scenes in a number of movies such as the famous “Run Lola Run” shoot and in the popular Netflix series “Dark.”
Therefore, if perhaps you are a cinema freak ,probably you can associate with a feeling like you have seen before crossing the Oberbaum bridge especially scenes that you have seen on the big screen.
Conclusion
The Oberbaum Bridge can be described as much more than just a passage from the one bank of the River Spree to the other. That for historical and architectural interest and culture, entertainment and media depiction and its general importance make it a must visit place in Berlin. Being a lover of history and architecture or just a tourist whose desire is to feel the spirits of Kreuzberg, the Oberbaum Bridge has to be a must visit place in Berlin.
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