Welcome to Berlin, a city rich in history and awe-inspiring architecture. If you’re curious about exploring the most influential buildings that have shaped the city’s identity, you’ve come to the right place. This walking tour will take you through some of Berlin’s iconic landmarks and provide insights into their historical significance. Lace up your walking shoes, grab a map, and let’s begin our journey!
1. Brandenburg Gate
Our first location is the Brandenburg Gate, a monument to a non-violent reunification of a nation. This highly stylized neoclassical building used to act as the gateway to the city and was situated in the demilitarized zone that divided East from West Berlin in the Cold War period. Today it is a powerful symbol of Germany’s reunification and attracts many Germans and tourists as a popular rendezvous point.
2. Reichstag Building
After that, let’s move to the Reichstag Building that currently serves as the German Bundestag or the Parliament in a nutshell. It was built many years ago and was redesigned and retrofitted with modern touches during the 1990s. The upper part of the building is crowned with the glass dome, through which sightseers can have a wonderful view of the entire city. It is advisable to secure a free visit ahead of time in order to get to witness this one of a kind attraction.
Tip: Don’t forget your ID
Please do not forget to carry your identity cards because security measures require every visitor to be searched before entering the building.
3. Berliner Dom
About ten minutes of walk from the Reichstag bring us to Berliner Dom. This beautiful cathedral is in fact a mix of several different architectural approaches; it can be considered that the building is in Renaissance and Baroque directions. Step back for a minute to read the ornate carving and painting of the above mentioned exterior before focusing on the even bigger interior. For the bravest climbers, go up to the dome for the direct view of Museum Island from the top.
4. Berlin Wall Memorial
Visiting Berlin without understanding about Berlin Wall is an incomplete visit. Stop by the Berlin Wall Memorial and experience a genuine piece of the wall and get an understanding of the division experienced in the city during the Cold War period. The memorial is an important one and it represents the difficult times of Berliners and the union in the end.
Tip: Take a guided tour
If the visitors want to understand the historical setting and emotions behind the Berlin Wall, then they should perhaps go for a guided tour within Berlin Wall Memorial.
5. Sanssouci Palace
However, Sanssouci Palace is not in central Berlin, but in Potsdam; which is, however, very much worthy of a visit. This is the palace which was a summer king residence in where Frederick the Great reigned as the King of Prussia. Let’s take our time going around the interior part and admire the interior design of the house and visit flourishing garden to relive the prestigious and dignified look of Britain.
Tip: Plan your day trip
If you are planning for a one day trip to Potsdam then remember you have hours of sightseeing even after Sanssouci Palace as there are many other beautiful Palaces and parks nearby.
Conclusion
Berlin’s impressive buildings relate the story of a city that has experienced change, division and reunification; or course, the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, the Berliner Dom, the Berlin Wall Memorial and Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam. Since these are the architectural marvels that you can visit on a Germany walking tour, you get an opportunity to be immensely informed about the history and/or culture of this vivid capital city.
The next arrivals will definitely be spiritual as many of these monuments have been erected to capture history, do not forget to carry around your cameras because the greatness of these buildings is surely going to take your breath away. Have a great walking tour and feel the enchanting architecture and history that is store for you in Berlin!
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