Berlin is the capital city in Germany, and has a lot of colourful history. Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects about its history is the period of Cold War when the city was literally bisected by the Berlin Wall. Exploring Berlin with focus on Cold War history is great way to learn more about the period and interactively made the walk. Well then my friend, take your walking shoes and let me show you the face of Berlin that was defined by the cold war.
1. Begin at Checkpoint Charlie
No Berlin ‘Cold War tour’ would be complete if one didn’t start with Checkpoint Charlie. This border was actually the division between East and West Berlin and in the past it was very dangerous and strictly guarded area. Today it is an epitome of division and provides an insight to the kind of life people was living during the Cold war.
Highlights:
Look up the Checkpoint Charlie Museum to learn more about the Wall and personal tales of escape attempts through photographs and daring stories.
Walk in the actual ground that once divided East and West Berlin as you cross over the border.
2. Go to the site of the Berlin Wall Memorial
It is thus important to visit the Berlin Wall Memorial in order to be reminded of how sharply Berlin was divided. It honors the life to the individuals who perished endeavouring to reach the wall and it has a series of exhibits besides having preserved parts of the wall.
Highlights:
Go for a stroll along the “Death Strip,” it is an uncovered path that was guarded by armed uniformed personnel.
Looking at the Sadagora preserved exposures of the wall with inscriptions and watch towers.
Think at the Chapel of Reconciliation, the small symbol of hope and of peace in the middle of a city divided.
3. Explore East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is part of the most famous symbol of division which emerged as one of the most colorful Wall spaces. This unusually original spot with more than a hundred murals painted by artists of different countries is interesting for viewers who are focused on art and history.
Highlights:
Visit classical art, such as the fraternal kiss – a murals a landmark that attracts tourists.
Find out how the artists interpreted freedom, unity and the collapse of the Berlin Wall.
4. Discover the Stasi Museum
By visiting the Stasi Museum it is possible to get rather valuable information about the real work of East German secret police in the period of Cold War. Located in a building that once housed the Stasi headquarters this is a fascinating museum that captures well, the stifling atmosphere of the East Germany.
Highlights:
Visit the offices and interrogations rooms through which worked the Stasi agents.
Obtain information about the ways how all the matters were spying by the Stasi, for instance, telephone tapping and establishing an informant.
5. Take a Trabi Safari
If you would like to discover more, then take a Trabi Safari tour. Trabi is or was a car in the territory of East Germany known as the Trabant. Such tours enable you to take a Trabi car to drive while being guided around to listen and watch explanations on the life in East Berlin during the Cold War period.
Highlights:
Travel through the Berlin city while behind the wheel of a Trabi.
Listen to testimonies of what living in East Berlin looked like and some of the difficulties people experienced there.
Take beautiful photos of yourself driving a vintage Trabant car.
Conclusion
The guided walking tour of Berlin’s Cold War history provides an opportunity and an engaging way of learning about the history of the city. Whether it is Bulletin Charlie or Berlin Wall, the destinations each have something new and insightful to teach about this important part of history. Therefore, when planning your tour to Berlin, make sure to check out Berlin’s invasion walking tour lest you leave with no special memories and a new respect for the people of the city.
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