Historical landmarks in Berlin are numerous, however none is more famous and historical as The Checkpoint Charlie. As you will learn from our guiding and the sights presented during this walk, the history of Berlin connected with this checkpoint is very rich.
Checkpoint Charlie The checkpoint is named after the letter C (for Charlie) that was assigned to this checkpoint by the United States military during WW II.
Checkpoint Charlie was one of the barriers known as the border during the Cold war period, separating east and west Berlin. The exam became the emblem of the ideological struggle and political confrontation which secretary marked that period. Today, it remains a symbol of troubled history of the city and excessive tourists come to visit it.
How to Get There
Checkpoint Charlie is situated in Friedrichstadt, the middle of Berlin. This subway station is located in Kochstraße, although getting there is also relatively convenient using the bus. However, as soon as you get to the station, you can see the iconic checkpoint because of the guardhouse and the sign.
Checkpoints and Museum
There are several key attractions to explore at Checkpoint Charlie:
1. Checkpoint Charlie Museum
This museum is a must attractions for those who like to know the history of Berlin and the Cold War period. It contains large number of artefacts, photographs and documents which gives general picture of divided city. This essay will provide you with information on the attempts of East Berliners to flee and information on some people that were affected by the construction of the Berlin Wall.
2. The Guard House
The visitors saw the replica of the Checkpoint Charlie armed guardhouse having reconstructions of sand bags and an exact copy of the sign presenting division line between the American and Soviet sectors. Many people pose for photographs with the guards wearing authentic looking replicas of the military uniform of the time.
Tour via the Foot of the Nearby Streets
After visiting the museum and after the guard house, it is recommended to wander the area to find out more about Checkpoint Charlie.
1. The Wall
Another attraction can also be found in walking distance from Checkpoint Charlie, the section of the Wall that has been preserved. At this location you are able to touch the wall as well as view material and data concerning its construction and efforts to breach it. The Wall can be regarded as the symbol of unity and explains how people survived during that difficult period.
2. Tränenpalast – literally translated as The Palace of Tears.
Close to Friedrichstraße station, this museum is dedicated to tuition of the human aspect of the Berlin Wall. Tränenpalast literally, translated as the palace of tears, was the station where people with customs control between Germany and Poland, who were saying goodbye to their friends and relatives, booked their tickets. It gives an appealing and actually rousing representation of how the division caused by the wall is.
3. Checkpoint Charlie Watchtower
Moving ahead about 10 minutes, tourists can see the exact location of the original West Berlin border control tower. It was used by the U.S military persons in surveillance of activities at Checkpoint Charlie during the Cold war period.
Checkpoint Charlie: A guide to make your Berlin tour more fun.
It is advisable to plan the visit during weekdays in order to avoid congestion by the large numbers of people.
Ensure you have sufficient time to go round the museum, and ground around it.
Visiting the checkpoint in a guided tour is useful for you to gather more information regarding the checkpoint’s background as well as its importance.
This is important as you will be doing a fair amount of walking as was seen during our tour of Athens.
Currently, the adjacent Café Adler offers a possibility to have a meal or a cup of coffee while admiring the checkpoint views.
Do not forget to shoot a lot of photos!
In Conclusion
Visiting Checkpoint Charlie is an informative walk through the past which gives a concrete idea of the effects of the Cold War on Berlin. Starting from the museum moving around the area and towards all of the landmarks within this walking tour contains a great amount of important information about the cities history. If you will take the time to wander and listen to the stories Checkpoint Charlie has to tell, you will have a much better grasp of this significant period in Berlin history.
Well, if all of that, why not plan to pay a visit to Checkpoint Charlie, soon. Begin your Berliner history experience and open yourself to the tales that this city holds.
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