Berlin is the capital of Germany; and one of the most interesting cities in Europe. In Berlin you find interesting historical sites, modern art, delicious cooking and a pulsing nightlife. A lot of the buildings were badly damaged in the final years of World War II, but today they have all been rebuilt.
When the World War II ended, Berlin where divided into four sectors. In West Berlin there were the American, the British and the French sector, while the Eastern part of Berlin belonged to USSR. The city was merged together after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Today the united Berlin is again the capital of Germany.
The landmark of Berlin, Brandenburger Tor was originally a 26 meter (85 feet) high main gate to Berlin. Under the Cold War is stood in a waste part of East Berlin, but in 1990 reopened as a symbol of the German reunification.
The German Parliament Building called the Reichstag Building is also a very important historical building. When a fire I 1933 destroyed the dome, Hitler used the accident to declare state of emergency, and 12 years later the Red Army showed their victory by planting a flag on the roof. After a major renovation (including a new, spectacular glass dome) the building reopened I 1999. You should be prepared for long lines and heavy security checks, if you visit the building in the high season.
In Berlin there are many remains of the Cold War. Check Point Charlie is a typical example. Originally it was the crossing point between East- and West Berlin. Today its museum stands as a reminder of a scary time. In the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie you can see photos, kitschy memorabilia from the Wall and devices used to escape from the East to the West.
For shopaholics Berlin is a great city. In KaDeWe, the largest department store in Europe, you find everything for yourself and your home. The most impressive part is the food and beverage part on the sixth floor. Here you find 800 types of bread, 1000 different sausages, 1700 different cheeses and even wild boar and deer. And the best part is that you can taste samples of almost everything.
If you are more into markets, Berlin has its share. The best ones are the weekend markets: Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz, Kunst- und Nostalgiemarkt at the Museumsinsel and Grosser Berliner Trdel- und Kunstmarkt at Strasse de 17. Juni in Tiergarten. Around Christmas there are also a lot of Weinachtsmrkte around the city, where you can buy Glhwein, waffles and sausages.
Today Berlin is also famous for its art scene. Around the city you find great galleries and fine modern art museums. For a look at the best ones visit the Museumsinsel and the Neue Nationalgalerie. The famous art gallery Galerie Eigen & Art is also worth a visit.
When the World War II ended, Berlin where divided into four sectors. In West Berlin there were the American, the British and the French sector, while the Eastern part of Berlin belonged to USSR. The city was merged together after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Today the united Berlin is again the capital of Germany.
The landmark of Berlin, Brandenburger Tor was originally a 26 meter (85 feet) high main gate to Berlin. Under the Cold War is stood in a waste part of East Berlin, but in 1990 reopened as a symbol of the German reunification.
The German Parliament Building called the Reichstag Building is also a very important historical building. When a fire I 1933 destroyed the dome, Hitler used the accident to declare state of emergency, and 12 years later the Red Army showed their victory by planting a flag on the roof. After a major renovation (including a new, spectacular glass dome) the building reopened I 1999. You should be prepared for long lines and heavy security checks, if you visit the building in the high season.
In Berlin there are many remains of the Cold War. Check Point Charlie is a typical example. Originally it was the crossing point between East- and West Berlin. Today its museum stands as a reminder of a scary time. In the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie you can see photos, kitschy memorabilia from the Wall and devices used to escape from the East to the West.
For shopaholics Berlin is a great city. In KaDeWe, the largest department store in Europe, you find everything for yourself and your home. The most impressive part is the food and beverage part on the sixth floor. Here you find 800 types of bread, 1000 different sausages, 1700 different cheeses and even wild boar and deer. And the best part is that you can taste samples of almost everything.
If you are more into markets, Berlin has its share. The best ones are the weekend markets: Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz, Kunst- und Nostalgiemarkt at the Museumsinsel and Grosser Berliner Trdel- und Kunstmarkt at Strasse de 17. Juni in Tiergarten. Around Christmas there are also a lot of Weinachtsmrkte around the city, where you can buy Glhwein, waffles and sausages.
Today Berlin is also famous for its art scene. Around the city you find great galleries and fine modern art museums. For a look at the best ones visit the Museumsinsel and the Neue Nationalgalerie. The famous art gallery Galerie Eigen & Art is also worth a visit.
About the Author:
Morten Elm is writing about city breaks i Berlin on Storbyrejser Berlin. Read more about the sights in Shopping i Berlin.
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