The Cold War was one of the highlights of global history, and Berlin played a crucial role in it. Today, the city hosts a great number of the places that give an insight of the situation during the war. Here, in this most extensive and detailed Berlin Cold War Tour guide, you will find descriptions of some of the most important CW landmarks, in addition to all the necessary practical information to enjoy your trip to the max.
1. Berlin Wall Memorial
The point of division between East and West Germany during the Cold War; the Berlin Wall was the reflection of it. The memorial museum stands in Berlin to allow people to remember the existence of the Wall and protect it from oblivion. To recall, there is the restored part of the wall with a watchtower, and there is the information center where visitors can learn about the principles of operation and humane history of the wall through the stories of people.
Tip:
Look a sharp for the Window of Remembrance a spot dedicated to the lives of those who died while trying to escape through the Wall. It goes as a beacon on the painful price of division that was sometimes brought into the most personal level by ireland.
2. Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie was the best-known border between East and West Berlin. Today it has become one of the major attractions for tourists, who visit Berlin. Here there is actual replica of the exact guardhouse on the compound and there are displays of escape stories of the oppressed who wanted to be on the other side of the fence. The similar Checkpoint Charlie Museum is currently hosting an even larger variety of items and mementos associated with the Wall and the Cold War.
Tip:
Step for a small photo with the actors playing American and Soviet military police at the checkpoint. It is entertaining and makes for a nice moment to capture; which I think makes it rather genuine.
3. East Side Gallery
East Side Gallery is the longest and biggest preserved section of the wall which has been painted into an open air museum. Following the collapse of the Wall, artist from all over the world joined to paint meaningful artistic masterpieces on the eastern face of the Wall. Every art piece has the symbol of hope, freedom and unity inscribed in it. The East Side Gallery will be more of a history and art lesson as well as a work of art as one will be able to see graphic murals along the entire stretch.
Tip:
Do not rush yourselves as you go through the East Side Gallery. There is a vast number of unknown works and the pieces of art that may make you think twice. Don’t forget your camera!
4. Stasi Museum
Aside from the informative historical effects and outcomes chronicled in the Stasi Museum, people could learn about the actual functioning of the East German secret police during the Cold War. Located in the buildings that were used by Stasi, this museum gives the viewers a plethora of ways that were used to spy on people. You can vist the interrogations rooms, watch the display of gadgets used by spies and also see how the Stasi hinder the Easter Europeans from rebelling.
Tip:
Visit one of the guided tours at the Stasi Museum offer a deeper insight to the functioning of the surveillance, and the how they affected the lives of people.
5. Teufelsberg
Likely you have not heard of Teufelsberg but it is one of Germany’s fascinating creations, consisting of a man made hill made from scraps of the World War II debris. Teufelsberg was made for spying: During the Cold War, the NSA constructed an” listening station ” on top of Teufelsberg to intercept the East German and Soviet communication . While listening station has been closed however there is history, nature and of course magnificent view on Berlin there.
Tip:
Take a guided tour to the radar domes along with getting to know more about the story of Teufelsberg. There are no food joints inside so you have to purchase your snacks from outside before going there.
Conclusion
Visiting the Cold War sites in Berlin is indeed very informative and an eye opener because one has chance to view places that made the history . Today, starting from the Berlin Wall Memorial to the artwork known as Checkpoint Charlie, the East Side Gallery and moving up to Teufelsberg, each of those places has its own tale to tell.
You need to make a prior appointment, choose comfortable footwear and maybe consider hiring a tour guide. It is indicated that with the help of these historical sites you will learn much about Cold War as well as its impact on Berlin and the whole world.