This is especially so if you’re interested in the historical background of Berlin during the World War II; a walk is always ideal. Learn the history of the city but also get to admire famous places and read about the historical events of the past. Here we will present all the details that you will ever need to have an amazing experience in Berlin WWII walking tour.
1. Why You Should Take A Berlin WWII Walking Tour?
Book a Berlin WWII walking tour to get an interesting and engaging way of getting to know the city on a personal level. Here’s why it should be on your must-do list:
- Uncover Hidden Stories: A professional guide will lead you through places that might escape your attention and tell you stories that are not commonly known about heroism, sorrow, and survival during the war.
- Get a Local Perspective: Tours with a Berliner guide are much more interesting and entertaining because you will hear many personal stories you won’t read in a guide book.
- Visit Key WWII Sites: Visit famous places like the Berlin Wall, Check Point Charlie and the memorial to the Holocaust and others.
- Engage with History: In this way, you are able to get a sense, sense the past of this war in the most profound sense if you’re equipped with the history of Berlin during the war from different perspectives.
- Affordability: Although walking tours are a subgenre of guided tours, they are cheaper more often than not, which are affordable to the majority.
2. Berlin WWII Walking Tour Self-Guided: How to Prepare
In as much as walking tours are fun, one needs to make the necessary preparations for a Berlin holiday before going on a walking tour. Here are a few things to consider:
2.1 Selecting the Right Tour
Look and select the existing tour that will be of your interest or in line with your choice. Select the tours based on the thematic, dedicated to Second World War and the pearls which you want to visit.
2.2 Duration of the Tour
Think of the time you have and choose the tour that will allow you to have enough time. Standard Berlin WWII walks take about 3-4 hours, however, you can easily come across short or protracted tours.
2.3 Booking in Advance
It is recommended to make a booking for your walking tour in advance in order to secure a place. Some of the most attractive tours are quickly booked, especially during the high season travel.
2.4 Dress Proper and Wear Comfortable Shoe
Some of the tours require walking a fair amount, so good walking shoes should be worn. Moreover, dress according to the weather and you should also carry a light jacket, or even an umbrella.
3. Off Beat Sites of One of The Best Berlin WWII Walking Tours
While there are numerous WWII-related sites in Berlin, here are some must-visit locations that offer deep insights into the city’s history:
Site Description
1. Brandenburg Gate The Brandenburg gate which is famous around the word as the symbol of East and west Berlin before they were reunified.
2. Reichstag Building The German historic Reichstag building which provided important events during the course of the war.
3. Topography of Terror An open air showing of the deeds of the S.S. and Gestapo during the regime in question.
4. Checkpoint Charlie A checkpoint where people were allowed to move only between East and West Berlin during the cold war period.
5. Part of OAT, Sachsenhausen concentration camp Just a short train ride from Berlin visitors can view the former concentration camp to get a look into the horrors of the Nazi regime.
4. Making the Most of Your Tour
To enhance your Berlin WWII walking tour experience, keep the following tips in mind:
- Listen attentively to your guide: Many guides will also pass on important information and an anecdote which will give the visitor more information about the places they are visiting.
- Ask questions: Do not shy or avoid talking to your guide because he or she is just serving as the guide to the activity. These are what have gone there to give out information in order to give context.
- Take your time: Don’t rush through the tour. Be sure to find time to think about the history behind the place you are visiting before getting engrossed in the experience.
- Capture memories: Take photos but don’t take pictures of people or of dead bodies and don’t forget to explore around because some places are sacred grounds.
- Continue exploring: Your walking tour is just the start of it. Then continue the exploring of Berlin and check the museums, memorials, important addresses on the map and etc.
5. Conclusion
Taking a Berlin WWII walking tour is a delightful chance to ‘touch’ history and learn more about the events that took place in the period of the Second World War. This way, having chosen the right tour, well-advanced preparation, and the engagement with Berlin’s history you will be creating an impressive and informative experience that will stay with you long after you are done with the tour.
Therefore, place your comfortable pairs of shoes, get ready to be amazed by the presence of historical architectures within the city, and get ready for the dramatic take through the timeline of second world war in Berlin in order to come out of the journey with a fresh respect for the spirit of Berlinites.