If you’re thinking about visiting one of the significant tourist attractions of Berlin – the Berlin Wall – you might better start here. Look no further! So with the help of this guide, we will give you all the information you may need to make the trip enjoyable and meaningful. Of course, if you are a history lover or simply interested in this famous sight, we’ve gathered all the info for you.
1. Understanding the History
Let’s know more about the Berlin Wall before proceeding with your visit and learning more about this historic attraction. The famous wall was constructed in 1961 and until the wall came down in 1989 divided East and West Berlin symbolically as well as physically. That is how division works, this splits Germany in the Cold War period and fighting for liberty.
However, to get a proper understanding of it, we suggest you to go to the Berlin Wall Memorial situated at Bernauer Strasse. Here, you can see the parts of the wall under protection, come to the DC, and learn more about the individual histories of the people it affected.
2. Planning Your Visit
When planning your visit, take into account the following:
2.1 Choosing the Right Time
The Berlin Wall is a popular tourist attraction no matter what time of the year it is. The best way to avert attention and maximize its use is to part with it early in the morning, or in spring or autumn when there are no many people.
2.2 Duration of the Visit
Any visitor should set aside at least half a day for visiting different sites connected with the Berlin Wall. More time should be spent if you want to properly go through the Berlin Wall Memorial where you can gain much more detailed information on the phenomenon.
3. Must-Visit Sites
3.1 East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is a hall of a wall with the length of 1.3 kilometer, painted frescos that originally constituted the Berlin Wall. There are more than 100 paintings in many shades and hues painted on the walls by international artists. You can literally take your time to walk around the wall and read the powerful messages conveyed through the art on the wall.
3.2 Checkpoint Charlie
Drop by at Checkpoint Charlie, the best known border crossing between East and West during the Cold War period. Visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, especially founded for private escape stories, persons, etc that used to escape from East Berlin to West Berlin during the time of the construction of the Berlin Wall, equipments and materials used in espionage, etc.
3.3 Berlin Wall Memorial
And as has been pointed out the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse is a must for any tourist. Examine the exhibition at the Documentation Centre, take a walk at the preserved part of the wall and visit the Chapel of Reconciliation.
4. Practical useful tips and things to note
Pack casual and sportswear as there will be so much walking during the tour.
Get a weather report so that the right clothes are put on.
It is advisable to buy Berlin Welcome Card with a variety of special offers on different sights, including the ones connected with the Wall.
Carry along a notebook or use your smart phone to write down special facts or your own comments while visiting.
And you should not leave your camera at home because there is nothing more spectacular than the murals in the East Side Gallery.
5. Embrace the Experience
Travelling to the Berlin is one of the memorable and touching tours. Gladly spend time with people and listen to their stories the division left behind and be in awe of the German spirit. Engage with the historical view and cherish the possibility to gain more experience and develop in the presence of this important and large structure.
Please bear in mind that the Berlin Wall has historical significance and shows people that unification always wins. Through visiting this historic place you thus help to preserve the memory of such history for the generations to come.
So, what are you waiting for? Prepare yourself for a visit to the Berlin Wall and make unforgettable impressions !