Paying a Visit to the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall is an important remnant of the Cold War era. The wall was built on the night of August 13, 1961, to divide East and West Berlin, effectively separating the two political ideologies that were at odds. Its construction came as a stark reflection of the escalating tensions between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union, which had culminated in the formation of the two German states after the end of World War II. Stretching for approximately 96 miles, the concrete barrier, bolstered with guard towers, barbed wire, and a heavily fortified "death strip," ruthlessly severed families, friends, and a nation torn apart. During its existence, escape attempts had tragic consequences, with the wall symbolising the Iron Curtain's grip on Eastern Europe. However, at the end of the 1980s, the fate of the wall took an unexpected turn. On 9 November 1989, the whole world watched in astonishment as cheering crowds broke through the barrier, marking the end of an era. The fall of the Berlin Wall opened a new chapter in history, resulting in the reunification of Germany in 1990. Today, its remains are a poignant reminder of the enduring human spirit and the resilience of a city rising from the ashes of division. Nowadays, exploring the history of the Berlin Wall is a profound journey that exposes the depths of human courage, the consequences of political ideologies and the triumph of unity over discord - a testament to the need never to forget the lessons of the past.

East Side Gallery

Situated along the Spree River, this stretch of the Berlin Wall stands as the longest remaining segment of the historic barrier. Embracing its rich heritage, the wall has been transformed into an awe-inspiring spectacle—the world's largest open-air gallery adorned with hundreds of vibrant graffiti paintings. Amidst the captivating artworks, a particular must-see mural commands attention: "My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love" by Dmitri Vrubel. This powerful masterpiece captures the poignant moment when Soviet politician Leonid Brezhnev shares a passionate kiss with the leader of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), Erich Honecker. These striking graffiti paintings not only showcase artistic brilliance but also breathe life into the past that once divided this very city. The East Side Gallery is an unmissable Berlin landmark.

Berlin Wall Memorial

The Berlin Wall Memorial lies along the famous Bernauer Straße. It was created in 1998 with a profound purpose: to preserve the history of Berlin's poignant division into East and West. On this site, visitors discover the last remaining trace of the divisive wall, a tangible reminder of the harsh realities of the past. In addition, an immersive open-air exhibition completes the experience, vividly describing the chronicles of Germany's capital during the period from the construction of the wall to its final demolition. In this emotional memorial, the story of Berlin's resilience, unity and transformation unfolds before our eyes, offering a journey into the history of Berlin.

In 2008, the last remaining original sections of the Berlin Wall at Potsdamer Platz were dismantled, bringing an end to a transformative era in the city's history. However, six of these precious sections have been carefully preserved and reassembled at the entrance to the Potsdamer Platz station, providing a lasting reminder of the past for all visitors. Just around the corner, a poignant reminder of the wall's formidable presence remains: the last watch tower still stands, providing an opportunity to reflect on the once omnipresent divisions that marked Berlin.

Nestled in the grounds of the former Gestapo and SS headquarters, the Topography of Terror is a poignant history museum. Visitors will discover a multitude of documents and photographs that dramatically depict the atrocities perpetrated across Europe during the tumultuous period of the Second World War. One of the most remarkable features of the museum is the surviving 0.12-mile section of wall, which serves as a tangible reminder of the barriers that once divided the city and the profound impact of history on its landscape. Admission to the museum is free. 

By car: 

• If you prefer driving, you can rent a car or use a taxi service to get to the Berlin Wall locations. But, keep in mind that traffic and parking might be challenging, especially in the city centre.

By bus: 

• Berlin has an extensive public transportation network, including buses! You can take a bus to reach various locations where parts of the Berlin Wall have been preserved, such as the East Side Gallery or the Berlin Wall Memorial.

By subway: 

• The subway (U-Bahn) in Berlin can take you to a couple of destinations of the Berlin Wall such as the East Side Gallery and the Berlin Wall Memorial.