Checkpoint Charlie

Located at the junction of Friedrichstraße and Zimmerstraße, this spot is a poignant reminder of the old border checkpoint, the fascinating history of the Cold War and the division of Berlin itself. Physical elements such as the barrier, the checkpoint, the flag and the sandbags are faithful reproductions of the originals, making them ideal subjects for photo memories. It's no surprise that Checkpoint Charlie is one of Berlin's must-see sights.

Checkpoint Charlie acquired an unrivalled importance as the main crossing point between East and West Berlin. It was on 22 September 1961 that Allied guards began registering American, British and French forces personnel wishing to enter East Berlin, while foreign tourists sought to get a feel for their stay in the city. Once the checkpoint had been designated as an official crossing point for members of the Allied armed forces, it was marked a month later, in October 1961, by a dramatic tank battle. A tense scene formed as American and Soviet tanks positioned themselves, weapons at the ready, in a show of force.

The physical checkpoint, emblematic of the controversial history of the Cold War, disappeared from its original location on 22 June 1990, some six months after the Wall was opened in November 1989. Today, the authentic kiosk has found a new home at the Allied Museum in Berlin-Zehlendorf. In its place, a replica of the original guardhouse has been erected on the very site of Checkpoint Charlie. This reduced-scale booth is a lasting reminder of the site's historical importance.

The name "Checkpoint Charlie" has its origins in the NATO phonetic alphabet, and more specifically in the letter "Charlie", which adds an element of intrigue to its name. After the border crossings at Helmstedt-Marienborn ("Alpha") and Dreilinden-Drewitz ("Bravo"), Checkpoint Charlie became the third checkpoint to be put into service by the Allied forces in the area around Berlin. In 1945, the Allies divided Berlin into separate sectors, with France overseeing the north-western part, Britain the western sector and the United States the south-western enclave. Meanwhile, the entire eastern part of Berlin fell under the control of the Soviet Union.

Checkpoint Charlie not only played a role in the Cold War; it was also witness to countless attempts to escape the borders of East Berlin. A poignant open-air exhibition at the junction of Schützenstraße and Zimmerstraße intricately tells the stories of both failed and successful escape attempts. This story is brought to life by the artistic skill of Frank Thiel's installation, complemented by a commemorative plaque that serves as a solemn tribute. Also, the face that now famously adorns the site is that of Jeff Harper, a former US Army tuba player, photographed in 1994 in a series of shots capturing the last presence of allied soldiers in Berlin. The solemn duty of 'guarding' Checkpoint Charlie is no longer a role assigned to soldiers today. As a result, the opportunity to have one's passport stamped is no longer available. Nevertheless, the camera lens remains your ally, allowing you to capture a photograph as a proof of your visit!

How to get to Checkpoint Charlie?

By car: 

• If you prefer driving, you can rent a car or use a taxi service to get to Checkpoint Charlie. But, keep in mind that traffic and parking might be challenging. 

By bus: 

• Berlin has an extensive public transportation network, including buses! You can take a bus to go from your accommodation to Checkpoint Charlie. 

By subway: 

• The subway (U-Bahn) in Berlin can take you to Checkpoint Charlie stopping at the Schlesisches Tor station.