I learned so many things about Hamburg that I didn’t know before. And I’m happy to share what I learned with you in this post. I think you will find each little-known fact very interesting. Maybe interesting enough for you to come for a visit! Let’s just start with this one… Fun Fact #1 :: Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany after Berlin. (I would have guessed Munich or Frankfurt…)

Hamburg is located in the northern part of German as you can see on this map ::

During our short stay in Hamburg I was able to visit some pretty awesome places ::

Rathausmarkt

It was a gorgeous day as we made our way to the Rathausmarkt which is where the Rathaus (City Hall) is located and has some of the city’s best shopping, a popular venue for fairs, markets and concerts. And it is a beautiful space.

Location :: Rathausmarkt 1, 20095 Hamburg

 Rathaus (Hamburg City Hall)

The building of this magnificent piece of Neo-Renaissance style sandstone architecture which dominates the center of the city… Fun Fact #2 :: took 44 years to complete and 7 architects were involved in the project (that’s a lot of architects for one building!) located adjacent to the Stock Exchange (Börse). The Hamburg parliament and senate assemble here.

The Rathaus is open to the public and you have the option to join a guided tour or visit exhibitions housed inside. 

Cost :: Free to enter
Hours :: Monday through Sunday from 8am to 6pm with several guided tours available to visitors
Location :: Rathausmarkt 1, 20095 Hamburg

Speicherstadt District

Fun Fact #3 :: Speicherstadt, or City of Warehouses, is the largest warehouse complex in the world (wow). Narrow cobblestone streets and small waterways are lined by 100-year old warehouses, which store cocoa, silk and oriental rugs. Light projections in the evening create a magical atmosphere on buildings, canals and bridges. Fun Fact #4 :: Hamburg has within its city limits more bridges than anywhere else in the world – somewhere between 2300 and 2500 have been counted – more than London, Amsterdam and Venice combined! (Who knew?! I would definitely not have guessed…)

These warehouses aren’t your typical warehouses either, they are a huge compound of beautiful red brick gothic revival buildings all along the water and canals of Hamburg. Fun Fact #5 (and one of my faves) :: Hamburg has more canals than Amsterdam and Venice combined! (That just seems crazy to me!) Visiting Speicherstadt is one of the best things to do in Hamburg if you love history, taking photos, chasing UNESCO sites and admiring the architecture.

Fun Fact #6 :: Now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has an atmosphere all its own and it’s enough just to walk through these red-brick canyons, crossing the canals and admiring the glazed decoration on the gabled fronts.

While some of the warehouses have recently been turned into apartments, others are visitor attractions yet a few still fill their original purpose storing spices, tea, coffee and even electronics.

Location :: along the Zollkanal, 20457 Hamburg

Elbphilharmonie

Elbphilharmonie (known as the Elphi) is a modern concert hall on top of an old warehouse and… Fun Fact #7 :: the tallest building (328 feet) in the city of Hamburg. Be sure to venture up to the Plaza on the rooftop for a grand view and sleek cafe, both open to the public.

Fun Fact #8 (another one of my faves) :: Elbphilharmonie is probably the best representation of perfect sound ever built. (Wow!) The design uses advanced sound algorithms, released by coral reef-like structures of more than 10,000 acoustic panels lining the ceiling, walls and railings. It features a total of one million “cells” or divots designed to shape the sound. When the sound hits a panel the uneven surface either absorbs or scatters it to create a balanced reverberation across the auditorium. Aside from the impressive audio experience the design is equally stunning with 1,000 hand-blown glass light bulbs that emphasize the futuristic feel of the wave-shaped facade.

Fascinating.

Location :: Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1, 20457 Hamburg

Click here to see about taking a guided tour

Hauptbahnhof (Central Station)

As the sky turned white with clouds we were able to get to the Hauptbahnhof without managing to get wet. This beautiful train station is truly impressive and definitely something to behold. Opened in 1906 the platform hall’s 230-foot wide roof construction boasts true architectural excellence. Fun Fact #9 :: Hauptbahnhof is and always has been Germany’s largest unsupported station hall. (Unsupported? How is that even possible?)

If you’re looking to do some dining or shopping on your way in or out of Hamburg head to the shopping passages inside Hauptbahnhof. The Wandelhalle will provide you with a very diverse range of offerings of gastronomy, latest fashion or last-minute souvenir :: you can get pretty much anything you can think of here. And it’s a really fun place to wander around!

Location :: within walking distance from the city centre, 20099 Hamburg

Deutsches Schauspielhaus (German Playhouse)

German Playhouse, located in the St. Georg Quarter of Hamburg, a magnificent neo-baroque Schauspielhaus is… Fun Fact #10 :: the largest theatre in Germany (Wow! And it’s gorgeous too!) and one of Hamburg’s most impressive architectural treasures. I so agree :: it’s an amazing building! Opened in 1901, it is one of the leading theatres in the country known for its original, contemporary productions of classical plays. Gorgeous ambience is created by a beautiful fresco ceiling, chandeliers and luxurious red furnishings. We were able to duck in here before the sky opened up for a bit of rain. Luckily it didn’t last long and we were on our way again.

Location :: Kirchenallee 39, 20099 Hamburg

Port of Hamburg

Fun Fact #11 :: The Port of Hamburg has the third busiest harbor in Europe (unbelievably) after Rotterdam, The Netherlands and Antwerp, Belgium. It was a delightful place to walk around and visit all the little shops and restaurants lining the harbor. In the evening you will hear wonderful music bellowing from the parties that are held on the rooftops, obviously a popular place for families and friends to celebrate special events.

Location :: Mattentwiete 2, 20457 Hamburg

I had to include a picture of what I found out later (after I did a double-take) is a statue of a stranded man (by artist Stephan Balkenhol) that serves as a buoy in the water. Can’t say I’ve seen that before! HA!

Hamburg’s Churches ::

St. Petri

With the skies giving us that gorgeous blue again we visited this 14th century Protestant cathedral, a great example of brick Hansa architecture with a 133-meter bell tower. Dedicated to the apostle Peter… Fun Fact 12 :: St. Petri is Hamburg’s oldest church. Located next to the City Hall it was first mentioned in records in 1195 as a market cathedral. Dang, that’s old!

Interestingly enough on a column in the south part of the church you will find a painting called “Christmas 1813” commemorating citizens who were locked in the church that year for refusing to provide food to Napoleon’s troops.

When you visit St. Petri you can admire some of the oldest works of art in the city. And today St. Petri is known for church music, in particular its Bach choir.

Location :: Bei der Petrikirche 2, 20095 Hamburg

St. Michaelis

Also known as ‘the Michel’ … Fun Fact #13 :: the grand St. Michaelis church is Hamburg’s largest church, one of the most famous landmarks of the city and a remarkable Baroque church. Its defining feature is the 132 m (144 yards) tall copper spire that once guided ships on the river Elbe beneath. An impressive bronze statue of the church’s patron saint the archangel Michael decorates the entrance portal. Spend some time in the vast church with its four organs, visit the crypt (hidden burial vaults in the basement) and ascend the tower for panoramic views of the city.

Location :: Englische Planke 1, Hamburg

St. Nicholas

After St Nikolai was destroyed in air raids during WWII which left only the magnificent tower in tact, its restoration was completed in 1874. Fun Fact #14 :: Prior to the bombings St Nikolai was the world’s tallest building. It is constantly going through renovations especially on the outside which you can see here. Scaffolding reaching nearly all the way up to the top makes it difficult to take a picture of the actual building. Today the church serves as a memorial site for victims of war, a museum in the ruins. The church spire is still one of the tallest structures in the city and offers beautiful sights from its viewing platform at the top.

Location :: Willy-Brandt-Straße 60, 20457 Hamburg

Monckebergstrasse ::

Monckebergstrasse and its neighboring streets are home to some of the city’s major department stores. The attractive tree-lined “Mo” is pedestrian-friendly with wide sidewalks and very little car traffic (the traffic lanes are used by buses, taxis and delivery trucks but other motorized vehicles are prohibited). I had to snap a shot of this beautiful fountain, directly behind which was a Starbucks!

See?

Location :: The Mo runs between the Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) and the Rathaus (City Hall). 

By the way, sausage joint Mo Grill is an institution in Hamburg and a juicy currywurst to lift the spirits is highly recommended!

Location :: Jungfernstieg 7-8, 20354 Hamburg

Hop On Hop Off Bus Hamburg

As you probably know by now I highly recommend taking the HOHO in cities where it is available and Hamburg is certainly no exception.

Click here to check into tickets for the HOHO in Hamburg

Special Note ::
Going back to our second day in Hamburg we were surprised to find ourselves in the middle of a crowd of people chomping at the bit to see this ::

It was so cool to learn that inside that royal blue car with the English flag were Prince William and Kate Middleton! What are the odds? That was a fun little serendipitous experience!

And then as we were just aimlessly wandering to the other side of the docks about an hour later we found ourselves once again in an excited crowd… and guess who was on the boat they were watching? Yep! The Royals again!

I’m bummed that I didn’t get a glimpse of their faces either time. But it sure was fun being in the middle of all that excitement!

Read More ::

15 Must-See Places on Berlin Walking Tour

10 Other Things That Make Berlin Special

My Favorite Travel Products :: Top 50

Best Travel Tips After 30 Years of Traveling

Yet another awesome city in Europe crossed off our list (technically I had to ADD it to our list and THEN cross it off). Wonderful weather, amazing sites, fabulous food, warm people. You can’t ask for more! I hope you will put Hamburg on your list of places to visit when you come to Germany. It was a wonderful couple of days in Hamburg, Germany.

We were also blessed to find a wonderful place to stay not too far from everything, one that I would highly recommend! So I didn’t want to be remiss in sharing these wonderful pics with you!

Name of BnB :: Hotel Ausziet
Location :: Bauernweide 11, 21149, Hamburg
* * * * *

The post Hamburg :: An Unplanned Visit Full of Fun Facts appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Bruges is located in the northwest corner of Belgium which is situated on the North Sea, below The Netherlands, west of Germany and Luxembourg and north of France. We drove from the south part of The Netherlands, through Brussels and stopped briefly in another quaint city, Ghent, to get to Bruges so it only took us about 3 hours and it was a really comfortable drive at that.

As are so many cities in Europe Bruges is filled with rich history, architecture, culture and charm to say nothing of the wonderful goodies available here and it just so happens that my father’s family originated out of Belgium so it was exciting to finally visit what I consider a piece of my family’s heritage. My first time visiting was in 2018 and I am certain it won’t be my last time.

Read More

10 Reasons Bruges Will Steal Your Heart

15 Must-See Places on Berlin Walking Tour

10 Absolutely Incredible Sites in Prague

2 Days in Budapest :: My Itinerary

This was a wonderful vacation through a country from which my heritage comes and it was really important to me to visit perhaps learn more about my family background. Considering the fact that Belgium is similar to The Netherlands where I was actually born it wasn’t a stretch to make the connection. But I definitely feel that my visit did help me to understand more about my family’s history. I’m very thankful for this trip and the family members who made the trip with me.

The post Bruges Belgium :: 25 Photos to Inspire You to Visit appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Few countries have had as much impact on the world as Germany. It’s the birthplace of Albert Einstein, Brahms, Bach, Beethoven and Martin Luther a few among many who have made their mark on the world.

This incredible country will take you from one end of the historical spectrum to the other and leave you wanting to return for more.

In a previous post I outlined my recommendations of must-see major sites in Berlin. But that list was just the tip of the proverbial ice berg. I don’t think I could cover all of the really special sites in Berlin even if I lived a lifetime there. But in the time I had in this spirited city here are some places that I thought were worth checking out ::

#10 :: Humboldt University

Founded in 1810, this prestigious university has seen the likes of Hegel, Bismarck, Einstein and Marx within its walls. The oldest of Berlin’s universities, associated with 55 Nobel Prize winners and considered one of the best universities in Europe as well as one of the most prestigious in the world for arts and humanities.

Humboldt University is linked to major breakthroughs in physics and other sciences by its professors such as Albert Einstein. What a grand and special building and what a statement in history. Here you will also find the commemoration of the book burning I mentioned in my previous post on Berlin :: Bebelplatz. It was Humboldt University’s 20,000 books that were burned at this event.

#9 :: Hackescher Markt and Hof 

Don’t expect to find a bargain here since prices in the shops in the Markt are higher than average. The Hof is quite famous and is a labyrinth of eight very special courtyards. The little cafés, bars and restaurants are favorite places for relaxed shopping breaks. Perfect for a stroll or having a leisurely lunch :: Hackescher Markt and Hof have a delightful ambiance.

#8 :: Unter den Linden

Unter den Linden is one of the most important arterial roads in the center of Berlin and is the ideal starting point for getting to know the city. This grand boulevard in Mitte is the venerable heart of Berlin and lined with interesting attractions, historic sites and some of the most important buildings in Berlin such as Humboldt University, Museum island, the Berlin Cathedral [Berliner Dom] and ending at the Brandenburg Gate. What a special road this is.

 #7 – Trabi Museum 

Located next to Checkpoint Charlie this museum was a contrasting sight to see. The Trabi has long been a favorite with race car enthusiasts both past and present. The first model Trabant two-stroke engine vehicle rolled out the door in 1958 and its production ceased in 1991 but former owners can still feel nostalgic about their old cars. The Trabant has become a cult car and now the museum in Berlin attracts visitors from all over the world. It was really fun to see these :: you can even take a Trabi-Safari :: next time I’m in Berlin I am definitely doing this unique and special tour!

#6 :: Memorial to the Sinti and Roma…

… Murdered under the National Socialist Regime.

Around 500,000 Sinti and Roma were persecuted and murdered under Nazi rule. The memorial consists of a round water basin with a triangular stone slab at its center the shape referring to those imprisoned by the Nazis who were identified with differently colored triangles on their prisoner clothing.

The words of the poem “Auschwitz” by Italian Roma Santino Spinello are written around the edge of the water basin in English, German and Romany :: “Sunken in face / extinguished eyes / cold lips / silence / a torn heart / without breath / without words / no tears.”

Seeing this special memorial I was truly without breath, without words. It touched my heart and I bowed my head and said a prayer. God, please let the cruelty perpetrated by these evil men never be repeated. I prayed for unity and for peace.

#5 :: Globe Fountain

Weltkugelbrunnen as it is locally known is located in front of the Europa-Center on the Breitscheidplatz. The “Wasserklops” [water ball] is not just a simple fountain but a fascinating and sophisticated water feature.

At first glance the structure might not reveal itself to you but upon looking closer you will see bubbles and bow fountains, water stairs, cascades and interesting figures and if you look at it from different angles you will keep discovering new perspectives. I was in awe. I love water features and this one was really special.

#4 :: Monbijou Park

Near the Hackescher Markt and Berliner Dom in Mitte Monbijou Park is located on the banks of the Spree and where the Monbijou Palace once stood, demolished in 1959. A recreational park with a children’s swimming pool was constructed on the site in the early 1960s. After further transformations in 2006 to 2007 the Monbijou Park was given a 30 foot wide promenade and green spaces, wonderful for sunbathing or for ball games or picnics. You will always find musicians playing throughout which make for a really special atmosphere to take in the views of Museum Island, the Spree river or the people walking by.

James Simon Park

Across the river from Museum Island this little sliver of green is ideal for strolling or as the locals do :: sit out and enjoy the passing boats and views of the magnificent buildings on Museum Island. Another special park that lends itself to relaxation in the midst of a bustling city. Artisans and musicians find their home here daily which creates a wonderful ambiance. I could have enjoyed hanging out here a lot longer than I did but there is just too much to see in Berlin. So strolled along and on we went.

#3 :: Kaiser William Memorial Church

Known as Gedächtniskirche on Ku’Damm KWMC is a memorial to war and destruction. Built in the 1890’s, then badly damaged in a bombing raid in 1943 and rebuilt 1959-1963. The damaged spire of the old church has been retained and its ground floor has been made into a memorial hall.

The Memorial Church today is a famous landmark of western Berlin and is nicknamed by Berliners as “der hohle Zahn” meaning “the hollow tooth.” Its floor contains a mosaic of the Archangel Michael fighting the dragon. Really something special to be seen.

#2 :: Kurfürstendamm

Ku’Damm is the most popular shopping boulevard in the heart of the western city center of Berlin, 2.2 miles long and lined on both sides by beautiful plane trees. What a truly special atmosphere for a nice long walk.

Nicknamed “Ku’Damm” this is one of the most famous avenues in Berlin. Long and broad it was formerly a bridlepath. Often considered the Champs-Elysées of Berlin here you will find the best shops, houses, hotels, restaurants, fashion designers…

…car showrooms [we visited the impressive Tesla showroom].

We ate at Maredo Restaurant :: STEAK and SALAD BAR. It was fabulous and I highly recommend it if you find yourself on Ku’Damm.

#1 :: Museum Island

The unique collection of galleries and museums on Berlin Museum Island with its five temple-like buildings houses treasures from 6,000 years of human history. Elevated to UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999 and located in Berlin’s historical center the complex is the centerpiece of the city’s museum network and is Europe’s largest cultural investment project. And it is stunning and utterly special.

Located on the Spree river in Mitte [central] district of Berlin, the 5 museums include [from oldest to youngest] The Altes Museum [built in 1830], The New Museum [completed in 1859], The Old National Gallery [1876], The Bode Museum [1904], The Pergamon Museum [1930].

Museum Island is picture perfect and makes a tremendous backdrop to the Spree river. It is truly an awe-inspiring and historic place. Simply beautiful. And the perfect place to enjoy the view is from Monbijou or James Simon Park.

I really need to start counting how many UNESCO World Heritage sites I’ve visited because they are adding up!

A little something extra

Beyond these Top Ten recommendations I wanted to draw attention to something normally not really distinguished enough to mention.

We see as we travel the world that there is wonderful artwork to be found everywhere and in each town we visit we are surrounded by special works of art on every level. But there is one type of artwork that doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves yet visitors walk right over it every day.

Who would have thought that drain covers would be so special? Yes you read that right. Drain covers. Manhole covers. HA! In Seattle, Washington and Paris, France and Toledo, Spain and even Qingdao, China you will find artwork on drain covers. And interestingly enough Berlin is no different. 

Berliner Wasserbetriebe manhole covers which feature the most popular landmarks of Berlin, including Fernsehturm [Berlin TV Tower], Gedächtniskirche [Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church] and the Brandenburg Gate can be found throughout the city by Berlin Waterworks. From now on when I travel I will make it a point to also look down because you just never know what you will find.

Special Mention

In my previous post on Berlin I fleetingly mentioned our Airbnb and I didn’t want to be remiss in sharing ours with you. One of the best and most special I’ve come across in my travels :: check out the marvelous details on this one!

And I would be holding out if I didn’t include some of my food pics for you :: As you can see our breakfast was quite a special spread and let me tell you :: it was delicious! Berlin has a great variety of food so try everything possible when you visit!

Berlin. What a fabulous city. Had I listened to the advice of a German woman I’d met on a previous vacation who tried desperately to discourage me from visiting Berlin I would have missed one of the great cities of Europe and what I would consider as one of the most special. Sometimes you just can’t take someone’s word for it and you have to just forge ahead and follow your heart. I’m so glad I did.

Obviously there are hundreds of other things worth seeing in Berlin. For now I’ll have to settle for this small piece of the puzzle. But you can bet that I’ll be back to find more. Have you been to Berlin? What were your favorite things to do or see? I’m anxious to hear your recommendations!

Read Also ::

15 Must-See Places on Berlin Walking Tour

The post 10 Other Things That Make Berlin Special appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Deciding on a Berlin walking tour, our guide is pretty amazing. She was a university student working her way through school giving tours of East and West Berlin. Informative and helpful, she showed us the places in Berlin that I really needed to see before I even realized I needed to see them. It was a pretty emotional learning experience for me. I was so caught up with what I was seeing as I walked the streets of Berlin that I found myself lagging behind the group and at one point lost them. HA! I’ll tell you about that a little later.

But when I returned home after this amazing Berlin walking tour I felt the need to dig my head into the history books. OK, maybe not the books but I went online. [I am so thankful for the internet where you have access to information about anything and everything … right at your fingertips. Literally.]

And I’ve included some of what I learned here in this post. You’re welcome.

Stop #1 :: Hackescher Markt

Our Berlin walking tour started near Hackescher Markt which is a complex comprised of eight interlinked courtyards. It has residential apartments, offices, shops and restaurants and is one of the most visited locations in Berlin-Mitte (central).

We immediately headed over the bridge to Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. And we walked through an absolutely beautiful covered walkway.

And here is a bronze model of Museum Island.

Stop #2 :: Old National Gallery

The Old National Gallery is one of five museums are located on Museum Island.

During the division of Germany the 19th-century paintings that had survived the war were housed in the New Gallery starting in 1968. After the fall of the Berlin Wall the growing collections were united in their original building now called the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery). The building was closed for reparations on the damage the war had caused in 1998 as well as the addition of new rooms. The Old National Gallery re-opened in 2001 marking its 125th anniversary.

What remains are some of the columns, wrought with bullet holes, that reveal how violent a time it was and what Berlin has come through. It was surreal to see this.

Stop #3 :: Altes Museum

Also on Museum Island you will find internationally renowned Altes Museum, one of the most important buildings of the Neoclassical era.

The monumental eighteen ionic columns, the expansive atrium and inviting staircase, the rotunda adorned with antique sculptures and an explicit reference to Rome’s Pantheon :: such signs of architectural refinement had previously only ever been seen in buildings designed for royalty and nobility. Definitely a highlight on this Berlin walking tour.

Today the museum showcases its permanent exhibition on the art and culture of the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans. Until 1845 it was called the Royal Museum. The building itself is stunning and is in a great location.

Stop #4 :: Berliner Dom

Last stop on Museum Island is this magnificent neorenaissance-style Berliner Dom [Cathedral] which is relatively new, inaugurated in 1905. There is a large open lawn with a fountain across the street that’s great for a picnic or just taking a break in the gorgeous surroundings.

Tip :: This Berlin walking tour did not include a trip up to the top of the dome. I really wish I had made time on our way back to go up. I hear the view from there is unmatched. So I definitely recommend you do it.

Stop #5 :: Deutsches Historisches Museum [DHM]

Back on the mainland, the next stop on our Berlin walking tour was the DHM which is comprised of two buildings :: the old building was constructed between 1695 and 1730 and is one of the oldest surviving structures in Berlin. The modern annex was built between 1998 and 2003, dedicated to the DHM’s temporary exhibitions.

I was lucky to get a great shot of the old and new with the Berliner Dom between in the background.

Stop #6 :: St Hedwig’s Cathedral

Located on the Bebelplabtz this was the seat of the Archbishop of Berlin built between 1747 to 1773 and the most important Catholic sacral building in the city. The church was Berlin’s only Catholic house of worship until 1854 and the oldest Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese.

The Church was an important resistance center during WWII :: Father Bernard Lichtenberg who headed the movement was assigned as pastor and referred to as the “gutter priest from Berlin” by SS second-in-command Reinhard Heydrich due to his work amongst the poor in 1920’s Berlin.

Lichtenberg was considered a nuisance for his public and outspoken denunciation of Nazi concentration camp conditions and openly addressed the treatment of his Jewish brothers and sisters in his sermons. Today he is remembered as one of the German heroes of the Holocaust and is buried in the Crypt. I wish our Berlin walking tour had brought us there.

Stop #7 :: Bebelplatz

Bebelplatz is a public square in the Mitte district best known for the infamous Nazi book burning ceremony of 1933 where 20,000 books were burned. The blacklisted authors included Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, Heinrich and Klaus Mann, Rosa Luxemburg, August Bebel, Bertha von Suttner and Stefan Zweig. Many of the vilified and persecuted writers had already left Germany and gone into exile when the book burning took place.

Bebelplatz was named after August Bebel, a founder of the Social Democratic Party in the 19th century.

A glass commemorative plate set into the ground reveals symbolic empty bookcases large enough to hold 20,000 books that were burned at the behest of the Nazis.

Stop #8 :: Deutscher Dom

What the locals call Bundestag aka “New Church” on the Gendarmenmarkt is located across from the French Cathedral built between 1701-1708. Deutsche Dom was destroyed in the bombing of WWII and rebuilt between 1977-1988. The dome was topped by a statue symbolizing the victorious virtue.

Such a magnificent piece of architecture.

Stop #9 :: Checkpoint Charlie

Our Berlin walking tour next brought us to Checkpoint Charlie which is one of the 3 crossing points [named A Alpha, B Bravo, C Charlie] from East to West Germany after the construction of the Berlin Wall and a symbol of the Cold War. By 1962 it became the only crossing point.

It was also the venue of a standoff between America and the Soviet Union with their tanks facing each other on either side of the checkpoint when an American diplomat was refused a visa soon after the building of the Wall. 

A replica of the original booth stands with a sign that says “You are now leaving the American Sector…” on the opposite side of the sign that says “You are now entering the American Sector…”

Stop #10 :: Berlin Wall

Constructed by the German Democratic Republic [GDR, East Germany] starting on 13 August 1961 the Wall cut off West Berlin [by land] from virtually all of surrounding East Germany and East Berlin until government officials opened it in November 1989. Between 1961 and 1989 the Wall prevented almost all such emigration.

The wall symbolized the lack of freedom under communism. It symbolized the Cold War and divide between the communist Soviet bloc and the western democratic, capitalist bloc. Berlin was on the frontline in the Cold War struggle between the superpowers.

It’s unbelievable to me that all this was going on in my lifetime and ongoing even after I graduated from high school. We didn’t really study much of this in school as I remember or perhaps I just wasn’t paying attention to politics back then. I do remember when the Wall came down but there was so much going on in my life that I just didn’t realize or feel its impact. I don’t have many regrets in life but I do regret not caring more about this when it was happening. I am thankful that this Berlin walking tour opened my eyes.

Stop #11 :: Topography of Terror

The Gestapo and SS headquarters was the building where people who were regarded as a threat to the Nazi regime were questioned, tortured and killed. Only the cellars survived the WWII bombings. In 1987 a group of students excavated the cellars of the Gestapo Headquarters with their bare hands and the objects they found there form the outdoor exhibition that is today known as the Topography of Terror. The museum aims to show the world how people were tortured to death without a fair trial by a totalitarian regime. There is also a covered exhibition complex and a library adjacent to the outdoor display. 

The Topography of Terror Museum is a monument to liberty and the aim is to illustrate that democracy and civil rights need to be defended on a daily basis. It chronicles the war crimes committed by the Nazi regime in a blatant abuse of power.

Stop #12 :: Hitler’s Bunker

It is surreal to say the least to find yourself standing on the spot where the final collapse of the Third Reich played out just a 3-minute walk from the Brandenburg Gate. It compelled me to dig deeper into this horrific time in history and subsequently found this easy-to-read account of that time. If you’re interested you will find some really great detailed information about Hitler and his Nazi regime here.

I reached down onto the ground and picked up a rock that will serve as a reminder to me that I am so blessed to live in a free country and never have to suffer under communism.

Stop #13 :: Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

This was the most awe-inspiring stop on our Berlin walking tour. Also known as the Holocaust Memorial :: a 19,000 square meter site covered with 2,711 concrete slabs, one for each page of the Talmud arranged in a grid pattern. Apparently the slabs are designed to produce an uneasy, confusing atmosphere. An attached underground “Place of Information” holds the names of all known Jewish Holocaust victims. The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe was inaugurated on May 10, 2005, sixty years after the end of World War II, and opened to the public on May 12 of the same year.

It was here that I was so entranced in the thought of these innocent people being slaughtered that I didn’t realize how much time had gone by. I was really emotional and the reason for the video. I couldn’t even imagine being in that environment at that time in history. And to think this occurred in my lifetime, not that long ago.

When I finally realized that I was no longer with the group I began walking toward where I “thought” we were supposed to meet up. HA! I was walking in the opposite direction. About 10 minutes later I see Roydio walking toward me with his hands up in the air. “Where were you?” “Right here,” I said. “I knew you’d come looking for me!”

Normally I would have been panic-stricken at the thought of being lost in a foreign city. Roydio certainly was. But that day all I had in my mind was the thought of this horrific event that was the demise of over 6,000,000 Jews. And to think some say the total persecutions at the hand of the Nazi’s comes closer to 17,000,000. I have the memory of what happened here engrained in my heart and I will never forget.

I said a prayer for all of the families who suffered under this evil. God help us to always remember so that it never happens again.

Stop #14 :: Pariser Platz

The Pariser Platz was a grand square located behind Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate with many important buildings surrounding it. It was laid between 1732 and 1735 and was simply called “the square” at first, before being renamed in honor of the services of the Prussian army in the defeat of Napoleon. Notable structures that flanked the square were the French and American Embassies, the Academy of Arts and the Aldon Hotel which was once the finest in Berlin at the time.

In divided Germany the square was an abandoned space that divided Berlin. Today, Pariser Platz is being restored to its former glory by the city government.

Pariser Platz is an important tourist meeting place in unified Berlin. Many walking tours start or end here. Visitors can rent bikes for touring and take horse cart rides around the city from here.

Stop #15 :: Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate flanking the square is an important monument, Berlin’s best-known landmark and a symbol with over two hundred years of history. After the Berlin bombings during WWII the Brandenburg Gate was severely damaged by bombing raids and artillery fire yet remained standing.

Brandenburg Gate as a symbol of unity

The Brandenburg Gate [Brandenburger Tor] is the only remaining gate of a series through which one formerly entered Berlin. Vehicles and pedestrians could travel freely through the gate until the Berlin Wall was built on August 13, 1961. The Wall was erected cutting off access from West Berlin.

However, it was here that on June 12, 1987 Ronald Regan issued his stern command to his cold war adversary admonishing him with the words: “Mr. Gorbachov :: tear down this wall!” The speech delivered to West Berliners was also audible on the east side of the Gate. When the Revolutions of 1989 occurred and the Wall fell the gate symbolized freedom and the desire to unify the city of Berlin.

How can I describe Berlin? Interesting. Beautiful. Horrific. Infamous. Monumental. Awe-Inspring. Tumultuous. Mind-blowing. Unforgettable.

I was surprised to have come away with such reverence and awe after experiencing Berlin for the first time. I came away with more questions than answers. It was like taking a course in university but never passing the exam for a lack of understanding. The walking tour really inspired in me the need to dig deeper into the throes of this city’s history. Some of what I learned is in this post but there is so much more…

“…traveling :: it changes you.”

Berlin is one of those cities in the world that is dichotomous. On the one hand I left awestruck and sad. And on the other hand I was glad to have gained more knowledge and empathy for those who suffered so much after visiting this iconic place. Does that make sense? This is one of the things about traveling :: it changes you. And your world expands as you travel and is as big as you want it to be.

Some of the places I’ve traveled have touched me deep down in my soul. Berlin definitely is one of those places for me. If you get the chance to visit Berlin I highly recommend it. Perhaps it will change you too…

Read Also ::

10 Other Things That Make Berlin Special

The post 15 Must-See Places on Berlin Walking Tour appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.