Berlin embodies a different vibe than most German cities. It is Germany’s capital and largest city with 3.6 million people. Berlin was one of the last German cities I visited after living in Hamburg for two years and it stood out among the others. The great city of Berlin has been through a great deal in terms of history; it was divided, destroyed and then had to rebuild itself. During it's rebuilding, freedom and culture were large parts of it's new foundation.
As you walk the streets, you will get a sense from the locals of the varying lifestyles of personal freedom of expression. I love this city because it embraces people from all walks of life, which is something the world needs a little more of right now.
You could spend weeks in Berlin and lose yourself in the history, culture and it's artsy free spirited life style. Here are are my 5 Go-To's when visiting Berlin:
5. How many Buddy Bears can you find?
While navigating the city, keep an eye out for the various painted bear statues, otherwise known as, Buddy Bear.
The story of Buddy Bears started in 2001 at an artistic event for street art. More than 100 bears were created, each with a unique identity. They were then dispersed around the city to be put on display.
You will notice the bears all have their hands raised. When they are all together, they create the image of holding hands in a circle. Each bear in the UNITED BUDDY BEARS circle represents a country acknowledged by the United Nations.
Buddy Bears travel around the world promoting tolerance and international understanding. They represent living together in peace and harmony and help promote the idea that the world’s future needs to embody the vision of standing united while representing each one's own culture and country. The idea of: The New World.
Each bear was created by various artists to represent their respective native country.
While walking around Berlin and noticing the assorted art displayed on the Buddy Bears, you can take a trip around the globe with each one.
"We have to get to know each other better ...
... it makes us understand one another better,
trust each other more, and live together more peacefully."
4. Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie, maintained by the US Army, is a symbol for what the Cold War represented. It was the only gate where foreigners visiting Berlin could cross from West to East, and one of the few gaps in the Wall.
Many East Germans tried to escape to the West through this area. I was recently on tour with a woman whose Aunt was smuggled through Checkpoint Charlie through her Grandfather’s suitcase and went to live the rest of her life in America, a very powerful story.
Although Checkpoint Charlie has now been turned into a tourist mecca point, where you can pay to pose for photos with men dressed up as guards, the message behind what Checkpoint Charlie represents in history, is important to observe on your visit to Berlin, especially for Americans.
3. Berlin Wall/East Side Gallery
The Berlin Wall was a barrier that divided Berlin into two parts, East and West, from 1961 to 1989. It separated families, kept people from opportunity and was a symbol of suppressing human rights.
For 30 years the Iron Curtain represented division and separation. Hundreds died trying to escape from East to West, and thousands were punished. Referred to as the “Wall of Shame”, it restricted freedom and movement and was an ugly time in history.
Don’t forget to look down as you are walking around the heart of Berlin and notice the double rows of cobblestone that represent where the Wall once stood. At certain places, are plaques that bear the inscription, “Berlin Wall 1961-1989”. Being able to straddle both sides of this border is a powerful action and one that Berliners who experienced life during the Wall, never thought they would be able to do.
The East Side Gallery, located on Mühlenstraße,, is the longest open art gallery in the world. The gallery displays the joy of the fall of the Wall and overcoming the unrest peacefully. It's art represents the hope for a better future.
There are 101 large painted murals from artists all over the world who came to the Wall in 1990 from February to September, after the fall, to express their happiness and leave testimonies depicting peace, freedom and hope.
Take the S-Bahn to Ostbahnhof, which takes you to the beginning of the gallery. You can spend 1-2 hours walking the mile along the wall, taking pictures, reading the messages. You can either return to Ostbahnhof or use the next train station, Warschauer, to move to your next destination.
2. Brandenburg Gate
One of Germany’s most infamous landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate, is located on the western part of the city center and held many key points in German history. It became most well known during the Cold War.
Four US Presidents have given influential speeches about the free world at the famed gate; Obama, Clinton, Kennedy, and Reagan.
-President Ronald Reagan on June 12, 1987, in which he told then-Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"
-President John f. Kennedy gave what some call his most eloquent speech at the peak of the Cold War, in 1963, “All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words Ich bin ein Berliner.”
-After the Wall came down, in 1994, President Bill Clinton said: “Nothing will stop us; all things are possible: nichts wird uns aufhalten, alles is möglich, Berlin ist frei! Berlin is free!”
-Just before entering into the White House in 2008 President Barack Obama gave a prolific speech at the Gate, “This city, of all cities, knows the dream of freedom.”
and in 2013 he returned, "And as long as walls exist in our hearts to separate us from those who don’t look like us, or think like us, or worship as we do, then we're going to have to work harder, together, to bring those walls of division down."
1. Reichstag
The Reichstag building is home to the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament. It was originally built in 1894, was severely damaged by the war, and after the reunification in 1990, was fully restored. The building was built for the German Empire and was the location for many points of German history, including the Nazi regime.
Now the large glass dome, which was added in the restoration process, offers a 360 degree view of the city and an indoor view of the main parliament hall.
If you do want to visit the Reichstag, which I highly recommend, because of security reasons you must reserve tickets in advance. If you would like to reserve tickets visit here--> Visit the Bundestag. (and if at all possible, reserve your time at sunset; where you can see the sights by daylight and at night time)
These 5 Go-To's are barely scratching the surface of what Berlin has to offer. I also recommend visiting the unique collection of museums on Museum Island, as well as checking out the Jewish Museum and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. And, if you are in Berlin on a Sunday, make it a point to take a stroll through Mauerpark, where there is not a shortage of entertainment in all forms. I could go on and on, but, you need to go discover the Berlin magic for yourself to create your own Go-To's.
Berlin is a city we can learn from; it embodies the message in which we need to embrace our past, for a better future.
Ich bin ein Berliner!
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How to Get Around..
Berlin's public transportation system makes getting around town a breeze! The city has an S-Bahn and an U-bahn where you can purchase one way tickets, or I recommend, daily passes. With a daily pass you can hop and off the various trains for a complete 24 hours as much as you want. More info here.
If you don't want to bother with figuring out the mass transit, another great way to get around the city is by bike! Fat Tire bike rentals makes it easy and affordable to rent a bike so you can buzz around all day with ease.
Food Recommendations..
If you're looking for traditional, hearty, Bavarian food with huge portions and delicious beer; head to Weihenstephaner Berlin. The Brewery was founded in 1040, yep that's right, 1040! It's the oldest Brewery still in existence. It's high quality beer mixed with the traditional food, is a home run. If your appetite is feeling up for the challenge, order the pork-knuckle! This restaurant has a great atmosphere with the staff dawning traditional Bavarian dress. A great way to end a packed day of sight seeing.
