Introduction
Just entering Berlin is getting a chance to walk in the city which became a witness and participant of some of the most vital events in the 20th century. There is no chapter of the history of Berlin that is as interesting and emotional as the Cold War interlude: ideologies and walls. The best and most engaging way to learn of the challenges and tensions of that years is through a walking tour of Berlin and its Cold War sites.
Berlin Wall
The barrier with the East Berlin was built during the Cold War in 1961 known as the Berlin Wall. This extended more than 140 kilometers providing a dividing line between the two forces – one claimed by the occupying power and the other by the insurrectionists. Visiting the remaining part of a wall helps the people get insight on how Berliners had to struggle in such a period of the civil war.
East Side Gallery
The most famous section is East Side Gallery. Sited on the side of the River Spree, it houses one of the biggest murals by artists across the globe. If you walk through this museum on your own, it will resemble a long journey through the Cold War as seen at each wall. Some famous paintings are; Dmitri Vrubel’s painting “My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love” Yadegar Asisi’s painting “Peacock Brothers.”
Checkpoint Charlie
Another landmark of the Cold War is Checkpoint Charlie, that is the border crossing between East and West Berlin. Here you can easily visualize some of the nerve wracking spook showdowns, exchanges of spies and some thrilling escape scenes on such crucial point. Before leaving, make sure you go to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum as there is much more to these stories than might meet the eye.
Cold War Memorial Sites
There are many memorials of the cold war victims and heroes situated in Berlin. That is why these sites are more serious and neutrally themed since it is easier for people to feel and empathize with history.
The Berlin Wall Memorial
The, most informative area is the Berlin Wall Memorial situated to the Bernauer Strasse.U Here bar sections of the old Wall are shown, documentaries on the event are displayed, and the Documentation Centre is available. The memorial is like a constant message of the separation that used to be a big issue in this city.
Stasi Museum
A visit to the Stasi Museum will briefly transport you to the evil world of the east Germany secret police, the Stasi. Former secret police headquarters; realistic propaganda documents and exhibits, narrated personal stories of the victims. It reveal the taste of the watchful society that was the essence of the live in East Germany during the Cold war.
Lost and Forgotten Stories
The main sightseeing points are very informative when it comes to the period of Cold War in Berlin, but when it comes to gems that are not overcrowded, then there are many places to see.
Teufelsberg
Teufelsberg – it literally translates to Devil’s Mountain – is an artificial hill made of the debris of the Second World War. During the Cold War, this was the location of a線 listening post，wherein the US and Britain’s intelligence services conditioned on East Berlin. It is now possible to walk through the temple area, see the Croatian Chalk inscriptions left on its walls and ceilings, and look at he city from above.
Hohenschönhausen Memorial
However, present day Berlin hosts several fascinating cells and prisons which include the Hohenschönhausen Memorial – an old Stasi prison that conducts tours through its premises by ex prisoners. This interesting tour gives an opportunity to see with own eyes how the prisoners lived and what the conditions in the prison were like based on the stories of former prisoners.
Practical Tips
Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when planning your Cold War walking tour:
Take drinks and snacks with since you will be walking for several hours and put on comfortable shoes.
One may consider a guided tour in order to receive more comprehensive information on the subjects and legends of everything seen.
Please find out the opening hours and the fees charges of each memorial site beforehand.
Take a map of the town with you if you can borrow one or have access to an app that could help you navigate in town so that you don’t omit any of the informative sites.
Spend as much time as possible trying to feel the place and, comprehending the importance of the place.
As the tour is going to take several hours so it will be better if you also wear comfortable shoes.
It is advisable to take an organized tour, for the trolley guide will not only explain the history behind the establishment, but also share stories related to the location.
Find out the operating time and entrance charges of each and every memorial before you visit it.
Better yet, plot out your route, either on a map you download or with the help of an app to avoid missing anyTourist attractions.
This means that spend ample amount of time in the area to contemplate on the importance of every place.
Conclusion
Taking a Cold War Berlin walking tour is one of the best ways and an effective way of learning the history of Berlin. Tourists get a chance to visit these historical sites and understand what went down in Germany by visiting the famous location that has been memorized all over the world such as the Berlin Wall or even visit other places which are well known but not touristic such as the relatively unknown but so significant memorial sites. Well, strapped your walking shoes and follow this tour as you learn more about the Cold War tale of Berlin that makes as much sense today as it did decades ago.
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