Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free

Discovering the Berlin Wall: Tracing Germany’s Historic Division

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Original Berlin

The Iconic Berlin Wall

When discussing major historical events, few can match the impact and significance of the Berlin Wall. Erected in 1961, this barrier physically separated the city of Berlin for 28 years, symbolizing the division between East and West Germany during the Cold War. While the Berlin Wall is no longer standing, the remnants and historical significance can still be traced on a map today.

Exploring the Former Wall’s Path

For one to make a trip to explore the path where Berlin Wall was there before it was brought down one need to know how it was located in the city. Stretching roughly 155 kilometers in length, it snaked through the centre of Berlin, dividing houses, roads, streets and even buildings. While this structure was demolished in year 1989, some landmark still show where this marvelous structure once stood.

  1. East Side Gallery

The best-known part of the Berlin Wall that survived to present day is the East Side Gallery. It sits along the Mühlenstraße in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and measures 1.3 kilometers, where graffiti and murals painted by artists from different parts of the world can be seen. This section has been turned into a path where people can tour with walking while marveling at artwork lovers can also enjoy the artistry of the remaining Berlin Wall section with history.

  1. Checkpoint Charlie Museum

Charlie is one of the most famous cross-sections of the Cu, which was located in Berlin-Mitte. Today, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum displays a number of check points, photographs and histories relating to the Berlin Wall. Virtual experiences are informative about the lifestyle of the affected people and the amazing attempts at fleeing during the division. The Berlin Wall is well documented and anybody with the slightest interest in the separation of Germany and this relic should book for a tour in this museum.

Going to the site of the division in Germany

Therefore, the only way to get real feel for the scope and significance of the Berlin Wall is to visit the Berlin Wall Memorial. Located on Bernauer Straße this memorial complex therefore has an outdoor and indoor section that the division can be explored in detail. They can wander around preserved parts of the wall; this site offers them the memorial Chapel building; the documentation center educates visitors on how and why the wall was being built. Attending one is an eye opener that serves to make a positive impact for a long time.

The encounter of walking along the former death strip(Dense 8)

Next to the Berlin Wall, the Death Strip was used as the lethal “border zone” during the Cold War. At the present time the territory is occupied by parks, avenues, pedestrian zones and the Memorials. Other landmarks present at the previous Death Strip are the Mauerpark, home to Sunday flea market and outdoor karaoke and The Berlin Wall Trail which takes one along the original path of the wall with information provided in form of texts found at every point on the trail.

Navigating alongside Maps and Apps to explore the Line of the Wall

To get the detailed visual of where it stands in history, there are many online tools that can be used or applications for a mobile device. Among such sources, one can mention the official web-site of the Berlin Wall Memorial, where the visitors will find an exact map of the wall with outlined points of interest and memorial places. Furthermore, many well-known mapping applications, such as Google Maps providing descriptions and historical facts about some parts of the wall and its course, people can study the wall from home.

Conclusion

While the Berlin Wall may no longer physically exist, its impact and historical significance continue to resonate around the world. Tracing the path of the wall on a map and visiting its remnants, museums, and memorials offers a profound understanding of this era in history. Exploring the former division of Berlin not only educates but also provides a unique and eye-opening experience that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Thank you for reading. If you're inspired by the stories of Berlin and want to delve deeper, why not join us on our Free Berlin Walking Tour? It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • 3.5 hours walking tour
  • Berlin’s major highlights
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Reichstag and Berlin Wall
  • Historical sites

Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free