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

How to Uncover Berlin’s Cold War History on a Walking Tour?

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Walking Tour

Berlin is a great location for history buffs, if particularly Cold War history, as it is the perfect place to experience the rich history behind you. It’s the only place where you can trawl the Cold War for remains and landmarks. A walking tour is one of the best ways to experience this history. Therefore, how on earth, can you discover Berlin’s Cold War history on a walking tour? Let’s find out!

  1. Choose the Right Tour

When choosing a Cold War walking tour don’t just choose one because of its name; make sure it touches on the major sights and has knowledgeable guides. Ensure to look for tours covering some landmarks in Berlin such as Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and more. During the Cold War, these locations were incredibly important.

  1. Start at the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall is one of the most symbolic situations of division during the period of the Cold War and is generally used to start a cold war tour. Discover the remains of the wall and how they fit into the broader history of the building, why it fell, and how it changed the city and its people.

2.1 East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is a highlight of the Berlin Wall and the longest remaining section of the wall, covered in hundreds of amazing murals now on display as an open air gallery. Walk around, take your time, and appreciate the art, and contemplate the messages from the colourful, though thought provoking paintings.

  1. Visit Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie had been one of the principal crossing points in and out of East and West Berlin during the Cold War. It now is a popular tourist attraction. And guides will shed light on the history of this checkpoint, what was so special about it and what was attempted during the daring escape attempts that took place there.

  1. Explore the Stasi Museum

A trip to the Stasi Museum informs you to an unbreakable extent about the secrets behind the East German secret police and how they worked during the Cold War. Get to know about their operations technologies and the legacies on the life of citizens.

  1. Discover Tempelhof Airport

In 1948-1949 Tempelhof Airport was a key role during the Berlin Airlift. But it later became an important symbol of freedom during the Cold War. See the runways as you walk amongst planes crashing down amidst conflicts and tensions and learn about this historic airport.

  1. Visit Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

While it is hard to pin the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe back to the Cold War yet it stands as harrowing reminder of the atrocities perpetuated in World War II. Stop and respect, and think about what role this war played in Berlin’s subsequent division.

  1. Interact with Local Guides and Send Questions.

A good guide can make a big difference to your walking tour. Ask questions, engage with them and ask for more recommendations. Their insights and stories will make your Cold War understanding more rich and more personal.

  1. Capture the Experience

Don’t forget to record your Cold War walking tour memories. Try to get lots of pictures but make sure not to trespass upon the sites in your digital exploration. Keep in mind that places may carry more weight to locals.

On a walking tour you can choose the right tour, visit key landmarks, interact with guides, take in the surroundings and discover Berlin’s Cold War history. Step into this amazing time in Berlin’s history and come to experience the battles and glory that made Berlin who it is today.

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