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

Taking a Closer Look at the Ethics Behind Being a Berlin Tour Guide

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Original Berlin

Asthe matter is concerned with being a tourist guide in any city , ethical issues are of great importance in order to provide possibilities of the tourists and local people to get positive and responsible impressions. As many travel writers note, Berlin is one of the cities that especially need an ethically oriented tour guide due to numerous historic complexities involved. In this article we will discuss the primary ethical issues that Berlin tour guides should be aware of in order to offer enriching and culturally sensitive experience.

The role of History in the story

The first and foremost ethical concern thatBerlin freewalkingtour guide must uphold is the requirement to deliver correct historical facts. Being a city that has faced many issues in the past the facts that are presented should be aimed at being accurate and are not allowed to lean to either side. False data can lead to the continuation of myths or misleading better still romanticizing some features of history which is wrong and insensitive.

Tips for Maintaining Historical Accuracy:

Thus, tour guides ought to make an effort of finding accurate information, as well as the sources should be verified to avoid giving out wrong information. They should use academic databases or historical sources from the books or journals of experts. Secondly, tour guides should always familiarize themselves with new finding about the past and changes taking place, as they do not wish to inform visitors with wrong information.

Holocaust Tourism as a Sensitive Tourism Product

Comparing the history of Berlin with the history of World War II and the Holocaust cannot be counterr. It thus becomes very important for tour guides who come across such sites to handle the topic with a lot of delicacy. The holocaust is painful and it is crucial to meet with it responsibly bearing in mind the consequences that came out of the event.

Giving Due Respect:

Guides have to bear in mind that they are not giving a performance, they are discussing Holocaust. Sensationalism, drama or any form of irreverence towards the horrible acts is highly unethical. In their turn, the guides should deliver it with good sentiments or respect to the victims with good understanding of the incident that occurred.

Courtesy to Private Property and Members of Local Folks

Because they allow you to pass through their property, photograph it, and even use it for promotions, it is necessary to do so with respect for the local population’s privacy and safety. It needs to point out that Berlin is not only a city with impressive historical sights but also functioning urban environment. Tour guides should be in particular aware of this and should not step onto the property or make a ruckus in any residential area.

Best Practices to Respect Private Spaces:

Whenever tourists are taken on a tour to residential areas the tour guide should warn the tourists against invading the privacy of the residents. Guide should ensure that their groups do not display any litter or inconvenience the surrounding within the frac. On the same note, people should be made aware of the approved etiquette that will foster the recognition of the community’s status.

Implementing the art intervention at Sensitive Memorials

There are numerous memorials throughout the city to honor the victims of different calamities in Berlin history: the Wall or the Holocaust Memorial. These memorials arouse a lot of emotions and here ethical considerations for tour guides are especially important.

Approaching Memorials with Respect:

When people go out for the sightseeing, the tour guides should be very keen to advise them that Tourist attractions such as memorials are sections that people must honor. Talking loudly, capturing improper images of other guests, or acting funnily are not allowed. It is suggested that guides should avoid making jokes and help people recall why these memorials have been created.

Responsible Tourist Practices

Finally, tour guides are supposed to encourage appropriate behaviours among their groups of tourists. They should persuade visitors to respect the environment, avoid littering and obey laws of the country they are visiting.

Promoting Responsible Tourism:

The guides should ensure that the various clients who are tourists understand that they should avoid using private vehicles and if they have to, they should take a public transport or, if they see litter around, pick it on their own. Thus, they can also provide passerby’s with information on what they ought to do to help in preserving the environment and traditions of the region, also aid in supporting local industries and artists.

Tour guiding is a highly rewarding job in Berlin, but on the other hand, it involves such great challenges. Through understanding of the importance of historical authenticity and respect to people, places and cultures involved, by interacting with such structures and promoting sustainable and ethical tourism, tour guides can take responsibility for making sure, that everyone who visits this engaged and full of life city has a chance to participate in a MEMORABLE ethical experience.

 

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