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

The Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Original Berlin

The Berlin Wall was a globally significant structure that divided the city of Berlin from 1961 to 1989. It was much more than just a physical barrier; it represented the division between the East and West during the Cold War. Let’s explore the history of the Berlin Wall and understand how long it stood.

The Construction of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall broke was conducted on August 13, 1961, by the Government of the German Democratic Republic popularly known as East Germany. It was constructed to prevent the East Berliners from fleeing into West Berlin, which was controlled by the Federal Republic of Germany or West Germany. The wall was of concrete segments, barbed wired and watch towers having an elaborate system of trenches, barriers and pitfalls.

Life of thousands of people changed dramatically after the construction of the Berlin Wall. People were no longer free to go to other people’s houses and can also not visit or call their loved ones easily. The wall signified political enmity as well as social apartheid during the prelude of with Cold war.

Life under the Berlin Wall

It was not easy to live under the that of the Berlin Wall. The people of east Berlin had much fewer rights and much less freedom as compared to the people of West Berlin. They had to obtain special permits if they wanted to be inside the western sides of the city either for visiting or working. Any attempt to over power the wall was akin to committing a crime, one would be imprisoned or even killed.

SP Still, numerous East Berliners tried to cross the border in a stunt. Some employed tunnels others crossed into different border belts, while others even used hot air balloons flying to freedom on the other side.

The Fall of the Berlin Wall

They divide the capitalist Western world and the communist Eastern world; it was physically embodied by the Berlin Wall. But with the decline of the Cold War in the late 1980’s the use of the wall became a new symbol. There was a massive form of protest across East Germany in a bid to push for political change and people’s freedom of movement.

November 9, 1989: A Turning Point

Many of you will remember that on the evening of November 9 in 1989 something happened that no one had expected: the East German government made an announcement. It proclaimed that the travel restrictions were removed, people of Germany could move across the Berlin Wall. Tens of Thousands of east Berliners gathered around the wall, embraced with west Berliners in joy and history of families and friends reunification.

Both sides of the people scaled the wall with slogans and jubilation singing freedom from oppression and repression. It was the end of one Germany, the start of another and the unification of the two.

The Berlin Wall existed for 28 years.

The Berlin Wall was erected for a length of 28 years, 2 months and 27 days. It was constructed in August, 13 1961 and razed down brick by brick starting on November 9, 1989. The breakdown of the Berlin Wall became the start of the reunification in Germany as well as the ending of the Cold war.

Legacy and Remembrance

The Berlin Wall is a popular sign of separation, repression, freedom, and finally victory. Mortar remains of it have been found in various parts of the globe and help people to recall the spirit of the struggling through the darkness.

Currently, what is famously known as the Berlin Wall has transformed to be one of the most famous tourisms sites from all over the world. Museums, memorials and art installations are worth it to continue for their capacity to present the effects the wall had to the general populace and the lessons the next generations should learn from the existence of wall.

In Conclusion

The following is one: The Berlin Wall, which gave the symbol of the Cold War and became a testimony to the divisions it originated. The building changed the lives of the people in Berlin and influenced the geopolitics of the state during its construction and when it collapsed. Even though everybody who lived in its shadow experienced difficulties and sorrow, the Berlin Wall is one of the best symbols of people’s strength and the victory of freedom all around the word.

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