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

Welcome to the Berlin Wall! Discovering the Former Communist Districts

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Original Berlin

Understanding Berlin’s Historical Background

This article includes plenty of information about the areas associated with this type of communism history in Berlin. Berlin is as enthusiastic unified city, but it was not always that way. Following World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones: Soviet, American, British and French, intensive. The East Germany was run by the Soviet Union, and similarly Berlin became was partitioned into East Berlin and West Berlin. However, the full information on Berlin’s former communist districts is laid down in the section below.

The Formation of East Berlin

When the Second World War ended East Berlin was made the capital of what had become the German Democratic Republic while West Berlin remained under allied control. As the Cold War progressed so did the political/ideological divide between East and West Berlin and the former became more and more the typified socialist/communist city.

Alexanderplatz: The Heart of East Berlin

Alexanderplatz in the Mitte district of East Berlin, with its neoliberal architecture, was an ideological and clearly recognisable socialist core of the city. This energetic life-squared was entitled to the Tsar Alexander 1; it encompassed monumental Soviet type of building and illustrated the might of the Can’t East Germany. It still is a famous landmark known as well as one of the main points in the districts where people converge and relax.

Karl-Marx-Allee: This is the Ultimate of Stalinist Architecture

Another large area in East Berlin is Karl-Marx-Allee. This large impressive boulevard was built as the example of the socialist architecture and was designed with large impressive buildings and promenades. The street was established as Stalinallee in the name of the Soviet statesman Joseph Stalin but in course of 1961 it was renamed Karl-Marx-Allee. Its architectural style as a matter of fact captured the GDR essence of aim at displaying their socialist outlook.

Prenzlauer Berg: The foreign viewers would have the chance to see how a lively neighborhood would look like having a commie past.

Prenzlauer Berg is one of the districts of East Berlin which faced a post war growth spurt. During communism itself area evolved into the heart of intellectuals, artists as well as the bohemians. It is currently one of Berlin’s most fashionable districts, filled with gorgeous streets, popular relaxed coffee shops, and intriguing sights.

Former place of check-point at the Bornholmer Straße

Bornholmer Straße became the central point of the fall of the Berlin Wall during those days. Indeed, it is a famous place because that is where Günter Schabowski, a senior GDR official made the statement on November 9, 1989 that the East Germans are free to travel. This historic moment was followed by the opening of the border at Bornholmer Straß which marked the death of the GDR and reunification of Germany.

Exploring Mauerpark: A Remnant of the Berlin Wall

Like the name suggests, Mauerpark is translated as “Wall Park,” and is a park in the Prenzlauer Berg district of Berlin. In a previous section of this wall was a part of the infamous Berlin Wall and has become today part of memories of the city’s painful history. The park is famous among residents and guests of the city: there is an atmospheric Sunday bazaar, colorful pitches, meaningful evenings of improvised concerts, and impressive fragments of the wall survive here.

Rummelsburg: Such places provided a view into industrial heritage and the GDR nostalgia which the people wanted.

Rummelsburg is a district in the eastern part of Berlin with the River Spree as its neighbor. The industrial complexes that dominated this area during the time of the GDR remained relevant in serving contemporary Berlin today. The S-Bahn station at Rummelsburg is built in its original GDR look which is quite a mix of the new and old.

Walking through Rummelsburg Bay and its Abandoned Factories

Rummelsburg Bay is the place that demonstrates quite contrasting aspects of industrial heritage and nature. This area’s attractions include walking along the bay, checking out the remaining parts of former factories, and visiting one of the nice cafes at the water front. The place is more in form with attractive communistic socialist Berlin views at the same time, allow escaping the noise and crowds of the metropolis.

Conclusion

For anyone who wants to learn more about the Berlin’s communism these districts offer a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. Starting with the Alexander Platz a symbol, moving to the Prenzlauer Berg with its bohemian aura, and the old industrial area of Rummelsburg each one has its own tale to tell. It is important to dedicate time for exploring the elementary historical background, architectural tenor, as well as brilliant and energetic vibes of the former communist regions. The historical events of Berlin today give it the New World flavor that integrates with the rich cultural background of Berlin 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