If you plan to come to Berlin for a trip, here is advice on how to most out of your visit. There is no need to look for it. With their rich past and culturally and historically important locations, these locations are best visited on foot. In this blog we will take you on a walking tour through Berlin’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explain their importance and give you tips to make your visit even better.
What are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Let’s first understand what UNESCO World Heritage Sites are, before before we dive into the walking tour. Both of these sites are included with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for their outstanding universal value to humanity. Natural, cultural, or historically significant places, they can be natural wonders, cultural landmarks or historically significant places. There are several of these fantastic sites in Berlin.
Checkpoint Charlie
During the Cold War Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous border crossing between East and West Berlin. It represents the splitting between the Soviet and Western worlds. chkThe spot where diplomats and military personnel passed through when they visited Checkpoint Charlie affords you a better feeling of just how tense the city was.
Museum Island
The heart of Berlin is Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to five world famous museums. Other museums included Pergamon Museum, Neues Museum, Bode Museum, Altes Museum and Alte Nationalgalerie. Even the island’s architecture is worth staring at – all the buildings blend together, each having a different style. I recommend taking your time and explore the world class art, artifacts and archaeological treasures that are in these museums.
Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin
The Potsdam and Berlin palaces and parks are simply a must when walking around Berlin or Potsdam. Sanssouci Palace, near Potsdam, is sometimes dismissed as the Versailles of Germany. They have magnificent gardens to do a leisurely stroll. When travelling to Berlin, you must see the Charlottenburg Palace and Tiergarten, a vast city centre park. These locations are the refuge from the bedlam of the city and acquaints us at the same time with the record of royal life through the centuries.
Berlin Modernism Housing Estates
Located in the Berlin Modernism Housing Estates are six housing estates that represent a unique style of architecture that was popular at the beginning of the 20th century. Ordered by the need for social housing, these estates were a response, and a key development in, modern urban planning. Marvel at the Hansaviertel and Britz estates, and continue your exploration of the Hansaviertel estates, and others, and discover the innovative designs and concepts the estates were founded upon.
Conclusion
A great way to explore Berlin’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites is on foot, and its history and culture. Each of the site has a story to tell and a special experience to give, from the Museum Island and palaces and parks of Potsdam and Berlin, to the Berlin Modernism Housing Estates from Checkpoint Charlie. Use the information in this article to create your own itinerary or consider taking a guided walking tour. Make sure to bring a camera, wear comfortable shoes, and give your self plenty of time to be truly amazed by the colorful mix of humanity you’ll find in this vibrant city.
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