Berlin has been a city of war, destruction, division, and chaos. With that said, many have steered clear of the city. However, despite all the divides, despite all of the devastating air raids and black eyes to its history, the city is much more than a place of mourning. Today, travelers will find a thriving German capital, filled with the top museums, galleries, operas, churches, shopping venues and all around culture in Germany.
Berlin rises in northeastern Germany. The city is not only the country’s capital, but also the largest city. Covering the entirety of Berlin is surely a feat, a feat many are starting to conquer today. Strapping on those hiking boots, sandals, tennis shoes, or heels, Berlin is sure to supply an abundance of attractions to wear down those soles.
Berlin is a relatively new city, unified into one town in 1307. Many recall the city’s more current histories. The National Socialists took over in 1933, bringing the atrocious beginning of the persecution of many. Once World War II ended and American and Soviet conflict heightened, the city would be divided into sections by the notorious Berlin Wall in 1961. It would not be until 1989 that the wall was torn down and Berlin became a great deal more open and less separated.
Berlin crowds with some of the most extensive and remarkable museums in Europe. While many pay tribute to the harder times on the city and the lives lost, Berlin does not shy away for extraordinary art and architectural work. No man may be an island, but a museum certainly can be in Berlin. Berlin holds Museumsinsel, in other words, Museum Island. It houses five important museums all on an island on River Spree. Travelers can stop at the Altes Museum, containing sculpture exhibitions and collections from the ancients. The Alte Nationalgaleria displays paintings and sculptures from famed 19th century artists. Other equally visited and popular museums make up this island including the Neuesmuseum and Peramonmuseum.
Just because Berlin may seem like a new city does not mean the city is short of fairytale palaces and tales as old as time. The largest palace in all of Berlin adorns in classic baroque architecture. Schloss Charlottenburg was constructed in 1695 for Sophie Charlotte as her summer residence. Tour goers can roam the park grounds, view the palace theater, or walk with fragility in the Porcelain room.
Shoppers may want to hide their credit cards before embarking on a walk through Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz. The area has become a key symbol and attraction of New Berlin, housing a variety of restaurants, shopping venues, theaters, and cinemas. Once the historic Berlin Wall fell, Potsdamer Platz became one of the biggest building sites in all of Europe. By 1998 it was completed and today visitors can go shop and food happy here.
After a stop and culture a-thon through Potsdamer Platz, travelers may need to relax and view Berlin’s more serene elements. Gendarmenmarkt may be busy with people and action, but the square still maintains a calm in the large city. It has been called one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, holding several inspiring churches. The German Cathedral, French Cathedral and Konzerthaus all have the best view of this remarkable square. It even boasts a rich history, laid out officially beginning in 1688.
Rather than sinking into destruction and war, Berlin decided to embrace its battle wounds. The Kaiser-Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche may be the best example of this. What is known as the Memorial Church carries Berlin’s heart on its steeple. It was built in 1891, but was destroyed in an air raid in 1943. Rather than rebuilding, Berlin decided to make the ruins a part of a new building. The end result is a monument to reconciliation and peace, highlighting Berlin’s deep desire to rebuild after war.
The list rambles on of attractions in Berlin. The Reichstag, the seat of German federal government, and Brandenburger Tor, the only remaining city gate, have become big draws for travelers in Germany. From those traces of the Berlin Wall to the town’s oldest edifice, Zitadelle hailing from the Renaissance, Berlin beams with excitement at what it has become and what it has survived.
