Travel

Uncover a Fascinating History in Berlin

After the collapse of the Nazi party and the Third Reich, Berlin was divided between the Western allies (Britain, America and France) and the USSR. Partitioned by the Berlin Wall, or Iron Curtain, the two halves of the city drifted in very different directions. Preserved remains of the wall, which was designed to prevent people escaping from East Berlin to West Berlin, are best seen in the district of Kreuzberg. Checkpoint Charlie was a well-known border crossing and is now marked in the street with a line of cobblestones. But the nearby Checkpoint Charlie Museum houses exhibitions on the various escape attempts across the border. In this small apartment, escape plans were formulated, including the use of hot air balloons, cars, submarines and chairlifts. Though, it also serves to remember all those who died whilst trying to flee Eastern Germany.

To finish this turbulent journey through German history, take a visit to the Stasi Prison. With tours guided by former prisoners, one cannot get a more personal account of life inside a Soviet camp. Arrested for offering resistance or trying to flee the country, inmates were held in tiny cells and tortured for confessions. Coupled with the same bleached smell from 50 years ago and the stories from the guides, it all becomes a little too real. Tours may also be taken of underground Berlin, where Nazi bunkers, Cold War bunkers, and attempts by the USSR to prevent escape via sewerage tunnels and the subways can all be accessed. Just don’t forget a jumper!

Berlin is a city of fantastic nightlife, bars, theatres and great shops. But it’s easy to miss the true experience of this city while on a long weekend bender. Everything in some way holds a tale of Nazi control, total war or Stasi suppression. Reminders are everywhere if one just looks. Berlin, over the past 100 years, has come to represent war, occupation, division and control. But now, it symbolise acceptance as people begin to unearth the past. The Brandenburg gates are wide open for all to freely explore this tumultuous history of Berlin.

Pages: 1 2

Click to comment
To Top