Do you love history and/or are interested in the development of transportation? Germany’s capital city, Berlin, houses a variety of historic trains and stations yet to be discovered to anyone with a love for excitement. Take a walk through the city and immerse yourself in the history of Berlins transport system. Here you will be introduced to some of the largest train stations, and learn the main points of historical schemes around them.
The Iconic Hauptbahnhof: Where Tradition Meets Modernity
The Hauptbahnhof also known as the main railway station is a classic example of both historical and contemporary structures. It was established in 2006 to take the role of the former Lehrter Bahnhof which was largely destroyed by the Second World War. Before reaching the Hauptbahnhof what you should see is an impressive architectural glass-domed structure and a large entrance hall for national and international tourists.
Inside it offers the opportunity to visit shops, cafes and restaurants. The observation platform offers the views of Berlin, or one can just take a walk through the platforms to observe the train passengers movement. The historical part has been well preserved and integrated in spectacular and aesthetic ways with the concept of the modern architecture.
Top Tip:
If you want to see some of the historical trains of Berlin in operation then you could board the S-Bahn starting from Hauptbahnhof to Friedrichstrasse. Most of the older models of the trains can still be seen in operation in this line so you get to see how transport was in some decades past.
The Majestic Ostbahnhof: A Portal to the East
Once opened in 1842, Ostbahnhof or the East Station served a great purpose of connecting Berlin with countries in the east of Europe. This station during the Cold War was used as the key transit station between East and West Germany. Today, it is one of the monuments explaining Berlin’s unification and one of the major transport interchanges.
Pretend a little whilst you marvel at the vastness of the Ostbahnhof with large arched entrance and beautiful trappings. There are many stores, cafes, restaurants, and you could meet various topics associated with culture and traditions. Here you also do not lose if you will visit East Side Gallery – the Berlin Wall painted with bright murals or graffiti.
Pro Tip:
That’s for curing historically-based feelings If you like to tour on a RegionalExpress (RE), from Ostbahnhof through the city of Kostrzyn nad Odrą. The following route for this scenic trip will lead you through crossing the border into Poland all along of experiencing picturesque views.
The Quaint Charlottenburg Station: A Glimpse into the Past
Catering the beautiful and affluent Charlottenburg area this delightful station give an impression of the early 1900s. The station opened in 1882 and has been expanded and refurbished several times over the years, thus it maintains many of its early scenic features best. The station has a rather beautiful look of the building’s exterior with unique brickwork and additional ornaments.
Though nowadays Charlottenburg Station does not host long distance trains, it still plays the significant role of local rail terminal. Such different training and preparation, to get inside and see the mix of historical buildings and today practice infrastructure. Spend some time at one of the close cafes and just sip coffee while observing the calm and quietness of the area.
Expert Tip:
Continue the tour with Charlottenburg station and move 15 minutes on foot from it to Schloss Charlottenburg – the magnificent Baroque palace with beautiful parks acquired around. It’s high time to unite two passions: historical trains and the cultural program dedicated to Berlin.
Use Your Walking Tour to Discover Some Great Places
However, the above described stations give rather wonderful view at the mass transport development in Berlin, do not restrict yourself to the above described objects only. Leave the tourists behind and go off the main sightseeing areas and find some of the gems like the Oranienburger Straße station that was one of Berlin’s first elevating stations.
It might be useful to download the map or take a historical tour in order not to lose sights of the top historical trains and stations of Berlin. Don’t miss out on history engraved on informative plaques located in its walls or beautiful and complex architecture which depicts its long story of transportation development.
Final Thoughts
German dealing with the old-fashioned trains and stations are not only interesting but really educational when it comes to exploring the city’s history. Thus, starting from the Hauptbahnhof and finishing in the colourful Charlottenburg Station every location is unique in its way. For the history lovers, transport fanatics and every resident and guest eager to learn more about the city’s history and the evolution of the transportation – this walking tour will open many doors to understanding Berlin better. Therefore, put on your comfortable pair of shoes, and let us take you for a historical tour around Berlin.
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