Is it Possible to Walk Around the Berlin Wall?

The Berlin Wall, one of the most iconic symbols of the Cold War era, spanned for a length of approximately 155 kilometers and divided the city of Berlin into two separate parts: East and West Berlin. While the wall served as a physical barrier between the East and West, it also generated curiosity and intrigue among visitors, sparking the question: I could walk around the Berlin Wall. We shall examine this question in detail.

The Construction and Purpose of the Berlin Wall

Before we answer whether or not we could walk around the Berlin Wall, we should know why it was built in the first place. This was the German Democratic Republic (GDR) built the Berlin Wall in 1961. It was mainly designed to stop East Berliners from going West, to freedom and prosperity to the already more politically and economically liberated West Berlin.

The Different Segments of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall consisted of what varied, each segment with its own special characteristics and access. Here are three significant segments:

1. The Wall in the City Center

The Berlin Wall was mainly done of large concrete slabs in the city center, with a ‘death strip’ in-between the two. For anyone to walk around the wall directly was impossible and this area was heavily fortified, patrolled.

2. East Side Gallery

On the East Side Gallery, along the Spree River, the entire Berlin Wall from Mühlenstrasse to Bernauer Strasse becomes an open air gallery in which murals have been painted on a section that is still standing. This stretch is a great place for people from all around the world to come, to walk along and see the artwork that different artists have made together. And so it is thus possible to walk through this part of the Berlin wall and partake the historical importance from art.

3. Mauerpark

Another walking opportunity along part of the Berlin Wall is Mauerpark. Once part of the ‘death strip’ this park has been transformed into a vibrant public space. The remaining parts of wall can be walked around and there are even flea markets and outdoor concerts.

Tips for Exploring the Berlin Wall

Here are a few tips to enhance your experience when walking around the Berlin Wall:

• The artwork can be fully appreciated during daylight hours at the East Side Gallery.
• Capture the vibrant murals and their unique historical sites with a camera.
• Although the flea markets and live music performances at the Mauerpark are going on at all times of the day, plan your visit there on a Sunday.
• And here’s one: if you want to lean more about the history and reason of the Berlin Wall, think about taking a guided tour.

In Conclusion

Despite its highly fortified sections, it was not possible to walk progressively around the entire Berlin Wall, but parts could be seen at East Side Gallery and Mauerpark. Also, they should remember to respect the historical wall; let the wall teach them of the divided history of Berlin.