Do you have plans to travel to Berlin and would dream to dig deep into the city’s past? Among them, the most famous attraction is the Berlin Wall. Known for the Cold War barrier that physically and metaphorically split the city in two, the Berlin Wall has massive historic value. In this article, we will show you where to get the best view of the remains of this colossal edifice.
There is no other place in Berlin, where art interfaces with history as impressively as at the East Side Gallery.
If you are a fan of art, then the East Side Gallery is a must visit for you. This is an open-air gallery extending just under Freidrichstrasse to the remaining section of the Berlin Wall, measuring 1.3 kilometers. After the division of Germany wall fell in 1989 over 100 artists of the global were invited to transform this section into freedom and expression.
When you walk along the East Side Gallery, you will be fascinated by the paintings that match the political and social transformation of that period. There are many stunning artworks: Dmitri Vrubel’s “My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love” which revisits the infamous ‘Fraternal Kiss’ of Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker, Birgit Kinder’s ”Trabant Breaking Through the Wall”.
Checkpoint Charlie – A Historic Border Crossing
Another important place is Checkpoint Charlie, the border between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Of course, what was once a checkpoint for diplomats and soldiers, is now an indication of the harsh division that once existed in the city.
Today, one can visit Checkpoint Charlie Museum which gives a lot of information concerning dramatic tries of the Eastern Germans to escape. Innovative ways employed by people trying to transport them include enclosed automobiles and makeshift hot air balloons are depicted all over the place.
The Berlin Wall Memorial – A Place of Reflection
If you want to be a bit more philosophical than visit the Bernauer Strasse section of the Berlin Wall Memorial. It uses restored portions of the wall; an adjacent wall outdoor display; and the Wall Visitor Centre to present a view on life during the division.
Here you can see the ‘death strip ‘, which was a zone greatly armed and guarded in the past and now exists only as a symbol of the price paid to fight for freedom. The moving bend is made of information panels and audio most of which tell real stories and experience of the people affected by the wall.
Topography of Terror – Unveiling the Dark Side
Visiting the Topography of Terror museum on the site of former Gestapo and SS headquarters a Berlin Wall history lesson is provided. It tracks historical milestones involving the Nazi party, world war II and other organizations that displayed terrorisms.
The Relationships section of the exhibit also shows what life was like during the division: the Stasi effectively policed the citizens of East Germany. The museum’s outdoor display showcases remnants of the wall, giving visitors a tangible connection to the past.
Additional Tips for Your Visit
Now that you know the best places to see the Berlin Wall, here are some additional tips to make the most of your visit:
- Try to attend the program on the weekday when there are few people, especially during the morning and afternoon breaks.
- The donations received will be utilized in providing basic commodities and wearing comfortable shoes as may be needed since there will be long distance walking as a result of congestion.
- Either bring a printed map, or make sure to install a good GPS app on your phone.
- It may be advisable, to join a guide in order to understand the stories behind the wall and its importance.
In Conclusion
Quietly and rather silently, it has continued to be associated with Berlin’s long history of division and the dedication to liberty that finally caused the Wall to crumble down. By visiting these sites you are able to understand more the struggles people went through and get a sense of how strong people were. Regardless of whether you decide to visit the East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall Memorial, or the Topography of Terror – each site focuses on the history of this wall from a different angle. Depending on your level of interest, get as much time as you will need to wander and absorb as well as contemplate about the events each of these sites has to offer.
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