Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free

Who was Alexander von Humboldt and how did he shape Berlin, Germany?

by | Mar 7, 2024 | Walking Tour

Alexander von Humboldt was a famous German scientist who is classed today as naturalist, explorer and geographer. He was born in 1769 and although he worked in Berlin, Germany his work is still significant today. We will now see how this incredible person impacted the city and the contributions they made.

Early Life and Education

Alexander von Humboldt citizen of Prussia from a recognized wealthy family received his academic education. He began with natural sciences, botany and geology at the University of Göttingen, and his further education in Berlin.

Scientific Explorations and Discoveries

One of larger accomplishments of Humboldt was his voyage across the Americas that lasted from 1799 to 1804. In this trip he documented and made extensive study of all flora, fauna and geology of the region. The discoveries he made were focused on development of modern scientific fields including biogeography and meteorology.

Publications and Influence

Humboldt made scientific reports of his journeys in his work “Voyage aux régions équinoxiales du Nouveau Continent” in several volumes translated as “Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of the New Continent”. This strictly academic tome received a great deal of interest and placed von Humboldt on the map of science.

It is a fact that the impact of his work proliferated in every field out of the scientific domain. Ayer, uso de ideas como un pináculo en el pensamiento científico, de Humboldt’s writings charles darwin also studied on them and shaped the research methodologies for the subsequent generations. He stressed on integration of the whole concept of Nature and the fact that ecosystems should be studied as a single entity which did not go well with other trappers during the time.

Impact on Berlin

Alexander von Humboldt’s influence on Berlin can be observed in various aspects:

The Establishment of Scientific Institutions

In particular, it should be pointed out that Von Humboldt contributed a lot to the creation of the University of Berlin. This institution was converted to research and teaching institution and people involved in scientific research all across the world. Today, the university is named as Humboldt University , in his honor.

The Humboldt Forum

The recently opened Humboldt Forum in Berlin is a cultural institution and a landmark in the heart of the city that was the Berlin Palace, dedicated to the life and achievements of Alexander von Humboldt and his brother, Wilhelm. Obviously, it became a place for exhibitions and events and, also for scholars of different disciplines, which is also a reflection of the brothers’ multicultural and interdisciplinary ideas.

The Legacy of Environmental Conservation

Thus, the thoughts about interdependence being provided by the German scientist Friedrich Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt set a basis for the later developed conservation movements. Consistent with Humboldtian principles, Berlin has developed a number of environmental programmes and eco-friendly policies typical of the capital city of Germany.

Conclusion

Alexander von Humboldt is one of the most celebrated German scientists as well as the influence that the city of Berlin Germany has on science. Explorations, publications and commitment to interdisciplinarity contributed to today’s itself knowledge of the nature. Today, many of his contributions to science are incorporated into various scientific facilities found in Berlin, cultural buildings and practices and commitment to environmental sustainability.

Thank you for reading. If you're inspired by the stories of Berlin and want to delve deeper, why not join us on our Free Berlin Walking Tour? It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

  • 3.5 hours walking tour
  • Berlin’s major highlights
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Reichstag and Berlin Wall
  • Historical sites

Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free