Berlin Travel Information

Berlin Information

Berlin is the thriving, modern capital of Germany which has emerged from the pages of a tumultuous history like a phoenix from the ashes.

With a population today of around 4.5 million, Berlin for most of the last century sat astride the two halves of a divided Germany. The city itself was divided by the infamous Berlin Wall that divided the democratic West and the communist east.

The re-unification of Germany took place in 1990, an event which was strongly associated with the tearing down of the Berlin wall. The tower that once held a guard to prevent cross over from east to west is now a museum and very little remains of the Berlin Wall today.

What emerged from the reunification is a modern and thriving European capital, well known for it's enthusiastic embrace of art, music, multimedia, fashion and culture. In particular the nightlife and dance parties are famous and attract visitors from around the world.

Berlin is a very multicultural city and this has been the case even from it's earliest days in the 13th century where the early population was made up of a mixture of Slavic and Germanic peoples. In the centuries following Berlin became a haven for asylum seekers from France and elsewhere. This tradition continued following the fall of the Berlin wall when large numbers of young and idealistic Europeans settled in Berlin due to the low cost of living in eastern part of the town. This flavour of youth, multiculturalism and tolerance have carried through to today to create an energy that is open, safe, fun and edgy.

Although young by European standards the city still has plenty to see, and getting around by public transport is easy (although a good map is highly recommended as it is a huge place). There are several historic churches which, although not as old as many around Europe, are impressive none the less. Many modern landmarks give Berlin a flavour that is sometimes absent in other European capitals. Don't miss the Berliner Fernsehturm, near Alexanderplatz, which is the tallest tower in Germany and has a rotating section at the top. Also the German Parliament Building with it's impressive enormous glass dome is well worth a visit.

There are a large number of high quality museums with some dedicated to the more modern history of the capital, including a monument dedicated to the murdered Jews of Europe. Remnants of the Berlin Wall are still standing in some parts of the city and one section hosts a moving memorial to those who died crossing the divide.

On a more positive note the city is liberally sprinkled with private art galleries of all types as well as plentiful venues for theatre, cinema and music, as well as hosting several annual parades and festivals.

Berlin is a truly unique city, it hums with a frenetic energy but without the associated chaos which taints many other cities of similar size, it's easy to get around, cheap to eat and stay and is fascinating on many levels. Berlin should be near the top of the agenda for any visit to central Europe.