Are you a History enthusiast or going to visit Berlin? If so, visiting the remnant of the Berlin Wall has to be done. This was a time when the wall divided West and East Berlin during the Cold War. But can you visit it? We want to tell you how you could experience this famous landmark.
Grasping the Background of the Berlin Wall
Before diving into this question of how I visited the Berlin Wall, it is important to know its historical background. In 1961, the Berlin Wall was built to separate families, friends, a nation, East and West Berlin. The construction was geared towards preventing East Berliners from fleeing into the democratic West. This concrete barrier remained a symbol of the Cold War division for almost three decades.
Exploring Berlin Wall Remnants
Although the Berlin Wall is one big pile of rubble the remnants and the history of its existence can be visit here.
1. East Side Gallery
It is the East Side Gallery, the largest remaining section of Berlin Wall, which has become an outdoor art gallery. It stretches for 1.3 kilometers and is home to 100 or so murals painted by artists all around the world. Now the East Side Gallery is open to the public and so visitors can still take a stroll and admire the powerful artwork.
2. Berlin Wall Memorial
There is a more comprehensive experience at Berlin Wall Memorial, situtated near Bernauer Strasse. The Channel brings you the preserved sections of the wall, the guard tower and the former subway stations, which were closed due to the division, during which you can explore. A history of the wall is also documented in the memorial with an exhibition.
3. Checkpoint Charlie
During the Cold War, the crossing point between East and West Berlin was one of those that was Checkpoint Charlie. The original checkpoint booth, which is now in a museum, can still be visited to see that historical significance. You don’t want to fail to see outdoor exhibition that explains all escape stories and the extent of attempts made by people to cross the border.
Visiting the Berlin Wall Museum
Also known as the ‘Mauermuseum,’ the Berlin Wall Museum gives an insight into the story of how the Berlin wall came to be. An extraordinary escape attempts and people who lived through the division can be seen in Checkpoint Charlie on this museum. It is highly recommended to visit the Berlin Wall Museum and get a better sense of what this wall had meant.
Visiting Tips
If possible, don’t plan your visit on weekends or spending hours in the palace.
You will be walking a fair amount so choose comfortable shoes.
It is worth a visit, but a guided tour would offer greater insights in the history.
Pack your camera to snap many powerful and thought provoking artwork at the East Side Gallery.
Show respect to the historical significance of the site and the solemnity that it is considered to be.
In Conclusion
You are indeed allowed to visit and experience Berlin Wall. The wall itself has been dismantled, however, the few remains and sites of historical significance remain. Whether using paddle boats on the Spree or admiring the East Side Gallery, the Berlin Wall Memorial and the Berlin Wall Museum there are good places to learn more about this monument to the divided world. Therefore, do not lose the opportunity to enjoy visiting the Berlin Wall story during your visit to this great city.
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