Did you know that Berlin Germany has more than 140 Museums? Did
you further know that this city has more than 1,400 bridges, and
besides all that more than 100 additional places of interest?
Read on to discover. With about 3,400,000 inhabitants, Berlin is
the largest City in Germany. It is 38 kilometres long and 45
kilometres wide. Consider that Berlin has a lot of suburbs and
districts. As you know, the city was divided in its history. You
will still recognize that there is/was East-Berlin and
West-Berlin so it has a "City East" and a "City West".
Arrival is possible with four different options.
1. By aircraft – Berlin has three airports.
2. By train – it’s a junction of the German Rail Network.
Example, the station "Bahnhof Zoo" is located within Belin Mitte
(City East), thus you have "instant access" to a lot of sights
and pubs.
3. By Car – All motorways to Berlin lead to the "Berliner
Ring". From there you can get to the inner city on various
access roads.
4. By Bus – it’s a well-priced and comfortable way to
travel to this (or any other) city. The "Zentraler
Omnibusbahnhof" (ZOB – Central Bus Station) is situated near the
Exhibition Centre (ICC), in Charlottenburg, City West. From
there, you have connections to over 350 destinations in Germany
and Europe!
Now, shall we get started? Okay, c'mon, take my hand, let's go
sightseeing! :-)
Reichstag
The Reichstag was constructed from 1884–94 by Paul Wallot, is
the seat of the German Bundestag or federal government and, with
its new transparent dome, one of the biggest crowd-draws in
Berlin. Its colorful past reflects the turbulence of German
history since the 19th century. From 1994–99, the Reichstag was
reconstructed and extended by the Architect Sir Norman Forster.
He decided to add an accessible transparent dome, inwhich you
can walk through and "participate" and view how political
decisions are made. One says, "We (the government) want to show
that we have nothing to hide". Go to http://
www.smart-travel-germany.com/berlin.html for further
information on this monumental building.
Friedrichstrasse
This is the most legendary street in the whole city. It combines
the architecture of the New Berlin with the tradition of the
"Golden Twenties". In the Twenties, the 3.5 km long street was
the location for pleasure palaces, cafés, theatres and variety
theatres such as the famous "Wintergarten". After the division
of the city, the Wall also cut through this street. The world
famous Checkpoint Charlie was located at the border of the
districts of Kreuzberg and Mitte and thus at the border of East
and West Berlin. Not only visitors but also the employees from
the new, chic offices, agencies and media centres all enjoy the
urban spirit and New York flair of the new Friedrichstrasse.
Checkpoint Charlie
>From 1961 to 1990, Checkpoint Charlie was the only border
crossing point for the Allies, foreigners, employees of the
Permanent Representation, and officials of the GDR. And it was
the place where Soviet and American tanks stood face to face.
Today, the checkpoint is commemorated by a border sign and a
soldier’s post.
Stuck for a moment, the second part arrives soon :-) Then you
can go on with your Berlin Sightseeing Tour. In it we will go to
places like the Alexanderplatz, the Brandenburg Gate, and the
Museum’s Island.
Kind regards,
Marcus Hochstadt
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