Walking the Berlin Wall by following the bricks

More than two decades after the wall that divided East from West Berlin suddenly fell in 1989, walking the Berlin Wall and its remains are a haunting reminder of an era that is as frightening as it is unbelievable. There are museums and memorials everywhere you turn in a now vibrant yet still rebuilding city. And, being a major tourist draw to Berlin, they are also relatively thronged with sightseers. But you have to put all that aside (especially those who are adverse to crowds or alleged tourist sights) and you have to go see it. All of it. And more. Then go back. Again. You literally can’t soak it all in at once or on one day.
The Gedenkstaette Mauer on Bernauerstrasse (U-Bahn train to Bernauerstrasse Station or the S-Bahn to Nordbahnhof Station) shows the development of a section of wall that literally sliced a neighborhood savagely in two, separating families, lovers and church parishes. You can walk a superbly done memorial to the wall that extends for blocks, reading about the history, gaping in awe at the remaining watchtower and sections of the wall, the cemetery that was dug up, the church that was torn down, the path of underground escape tunnels … all in an attempt to keep the then-East Berliners from trying to flee or even thinking about what was on the other side of the wall.
Join a Berlin Guided Tour
HITT me with quick facts and travel tips
Need a place to stay in Berlin? We recommend using Booking.com for the best selection and lowest rates.
Research your visit to Berlin by looking at all the articles and recommendations we have made from personal experience here.
Here are several guidebooks on Berlin we recommend: Lonely Planet Berlin (Travel Guide); Rick Steves Berlin; and DK Eyewitness Guide to Berlin.
Be prepared for anything. Even in Berlin, things change and anything can happen. Don’t leave home without the right travel insurance. We recommend Global Rescue for emergency evacution coverage and advice and World Nomads for travel insurance. Get a travel insurance quote here.
Therese Iknoian
Latest posts by Therese Iknoian
- Understanding German Christmas market drinks – a short guide - December 2, 2019
- How to pick the best airplane seat for any flight - November 28, 2019
- Charbroiled Oysters Recipe from the Louisiana Oyster Trail - November 21, 2019