While visiting Berlin, there’s no shortage of historical context for World War II. This city has a lot of history and if you are a tourist, you can explore it by way of many tourist attractions. This blog post will showcase some of the best WW2 sites in Berlin.

1. Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is probably the most famous attraction that represents the whole city. The gate was badly damaged in World War II, but was later restored and now serves as a reminder of the city’s violent past. Taught about the gate’s history and can look around the city from on top.

2. Reichstag Building

During World War II, the German Parliament’s home was the Reichstag Building. During the war it was badly damaged and reconstructed, and now symbolises the unification of Germany. Visitors can take guided tours of the building and, for a truly unique architectural experience, can actually access the building’s famous glass dome, and enjoy unrivalled views of Berlin.

3. Holocaust Memorial

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, or, in its official name, the Holocaust Memorial, is a powerful homage to the millions of Jews killed in the Holocaust. More than 2,700 concrete slabs, arranged in a grid pattern, create the memorial. As a somber and reflective experience, visitors can walk through the memorial and pay their respects and learn about one sad chapter of history.

4. Topography of Terror

Located on the site of the former Gestapo and SS headquarters the Topography of Terror is an outside museum detailing the atrocities of the Nazi regime. The remains of the buildings are open to visitors to explore, exhibitions are on show and there is an opportunity to delve into the Nazi regime and its crimes against humanity.

5. Checkpoint Charlie

There was a most famous East West Berlin crossing point: Checkpoint Charlie. The checkpoint became a symbol of the divided city and in World War II the checkpoint witnessed a number of historical events. The museum is a short ride away and visitors can still learn about the history of the checkpoint there, or indeed even a picture with actors playing border guards.

6. Museum Island

Museum Island isn’t exclusively World War II focused, but it does contain several museums that do talk about Berlin’s history. Archaeological artifacts, such as the well-known bust of Queen Nefertiti — spared destruction by the war — are on display in the Neues Museum, in particular. It’s worth a visit, to get a bigger picture of Berlin’s past.

Conclusion

There’s a wealth of WW2 attractions to be visited in Berlin which offer an insight into Berlin’s troubled history. Every site includes the iconic Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag building, somber Holocaust Memorial, Topography of Terror and more to help provide a unique and educational experience. These attractions provide an opportunity to explore without honoring the past, and without offering a more inclusive and realistic future beyond it.