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Touring the Second World War Sites in Berlin

by | Mar 7, 2024 | World War Tour Berlin

The history buff in you is planning for a visit to Berlin, Germany and there will be so much affected by the Second World War that you may find yourself being subsumed in the very city. And from the iconic to the more hidden away, Berlin has many locations for you to explore and learn about this legendary period. In this blog post we will show you some Second World War sites in Berlin and how to enjoy them as much as possible.

1. The Reichstag Building

It was a strong building; the Reichstag building, which held so many important events during the war. This massive structure was the German Parliament’s meeting place and was badly damaged toward war’s end. After reunification of Germany it was fully rebuilt and came to function as the seat of the Bundestag, the German federal parliament. The glass dome highlights and is a great place for visitors to get panoramic views of Berlin.

2. The Holocaust Memorial

As it nears the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial is a solemn and powerful memorial to the million or so Jews who perished in the war. The memorial consists of a grid of 2,711 concrete blocks. The blocks grow higher, as you walk in the memorial, making an unpleasant and confusing atmosphere. The reminder of the atrocities during the Holocaust it gives is powerful.

3. Topography of Terror

An outdoor and indoors museum, the Topography of Terror is built on the former site of the Gestapo and SS Headquarters. It is a good introduction to the Nazi regime at large and its propaganda machine, as well as its methods of control, which were exceptionally brutal. While it shows photographs, documents and other artifacts about this time, the museum describes crimes that took place and resistance that was developed. There are guided tours available to delve a little deeper into the site’s history.

4. Sachsenhausen Camp

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp is a short trip from Berlin and has a haunting experience as you walk the remains of one of the most famous Nazi concentration camp. It gives an overview of what daily life in prison was like and what atrocities they were subjected too. There are guided tours led by knowledgeable guides who add historical context, and personal stories. And so it’s a deeply emotional, educational visit, a reflection on, a visceral reminder of the horrifying of what the war did.

5. Checkpoint Charlie

There is, of course, Checkpoint Charlie, the major passage point between East and West Berlin. Initially it was a point of division during the Cold War, the separation between communism and capitalism. A replica of the original guardhouse is a reminder of the city’s tempestuous past, and is standing today. Displays contain information showing what happened to those who tried to cross that checkpoint.

6. Luftwaffe Museum

If you’re interested in seeing Germany’s air force during its war time history, then the Luftwaffe museum is an opportunity you do not want to miss. Its vast aircraft collection includes bombers, fighters and transport planes. Besides geographical value, it allows the visitor to learn about the Luftwaffe’s innovation and tactics, and the effect that air warfare had on the shape of the war.

7. Berlin Wall Memorial

The Berlin Wall Memorial might not directly be connected with the Second World War, but to understand the division and tension and tension of the post war Berlin it provides some value. Preserved sections of the wall are included in the memorial, along with informative exhibits that examine how the wall has influenced individuals, and even entire communities. It is a beautiful reminder, a powerful reminder, of the consequences of war, the value of unity and community.

Conclusion

Berlin’s own rich history can be an enthralling opportunity to ‘go behind the headlines’ to the events and consequences of the Second World War. From information rich museums to memorials and iconic landmarks, each of these sites offer a different angle to an already defining point in history. To enjoy these sites fully as you plan your visit, allow plenty of time and check with the site to see if you can join guided tours if you like an even more immersive experience. Berlin’s Second World War sites are as marvellous and educational as they are for the journey through the darkest chapter of human history.

Touring the Second World War Sites in Berlin