The history of the Berlin Wall, the Cold War bastion that stood between the German capital of East and West, is hard to dismiss. A tour under the Berlin Wall is such an incredible experience if you’re visiting Berlin and want to explore the remnants and stories behind the wall. To start, we will give you an overview of visiting under the Berlin Wall including the history of the Wall, and where things went wrong, the sites to see while there, and then tips to maximize your time seeing it from a practical perspective.

1. Understanding the History

Built in 1961, the Berlin Wall was constructed to prevent East Berlin (under Soviet control), from coming together with West Berlin (under Western control). The purpose was to stem the huge population drain from East to West Germany. It remained a cultural and physical barrier until it quietly came down in 1989, bringing an end to the Cold War.

Visiting the Berlin Wall’s remnants presents a chance to learn about the political divide and personal experience of those it impacted.

1.1 The Wall’s Path

West Berlin was encircled by a stretch of 155 kilometers of the Berlin Wall. After reunification, most of the sections were taken down, however a few preserved sites can be visited according to its path.

The East Side Gallery, a 1.3 kilometer long section covered in colourful murals painted by international artist is one of the most popular sections. It is an open air art gallery and a symbol of hope and peaceful reunifton.

A noteworthy place is Checkpoint Charlie, the crossing point for diplomats and military people, and foreign tourists during the Cold War era.

2. Essential Sites to Visit

2.1 The Berlin Wall Memorial

In Bernauer Strasse, thankfully, the Berlin Wall Memorial gives deep insights into what the city itself looked like during this period. The memorial has a preserved part of the wall, a documentation center and an observation tower from which you can look over the former “death strip”.

Wander round the memorial grounds, take time to read the personal stories displayed, and remember the historical significance of this site.

2.Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie 2

For those studying the history of the Berlin Wall, the Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie should definitely be at the top of your to go list. A collection of artifacts, photographs and stories about the wall (and the escapes which came with it), the lives of those people, and many more for the story of the wall’s physical existence.’

The museum provides a wealth of information about escape devices and personal accounts of successful and unsuccessful attempts at freedom.

3. Practical Tips for Your Visit

3.1 Guided Tours

Join a guided tour to learn a little more about the history of the Berlin Wall. However, it’s worth the extra pick up fee to have knowledgeable guides show you more as well, who can ask questions, tell you more, and get you to spots a tourist hasn’t heard of.

3.2 Dress Appropriately

Some of the sites will require walking over uneven terrain, so pay attention to the weather and wear your walking shoes comfortably. Furthermore, dress layered as temperatures or weather can change.

3.2 In Combination With Other Historical Sites

These places will also enable you to enrich your knowledge of Berlin’s roller coaster past while exploring (under the) Berlin Wall for anyone wanting to go on a day out. When you’re in the city, consider going to the Topography of Terror, DDR Museum and even visit the Brandenburg Gate.

3.4 Be Respectful

Keep in mind that the Berlin Wall is an emotive thing for many. When you go to visit memorial sites, respect them and know that people paid the ultimate price. They deserve to be remembered that way, and be treated this way for these sacred sites.

Read on to follow these tips for a meaningful and informative visit to the Berlin Wall.

4. Unveiling History

An opportunity to tour under the Berlin Wall to explore a major point in recent history. And learn how the struggle for unification was experienced and understood by the people living through it, and how to visit memorial sites involved in the unification struggle.

Dip into the stories, reflect upon the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall and the lessons taken from history. But your visit will still leave you with a deep understanding of how people withstand and can do anything when unified.