Introduction

If you’re thinking of visiting Berlin, you might be wondering about the city’s iconic Berlin Wall as well as where you can go and find it. The Berlin Wall was a Cold War symbol, a wall separating East and West Germany, but now the Berlin Wall’s debris is memorial, and history. In this comprehensive guide, we break down all of the places (more than 20) in Berlin where you can be an actual Berlin Wall tourist and experience the Berlin Wall firsthand.

East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is one of the most visited and famouso places in Berlin to see the Berlin Wall. Situated in Friedrichshain, it is the longest open air gallery in the world. Over 100 paintings and murals by artists from all over the world capture a message of freedom and unity in the East Side Gallery.

You’ll be tied to art and history as you walk alongside this stretch of the Wall. It’s a truly breathtaking experience and many visitors also snap photos in front of the artwork.

Mauerpark

One more historic Berlin Wall location is Mauerpark in Prenzlauer Berg. Previously, the park was part of the ‘death strip’ that divided East and West Berlin. It is now a vibrant public park with a famous Sunday flea market and its famous karaoke sessions.

At Mauerpark you can still see a small section of the Berlin Wall. One of the saddest part of this segment is it is a poignant reminder of divided past of city and is popular among tourists and local alike. Yet, if you’re traveling on a Sunday, don’t miss out the chance to sing along to karaoke and soak in the electrified atmosphere.

Checkpoint Charlie

During the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie is of great historical importance. It was the most famous border crossing point between East and West Berlin and a symbol of East versus West.

A replica of the checkpoint can be found today on Friedrichstraße. Even the replica itself looks like a tourist stop, but it helps bring the original checkpoint to life for visitors. Nearby, too, there is a museum, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, that fills out the story of how and why this was the site.

Documentation Center Bernauer Strasse

If you want to understand, of course, the Berlin Wall you must go to the Documentation Center on Bernauer Strasse. The stories of the people affected by the Wall and its history are told here, in this center, where everything is explained in full.

A preserved section of the Wall forms part of the Documentation Center and offers the visitor the tangible link to the past. Interactive exhibits, photographs and personal accounts bring to life what life was like during the city’s division. It is a sacred commemoration of the impact of the Wall on Berlin and its people and also an important educational resource.

Conclusion

Visiting the Berlin Wall is a great and educational experience. Each of the locations offers a slightly different perspective on the city’s complex past, from the olive green bricks of the East Side Gallery down to the historical significance of Checkpoint Charlie.

So make sure to visit with respect and an eye towards learning. Read the stories and think about how that Wall affected the lives of Berliners. This way you’ll grasp how and why this remarkable city has become this way.