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What To See In Berlin
By Morten Elm | March 7, 2010
Berlin is the capital of Germany; and one of the most interesting cities in Europe. In Berlin you find interesting historical sites, modern art, delicious cooking and a pulsing nightlife. A lot of the buildings were badly damaged in the final years of World War II, but today they have all been rebuilt.
When the World War II ended, Berlin where divided into four sectors. In West Berlin there were the American, the British and the French sector, while the Eastern part of Berlin belonged to USSR. The city was merged together after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Today the united Berlin is again the capital of Germany.
The 26 meter (85 feet) high landmark of Berlin, Brandenburger Tor was originally the main gate to the city. Under the Cold War it lived a secluded life in a waste part of East Berlin. Today it stands as the symbol of the German reunification.
The German Parliament Building called the Reichstag Building is also a very important historical building. When a fire I 1933 destroyed the dome, Hitler used the accident to declare state of emergency, and 12 years later the Red Army showed their victory by planting a flag on the roof. After a major renovation (including a new, spectacular glass dome) the building reopened I 1999. You should be prepared for long lines and heavy security checks, if you visit the building in the high season.
In Berlin there are many remains of the Cold War. Check Point Charlie is a typical example. Originally it was the crossing point between East- and West Berlin. Today its museum stands as a reminder of a scary time. In the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie you can see photos, kitschy memorabilia from the Wall and devices used to escape from the East to the West.
Berlin is also a shopping paradise. You can find everything for yourself or your home in the largest department store in Europe, KaDeWe. But the most exciting part is the food and beverage department located on the sixth floor. Here you can chose between 1000 different sausages, 1700 different cheeses and 800 types of bread. Even deer and wild boar can be found here. And before you buy, you can taste samples of almost everything.
Berlin does also have a lot of markets. The weekend markets are the best ones. That includes Kunst- und Nostalgiemarkt at the Museumsinsel, and Grosser Berliner Trdel- und Kunstmarkt at Strasse de 17. Juni in Tiergarten and Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz. If you are in Berlin around Christmas, you should also visit a Weinachtsmrkte, where you can taste waffles, sausages and the famous Glhwein.
Today Berlin is also famous for its art scene. Around the city you find great galleries and fine modern art museums. For a look at the best ones visit the Museumsinsel and the Neue Nationalgalerie. The famous art gallery Galerie Eigen & Art is also worth a visit.
Martin Elmer is the editor of Storby rejser. Here you can also read about Sevaerdigheder Berlin.
categories: Berlin,Brandenburger Tor,Reichstag Building,Check Point Charlie,KaDeWe,ights,museums,shopping,markets,art,galleries,World War II
Topics: Travel |
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