|
| |
Potsdamer Platz
The “Potsdamer Platz” seems like a quarter of its own and is one of the most popular attractions of Berlin. With a mix of gastronomic areas, shopping opportunities as well as theatre and cinemas this place is a magnetize point for Berliner and visitors. The former square and the old train station were very busy today and have a modern architecture with a lot of skyscrapers in the surrounding. At the red clinker-clad Kollhoff building the fastest express elevator in Europe will bring you up to the panorama platform where you have an amazing survey of the city and the area. The DaimlerChrysler Complex with offices, numerous shops, the “Theater am Potsdamer Platz” as well as the “Casino” was built in the time period of 1993 to 1998. Across these buildings you can find the arcades with nice shops.
The “Sony Center” was opened at the Kemperplatz in 2000. It is afuturistic building with a glass roof. There are also nice restaurants, a cinema and the “Filmmuseum”.
|
| |
|
10785
Berlin
|
| www.potsdamerplatz.de |
| |
| |
Alexanderplatz
The “Alexanderplatz” (also called just “Alex") is located in the geographical centre of Berlin and is the most famous square in the city. In the past it was a place full of markets. Destroyed in WW II it lost its market atmosphere. During the reconstruction of this area Berlin's city centre in the East got a character of socialist architecture. After the “Fall of the Wall” in 1990 there could be registered a permanent increase of new buildings which should make this area to an economical and attractive looking place.
The 123m-high “Park Inn” Hotel, the “World Time Clock” and the “TV-Tower” are just three attractions at this square. So today it is a meeting point for tourists and inhabitants alive. There are numerous nice cafes and restaurants as well as shopping areas.
Thanks to its central position it is a good starting psition for a city-tour.
|
| |
|
10178
Berlin
|
| |
| |
Unter den Linden
“Unter den Linden” – the most beautiful avenue and also the prettiness of Old Berlin. The brilliant boulevard ranges from the “Pariser Platz” at the “Brandenburger Tor” to the "Schlossbrücke". Originally this avenue was a bridle path in 1573. Over the years the linden trees grew up more and a lot of eminent buildings like the “Zeughaus” , the “Opera House” and the today’s "Humboldt University" were constructed. A lot of other historical and modern buildings were joined in the time during the past years. Since the Fall of the Wall numerous of these have been restored. Today it has a well-kept appearance. Combined with nice cafes and restaurants as well as some nice shops it has developed to an avenue with a very charming flair.
|
| |
Location:Unter den Linden
10117
Berlin
|
| |
| |
Siegessäule
On the top of the “Siegessäule” you can see the golden statue of Victory which is also called “Goldelse”. This monument reflects Berlin’s history in a very well and attractive way. Between 1864-73 it was built by H. Strack at today’s “Platz der Republik” as the national monument to Germany’s “Wars of Unification”. Later after further victories in different wars F. Drake supplemented the almost eight meters high golden Victoria. During the “Third Reich” there was a further addition: a column drum which brings it to today’s height off 67 meters. Last the monument was moved to the “Großer Stern” adjunct to the “Tiergarten” in 1938. After its restoration in the 80’s the small exhibition hall includes glass mosaics and portraits of battle scenes. Furthermore there is a viewing platform which offers an amazing outlook about Berlin.
Opening times:
April - Oct Mo - Fr 9.30 am - 6.30 pm, Sat and Sun 9.30 - 7 pm
Nov - March Mo - Fr 10 am - 5 pm, Sat - Sun 10 am - 5.30 pm
|
| |
Straße des 17.Juni
10785
Berlin
Tel: +49 (0)30 3912961
|
| www.monument-tales.de |
| |
| |
| ^ Back to top |
Checkpoint Charlie
“Checkpoint Charlie” – that is the former border crossing between East and West Berlin.
After the construction of the Wall in 1961 it was the only crossing station for all Allies, foreigners, employees of the Permanent Representation and officials of the GDR until 1990. Today there is a border sign and a soldier’s post at this place. A few steps away is the museum which tells the history of the wall.
|
| |
Friedrichstraße 43
10969
Berlin
|
| |
| |
| ^ Back to top |
East Side Gallery
“Graffiti Art on the Berlin Wall” that is the motto of the 118 artists from 21 different countries which painted artful pictures on the “Berlin Wall” section which is 1.316 meters long. At the East-side of the “Berlin Wall” the longest received section of it.
So the largest open air gallery in the world stretches from the station “Ostbahnhof” to “Oberbaumbrücke” opened on September 1990.
The paintings which are in danger because of the decomposition have been restored in 2000. It is a real attraction of Berlin which reflects the history of the GDR.
|
| |
Mühlenstraße
10243
Berlin
Tel: +49 (0)30 2517159
|
| www.eastsidegallery.com |
| |
| |
| ^ Back to top |
Lehrter Bahnhof - The new Central Station
13 years after the first decision to build such a huge train station the new turnstile of Berlin is “Lehrter Bahnhof” opened in May 2006. It is Berlin’s new central station and also Europe’s biggest rail transfer point. Its construction was the most spectacular architectural project in Berlin. The building has different mixtures of materials like glass and steel. It also marks the first-ever connection of the East-West and North-South railway lines. Directly in the station is a huge shopping centre where the customer's whishes will be satisfy with different kind of things like fashion and accessories as well as a large food plaza. During a stay in Berlin it is worthwhile to come to this attraction.
Opening times (shops):
Daily 8 am - 10 pm
|
| |
Invalidenstraße 53
10557
Berlin
|
| www.hbf-berlin.de |
| |
| |
| ^ Back to top |
Reichstag/Bundestag
The Reichstag is the seat of the German Bundestag or federal government and, with its paned dome, one of the biggest crowd-pullers in Berlin. It's colourful past reflects the dramatic moments in German history since the 19th Century.
After reunification, the German Federal Government decided to use the post-war building as a parliament again. The “New Reichstag” was opened in 1999, designed by the British Architect Sir Norman Forster. To achieve the society and to include them into the politics it was important that the new dome would be open to the public. The glass dome, which was at first very controversial, has now become one of the newest landmarks in the city.
In 1994 before the renovation work began, the old building became the stage for one of the most spectacular art events in Europe: it was ''wrapped'' by the artist Christo.
Observation of the dome:
Daily from 8am-24pm: last entry at 10pm
The observation free.
Observation of plenar hall, guided tours:
Lectures in the plenar hall: Mo-Fri: 9am and 5pm, Sat and Sun: 10am-4pm
- on the hour (unless plenary sessions in progress)
Guided tours (not when plenary sessions are in progress): 10.30am, 3.30pm, 7.30pm
Guided tours about architecture and art: Sat, Sun and on banking holidays: 11.30am
Booking is necessary for all guided tours.
Visitor's service:
Tel.: +49 (0)30 22732152
Fax: +49 (0)30 22730027
|
| |
Platz der Republik 1
11011
Berlin
Tel: +49 (0)30 2273
Fax: +49 (0)30 22730027
|
| www.bundestag.de |
| |
| |
| ^ Back to top |
TV Tower
Before the reunification the TV-Tower was, concerning its historical situation, a political symbol. Today it is one of the many town’s landmark. In just 40 seconds you will be up in 200 meters and can have an amazing 360° view over Berlin.
At the ‘Telecafé’, which rotates two times in an hour, you can take a drink or eat something and have a remarkable experience close to the sky.
Furthermore, there are some exhibitions and events at the TV-Tower.
Opening times:
March - Oct, daily 9 am - 12 pm
Nov - Feb, daily 10 am - 12 pm
|
| |
Panoramastraße 1A
10178
Berlin
Tel: +49 (0)30 2423333
Fax: +49 (0)30 2425922
|
| www.berlinerfernsehturm.de |
| |
| |
| ^ Back to top |
Brandenburger Tor and Pariser Platz
The “Brandenburger Tor” is the only city gate of Berlin and for this reason it is the town’s landmark. Built up in 1788 from C.G Langhans it has a design of the Athenian acropolis with six pillars. In 1974 the building was caped with the “Quadriga and the Siegesgöttin (goddess of victory) of Schadow” which looks in the direction of the centre of East Berlin. After the destruction during WW II it was reconstructed and today it has a new appearance.
The “Pariser Platz” is the Entrée between the “Brandenburger Tor” and the famous street ‘Unter den Linden”. It was rebuilt to the original place so that it looks a bit like in the past.
On this square some evnts with different kind of themes take place.
|
| |
Location:Pariser Platz
10117
Berlin
|
| |
| |
| ^ Back to top |
Holocaust Memorial
The „Holocaust Memorial“ is a central place for memory and commemoration of the victims of the WW II and also one of the numerous tourist magnets of Berlin. The Field of Stelae is located in the city centre close to the “Reichstag” and ”Brandenburger Tor”. The designer was the renowned New York architect Peter Eisenman who created blocks of concrete with different heights. These are structured in a grid pattern and slanting area which covers almost 19 000m². For the publicity the place is open 24 hours a day, just the information centre has limited opening times.
Opening times (Information centre):
April - Sept Tue - Sun 10 am - 8 pm, Oct - March Tue - Sun 10 am - 7 pm
closed on Mo
|
| |
Cora-Berliner-Straße 1
10117
Berlin
Tel: +49 (0)30 26394336
|
| www.stiftung-denkmal.de |
| |
| |
| ^ Back to top |
Schloss Charlottenburg
This in baroque architecture designed “Schloss Charlottenburg” is the largest and most beautiful palace in Berlin. Originally, it was build as a summer residence for the consort of Friedrich III in the time period from 1695 to ’99 by the designer Nering and Grünberg. After finishing the first building, the central part, the castele extended by the designers E. von Göthe, Knobelsdorff and Langhans. Different kind of styles like Asia and French elements characterize the facade and the interior. After damage during WW II a reconstruction began in the 50ties. Today it is a huge museum where you can see the “Porcelain Room” and the “Banquette Halls” amongst other things. Today the former theatre is home of the Museum for “Vor-und Frühgeschichte". The well designed park is one of the most idyllic place to relax in Berlin. With the mausoleum, which is constructed by Schinkel or the sarcophagi of Queen Luise and Friedrich Wilhelm III, has an ancient flair.
So this palace is an architectural masterstroke and is worthwhile to visit.
|
| |
Spandauer Damm 20 - 24
14059
Berlin
Tel: +49 (0)331 9694202
|
| www.spsg.de |
| |
| |
| ^ Back to top |
Attractions
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
