Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP SIGHT
CHECKPOINT CHARLIE
Checkpoint Charlie was the principal gateway for foreigners and diplomats between
the two Berlins from 1961 to 1990. Since it was the third Allied checkpoint to open, it
was named 'Charlie' in reference to the third letter in the NATO phonetic alphabet
(alfa, bravo, charlie…). The only direct Cold War-era confrontation between the US
and the Soviet Union took place in this very spot, when tanks faced off shortly after
the Wall went up, nearly triggering a third world war. A simple plaque affixed to a pile
of sandbags in front of a replica army guardhouse commemorates this tense mo-
ment.
Alas, little else indicates Checkpoint Charlie's historical importance as the site has,
in recent years, degenerated into a tacky tourist trap. Souvenir shops and fast-food
restaurants line the street, students dressed as soldiers pose with tourists for tips,
and school kids crowd into the 'Freedom Park' beach bar. A rare redeeming aspect is
the free open-air gallery that uses photos and documents to illustrate milestones in
Cold War history as does the Blackbox Kalter Krieg . Although a bit pricey, Yadegar As-
isi's Mauer Panorama also adds an element of authenticity.
DON'T MISS…
Open-air gallery
PRACTICALITIES
MAP GOOGLE MAP
cnr Zimmerstrasse & Friedrichstrasse
24hr
Kochstrasse, Stadtmitte
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