Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
During the Cold War, East met West at Bernauer Strasse, now paralleled by a 1.4km-
long linear multimedia
memorial
that vividly illustrates the realities of life with the Berlin
Wall. It starts at Schwedter Strasse and follows the former border-patrol path. Even
walking just a short stretch is an eye-opening experience.
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Urban Archaeology
After a dose of history, hit the
Flohmarkt am Mauerpark
for some quality hunting and
gathering, then drag your loot to a market beer garden for chilling in the sun.
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Bearpit Karaoke
On most summer Sundays, Berlin's best free entertainment kicks off around 3pm when
Joe Hatchiban sets up his custom-made mobile karaoke unit in the Mauerpark's amphi-
theatre. As many as 2000 people cram onto the stone bleachers to cheer and clap for
eager crooners ranging from giggling 11-year-olds to Broadway-calibre belters.
66
Falkplatz
Flashback to 1825 and picture Prussian soldiers parading around what is now a leafy
park studded with ancient chestnut, oak, birch, ash and poplar trees. Relax on the grass
and watch kids frolicking around the sea-lion fountain, then search for other animal
sculptures tucked among the shrubs.
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Burgermania
www.thebirdinberlin.com
;
Am Falkplatz 5; burgers €9.50-14, steaks from €16; 6pm-midnight Mon-Fri,
noon-midnight Sat & Sun)
, a buzzy gastropub with steaks, burgers and hand-cut fries that
might just justify the hype.
88
Northern Mauerpark
To escape the Mauerpark frenzy and see where the locals relax, head north of the
Gleimstrasse tunnel. This is where you'll find an enchanting birch grove, the
Jugendfarm
90; 11.30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 1-6pm Sat)
, a farm playground complete with barnyard animals,
