Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
No tour of Germany is complete without a look at its historic and reunited capital. Over
the last two decades, Berlin has been a construction zone. Standing on ripped-up tracks and
under a canopy of cranes, visitors witnessed the rebirth of a great European capital. Al-
thoughconstructioncontinues,todaytheonce-dividedcityisthoroughlywovenbacktogeth-
er. Berlin has emerged as one of Europe's top destinations: captivating, lively, fun-loving,
all-around enjoyable—and easy on the budget.
As you enjoy the thrill of walking over what was the Wall and through the well-patched
Brandenburg Gate, it's clear that history is not contained in some book, but is an exciting
story of which we are a part. In Berlin, the fine line between history and current events is
excitingly blurry. But even for non-historians, Berlin is a city of fine experiences. Explore
the fun and funky neighborhoods emerging in the former East, packed with creative hipster
eateries and boutiques trying to one-up each other. Go for a pedal or a cruise along the de-
lightful Spree riverfront. In the city's world-class museums, stroll up the steps of a classical
Greek temple amid rough-and-tumble ancient statuary, and peruse canvases by Dürer, Rem-
brandt, and Vermeer. Nurse a stein of brew in a rollicking beer hall, or dive into a cheap
Currywurst
(grilled bratwurst with curry-infused ketchup, arguably the most beloved food
ever to come out of Berlin).
Of course, Berlin is still largely defined by its tumultuous 20th century. The city was
Hitler's capital during World War II, and in the postwar years, Berlin became the front line
of a new global war—one between Soviet-style communism and American-style capitalism.
The East-West division was set in stone in 1961, when the East German government boxed
in West Berlin with the Berlin Wall. The Wall stood for 28 years. In 1990, less than a year
after the Wall fell, the two Germanys—and the two Berlins—officially became one. When
the dust settled, Berliners from both sides of the once-divided city faced the monumental
challenge of reunification.
