Berlin Wall Tour - Tears, Tunnels and Triumphs (Small Group)

Berlin , Germany

Berlin Wall Tour - Tears, Tunnels and Triumphs (Small Group)

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About this experience

Step Beyond the Wall: Embark on a journey that's more than just a tour. Join us and become a witness to history.

Berlin's streets whisper tales of defiance, resilience, and dreams. Dive deep into the heart of the Cold War era with "On the Front Tours." Experience not just the remnants of the Berlin Wall but the profound narratives that shaped an era.

Feel the tension, celebrate the spirit, and witness the transformation of a divided city into a symbol of hope. Don't just visit; become a part of Berlin's indomitable story.

Tour Highlights:
Begin your journey at the Palace of Tears, a testament to tearful goodbyes during the Cold War.
Walk the grounds where the Berlin Walls once stood.
Discover an underground escape tunnel.
A sanctuary in the death strip, symbolising hope amidst despair.

Learning Outcomes:
Historical Insight
Cultural Immersion
Political Context
Personal Stories

Why Choose Us?
Expertise
Small Group Tour
Experience

Available options

Berlin Wall Tour - Tears, Tunnels and Triumphs (Small Group)

What's included

Expert Tour Guide

Exclusive Small Group Tour

‘Then & Now’ photographs & Maps

Accessible Tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet our guide at the Tränenpalast museum at Friedrichstrasse Station to learn about how the post-war landscape of destroyed Berlin came to be divided and find itself at the heart of cold-war power struggles between East and West.

Stop 2

Nordbanhof Station is a former ghost-station once strewn with barbed wire and manned by DDR border soldiers. You will learn about how the city's infrastructure came to be divided between East and West and the complications this presented within the day-to-day realities of inhabitants to live, travel and work on both sides of the wall.

Stop 3

See how the city has preserved remnants of its difficult past. Our guide will provide a detailed explanation of the different phases of wall building and place this within the broader geo-political landscape of the Cold War.

Stop 4

We will survey the photo’s of those killed at wall and hear the personal stories of those who fell victim to the DDR border regime.

Stop 5

At the Documentation Centre of the Wall to gain an unobstructed birds-eye view of the preserved ‘Death Strip’, untouched since 1989.

The tour will then cover the complicated history of the Church of Reconciliation, which found itself trapped between the two walls and took the status of symbolising the painful divide within the city.

Stop 7

You will learn about the popular protest movements that swept eastern Europe towards the end of the 20th Century and their influence on those in Berlin that gained momentum towards the end of the 80’s. The world watched as residents streamed through previously impenetrable border crossings, and Berlin found itself as a focal point within the developments that would end the Cold War.

Stop 8

Tunnel 57 - We will also survey the infamous Tunnel 57, the largest and most successful escape tunnel to ever be built beneath the Wall.

‘Jump to Freedom Mural’.
The tour will conclude with the events surrounding the fall of the wall in November 1989, which went down as quickly and unexpectedly as it went up 28 years previously.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Important notes

We will meet at the Tranenpalast Friedrich Strasse (Reichstagufer 17, 10117 Berlin) - LOOK FOR THE BLUE UMBRELLA

What to Bring
» Water & Light Snacks
» Comfortable Walking Shoes
» Umbrella or raincoat in unfavourable weather

Running Late?
Don't panic. Please call or text Matt at +49 (0)152 0468 9477. (Available on WhatsApp)

*Do you want to learn more about World War II? Click the links below or visit us at www.onthefront.com to see all of our tours.

» Hitler’s Berlin - The Rise and Fall (https://bit.ly/3z9BHHT)
» WWII Battlefield Tour - Seelow Heights (https://bit.ly/3PcDTni)
» Berlin Battlefield Tour (https://bit.ly/3aISKXB)
» Holocaust & Nazi Resistance Tour (https://bit.ly/3Pq7FEY)

About Berlin

Berlin, Germany's capital and largest city, is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, diverse culture, and dynamic nightlife. The city's eclectic mix of modern and historic architecture, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene make it a must-visit destination in Europe.

Top Attractions

Brandenburg Gate

A neoclassical monument and one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate was built in the 18th century and has been a symbol of the city's history and reunification.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery are important historical sites that commemorate the division of Berlin during the Cold War and the fall of the Wall in 1989.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Museum Island

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Museum Island is home to five world-renowned museums, including the Pergamon Museum, the Neues Museum, and the Alte Nationalgalerie.

Museum Half-day to full day €19 (Museum Island Day Ticket) or individual museum tickets

Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building is the seat of the German Bundestag (parliament) and a symbol of German democracy. The glass dome on top offers panoramic views of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (but advance registration is required)

Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz is a major public square and traffic intersection in the heart of Berlin. It is known for its modern architecture, shopping, and entertainment options.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free to explore, costs vary for shopping and dining

Must-Try Local Dishes

Currywurst

A popular Berlin street food, currywurst is a sliced sausage served with a curry ketchup sauce and often topped with curry powder.

Snack Contains pork, vegetarian and vegan options available

Boulette

A German-style meatball, usually served with potato salad or mashed potatoes and a creamy sauce.

Main Course Contains beef or pork, vegetarian and vegan options available

Döner Kebab

A Turkish dish popularized in Berlin, consisting of seasoned meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in flatbread with vegetables and sauces.

Main Course Contains meat, vegetarian and vegan options available

Berliner Pfannkuchen

A jelly-filled doughnut, similar to a Berlin-style donut, often eaten during Carnival season.

Dessert Contains wheat, dairy, and egg, vegan options available

Popular Activities

Cycling Hiking Boat tours Rock climbing Spa and wellness Picnicking in parks Café hopping Boat tours on the Spree River

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The city is lively with tourists and locals enjoying the summer weather.

20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) 68°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, French, Turkish, Arabic, Russian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Berlin is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
• Keep your passport and valuables in a safe place, and carry a copy of your passport and important documents.

Getting there

By air

Berlin Brandenburg Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By train

Berlin Hauptbahnhof

By bus

Berlin Central Bus Station (ZOB)

Getting around

Public transport

The U-Bahn is a fast and efficient way to get around Berlin, with 10 lines serving 173 stations. It operates from early morning to late at night.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Mitte Kreuzberg Prenzlauer Berg Friedrichshain Charlottenburg

Day trips

Potsdam

35 km (22 miles) from Berlin • Half-day to full day

Potsdam is a charming city near Berlin, known for its stunning palaces, parks, and lakes. It was the former residence of Prussian kings and German emperors and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Spreewald

100 km (62 miles) from Berlin • Full day

Spreewald is a picturesque region of forests, lakes, and canals, known for its traditional wooden houses, pickles, and gondola rides. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial

35 km (22 miles) from Berlin • Half-day

The Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial is a somber and important historical site, dedicated to the victims of the Nazi regime. The memorial includes the preserved camp buildings, a museum, and a memorial cemetery.

Festivals

Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) • February Berlin Carnival of Cultures (Karneval der Kulturen) • Late May to early June Berlin Festival • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in German, as it's appreciated by locals and can enhance your travel experience.
Consider purchasing a Berlin WelcomeCard for unlimited public transportation and discounts at attractions.
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions.
Visit Berlin's many parks and green spaces, which offer a peaceful and relaxing escape from the bustling city.
Be open to trying new foods and culinary experiences, as Berlin's diverse food scene offers something for everyone.