Discover the Berlin Wall During Cold War Self-Guided Tour

Berlin , Germany

Discover the Berlin Wall During Cold War Self-Guided Tour

Active

50m

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the Berlin Wall in this immersive private audio tour about the concrete barrier that divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989. Trace where the Berlin Wall once stood and learn how Berlin's place during the Cold War as part of the Iron Curtain defined the city for the second half of the 20th century.

Narrated by a local historian, this Berlin walk is all about exploring how Berlin has changed since the late 1940s, affecting the lives of those living both in the east and west.

We’ll walk through the remains of the wall and explore both East and West Berlin, visiting Ackerstraße, Tunnel 57 and parts of the Berlin Wall.

Venture off the tourist trail and get a local feel for the area, as you learn about the area’s history, take pictures in front of the graffiti artwork that now covers the wall’s remains, and learn about the famous people that lived in this neighbourhood.

Note: This is a self-guided audio walking tour and does not include entrance tickets

Available options

Discover the Berlin Wall During Cold War Self-Guided Tour

What's included

Offline Mode: Download tours in advance to listen without WiFi

Location Aware: GPS map allows you to enjoy sites, without getting lost

Access to your self-guided audio tour

Instagram Hotspots: We find the spot for your perfect picture

Audio tour provided by a local or historian

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Begin the tour next to a model of the Berlin Wall where we can see a bird’s eye view of how a clash of ideologies between capitalism and communism impacted Berlin physically. Stand on the border between ‘Mitte’, a borough which belonged to the Soviets, and ‘Wedding’, part of the western French Sector.

Visit the Memorial to the victims of the Berlin Wall, erected here in the former death strip in memory of those who lost their lives as a result of the division of Berlin. You can see beneath each face is a name and their dates of birth and death. Notice also, how there are some blank windows, representing indirect victims of the wall.

Take a peek between the slabs of concrete in the rear wall and see one of the Guard Towers. Learn how there was a huge investment of time, energy and of course money, all in order to secure the border.

Stop 2

Cross the double-cobblestone brick line and head into into East Berlin, down Ackerstraße. Learn about the realities of communism for people living in East Berlin. Look out into the distance and spot the famous TV Tower and hea about the media and espionage during the Cold War.

Stop 3

Learn about Tunnel 57, 55 Strelitzer Straße and Egon Schultz in this story about a great escape from East Berlin. This story follows a team of engineering students who, between April and October 1964, secretly dug a 145 meter tunnel under the Berlin Wall to help their trapped family and friends escape.

Stop 4

Spot the iconic image of Konrad Schumann jumping over the barbed wire, into West Berlin and hear about how propaganda was used during the Cold War. Learn how loyal people really were to the system when presented with the opportunity to escape it.

Jumping forward to 1985, walk along the wall as you hear about protests, Poland and Mikhail Gorbachev. Take in some iconic photographs here of people rushing through the wall from East to West Berlin in 1989 as we hear about the Reunification of Berlin.

What's not included

Headphones

Mobile device

Available languages

Audio guide

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

Begin the tour next to a model of the Berlin Wall. This is a self-guided tour and you can begin whenever you are ready!

Important notes

You will receive a separate email with a link to your tour. Please click the 'Download Now' option, download the Vidi Guides app, create an account and click 'getmytour'

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.