Berlin’s Best: Third Reich & Cold War 2 Hour Walking Tour

Berlin , Germany

Berlin’s Best: Third Reich & Cold War 2 Hour Walking Tour

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About this experience

Discover Berlin's tumultuous modern history on a guided walking tour of its most significant Third Reich and Cold War sites. Visit iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and Soviet War Memorial. Reflect at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, a poignant tribute to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust/Shoah.

See the site of Hitler’s Bunker and the massive Ministry of Aviation, where the GDR was founded in 1949. Explore the former Gestapo and SS headquarters, now home to the Topography of Terror exhibition.

Learn about the Berlin Wall, constructed in 1961, and hear stories of the deadly "death strip." View a preserved 200-meter section of the Wall and the spots where daring escapes occurred, as well as tales of those who tragically did not succeed.

Conclude at Checkpoint Charlie and hear about the fall of the Wall in 1989 and the journey to German unity.

Available options

Berlin’s Best: Third Reich & Cold War 2 Hour Walking Tour

What's included

Professional English-speaking local guide

Walking Tour in English

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Start the tour at the Brandenburger Gate and learn why this monument is the symbol of the reunfied Germany.

Stop 2

Experience the house of parliament and hear why this building encapsulates Berlin and German history over the last 100 years. Hear the story of the Reichstag fire in 1933 and how Hitler used the building during his dictatorship.

Stop 3

See Soviet T34/76 tanks and field artillery from WW2 at the Soviet war memorial in the Tiergarten

Stop 4 Pass by

See the Victory column and learn why Albert Speer moved it from it's original location to the new site. Also learn about Albert Speer's plans for the new capital city of the world, Germania, which would have been the new name for Berlin if the Nazi's were successful in winning WW2

Stop 5

Walk through this immense memorial dedicated to the murdered Jews of Europe

Stop 6

Stand above Hitler's bunker listening to your guide inform you about the last days of WW2 and Hitler's suicide in the bunker on April 30th 1945 and how the Germans come to terms with this destructive past today.

Stop 7

Wlak the length of Hermann Goerings Airforce ministry, which was also the location where East Germany (GDR) was proclaimed in 1949.

Stop 8

See the site where the infamous Nazi insitiutions, the SS, Gestapo and the SD had their headqurters in Nazi Germany, whch today houses the Topography of Terror exhibition which teaches us about the heinous crimes these people perpetrated during WW2

Stop 9

See a huge piece of the Berlin Wall and hear stories of people escaping over the Wall and what happened to those people who tried, but didn't make it.
Learn about life on both sides of the Wall East Berlin and West Berlin

Stop 10

End the tour at Checkpoint Charlie, the most famous of the checkpoints through the Berlin Wall. Hear about the Soviet vs USA tank standoff on this street in 1961. Learn how the Berlin Wall came down on the fateful night 9th Novemeber 1989. End the tour by discovering how successful reunification has been over the last 30 plus years.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

724 reviews

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682

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Tripadvisor 5.0

4,268 reviews

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4169

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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

IMPORTANT: Meet in front of the Tourist Information office at the Brandenburg Gate (Pariser Platz side). Look out for the guide with the pink umbrella!

This tour is offered in English only

Meeting point

Meet in front of the Tourist Information office at the Brandenburg Gate. Look out for the guide with the pink umbrella!

Important notes

Meet in front of the Tourist Information office at the Brandenburg Gate. Look out for the guide with the PINK umbrella!

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.