Berlin, Historic Capital of Germany
Since the reunification of
Germany in 1990, Berlin has emerged from its sometimes dark past and
reinvented itself as a vibrant, forward-looking, modem centre of culture
and Europe's capital of cool. The city has more than 170 museums and
galleries that cover subjects as diverse as old-master paintings,
twentieth-century and contemporary art, ancient Egypt, the city's past,
Bauhaus design and architecture, its Jewish residents, erotica, the
ancient Greek architecture in the Pergamon Museum, technology, natural
history, ethnology, Indian art and European culture, as well as its more
recent history in the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall
Memorial. This is a memorial to those who died attempting the crossing
from east to west and preserves areas from both inside and outside
sections, where you can peer through from the east side to see the
remains of the electric fence and anti-tank devices in the death strip.
Berlin is also a magnet for the young and its vibrant nightlife and club
scene are second to none. Among its many annual festivals are PopKomm,
Myfest and Christopher Street Day, the last of which is among Europe's
largest gay pride festivals.
Berlin has a wealth of architecture of various periods and among other
attractions are the rebuilt Schloss Charlottenburg, the Reichstag
building – whose debating chamber has been covered with a glass dome so
that visitors can look down over the debates, the Brandenburg Gate, and
the Bundeskanzleramt – the seat of the German Chancellor and just one
stunning example of the modern architecture with which Berliners are
rebuilding their city.
The Kurfurstendamm is home to expensive boutiques and there are hundreds
of stylish restaurants and cafes to choose from. For quieter relaxation,
try the Tiergarten Park or take a stroll along Unter den Linden from the
Brandenburg Gate to the river.
Berlin, both old and new, historical and modern, is a fascinating city
well worth the trip. If possible, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, stroll
along Unter den Linden, and visit one of the operas.
