Berlin is the capital of Germany; and one of the most interesting cities in Europe. In Berlin you find interesting historical sites, modern art, delicious cooking and a pulsing nightlife. A lot of the buildings were badly damaged in the final years of World War II, but today they have all been rebuilt.
After World War II, Berlin was divided into four sectors: a French, American and British sector in West Berlin and USSR sector in East Berlin). After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the city merged together and again became the capital of the reunified Germany.
The Brandenburger Tor is the landmark of Berlin. The 26 meter (85 feet) high building was originally the main gate to Berlin. Under World War II it was standing in a waste part of the Eastern part of Berlin. In 1990 it reopened as a symbol of the German reunification.
Another important historical building is the Reichstag Building (German Parliament Building). In 1933 a fire destroyed the dome, which gave Hitler excuse to declare state of emergency, and in 1945 the Red Army showed their victory from the roof. In 1999 it reopened with a new, spectacular glass dome after a major renovation. Be prepared for long lines (up to one hour) and an extensive security check, if you want to visit the building.
Berlin has its share of remains of the Cold War. A typical example is Check Point Charlie. Originally it was the border post on the Eastern and Western border. Today the museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie stands as the monument of a tough time. Here you can see photos and other effects from the separated Berlin.
For shopaholics Berlin is a great city. In KaDeWe, the largest department store in Europe, you find everything for yourself and your home. The most impressive part is the food and beverage part on the sixth floor. Here you find 800 types of bread, 1000 different sausages, 1700 different cheeses and even wild boar and deer. And the best part is that you can taste samples of almost everything.
If you are more into markets, Berlin has its share. The best ones are the weekend markets: Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz, Kunst- und Nostalgiemarkt at the Museumsinsel and Grosser Berliner Trdel- und Kunstmarkt at Strasse de 17. Juni in Tiergarten. Around Christmas there are also a lot of Weinachtsmrkte around the city, where you can buy Glhwein, waffles and sausages.
Berlin does also have a great art scene. There are a lot of galleries and modern art museums spread around the city. The best ones are the Museumsinsel, the Neue Nationalgalerie and the famous art gallery Galerie Eigen & Art.
Martin Elmer is the editor of Miniferie. Here you can also read about Sevaerdigheder i Berlin.
