The History of Berlin
History, History and More History
If there’s something Germany has in abundance it’s history, and a fascinating history it is too. For that reason, historical Berlin city breaks are some of the best in Europe with a number of wonderful museums and historical sights to visit every day.
Museumsinsel in Berlin
The Story of Berlin Exhibition
Stay at the classic Berlin Hotel and visit the exhibition The Story of Berlin, a modern take on the traditional museum experience. It’s so interactive that you’ll think that you’re actually in 1940s Berlin, experiencing the effects of the Second World War first-hand.
As part of the exhibition, you can spend time inside an original nuclear shelter; anyone who enters will find themselves mentally and emotionally transported. The close attention to detail makes the whole experience seem really authentic.
The DDR Museum
Stay at the Excelsior Hotel and visit the DDR (Deutsche Demokratische Republik) Museum, another fantastic experience that aims to give the visitor a first-hand feel of what it was like to live in the heart of socialist Berlin. The museum is there to be interacted with. Almost everything can be touched and picked up, which makes the visit that much more alive and engaging.
Sit in the Trabi, turn the ignition key and experience what a ride in this machine would have truly felt like. Watch TV in an authentic-looking German Democratic Republic living room or watch a movie in original GDR cinema chairs.
Berlin pulls out all the stops with the historical experience in its city and the DDR is one its best.
Museum Checkpoint Charlie
Stay at the Westin Grand Hotel and visit Checkpoint Charlie. Its first exhibition opened in October 1962, when it was housed in an apartment of only two single rooms. The museum continually fought against injustice in the GDR; it’s a relic in itself and well worth a full morning’s worth of historical meandering.
As an example of non-violent protest the exhibitions that it houses and the memories that it holds are both fascinating and moving. You’ll be in quiet awe from the moment you enter.
Berlin car hire is easy to organise, Berlin hotels are varied in price and style and Berlin flights take only a few hours from London door to door.
If you love history and you love getting away to enjoy a city break from time to time, you’d be hard pressed to find a better destination than Berlin.
