Michael On The Move: Exploring Germany

Hi all, welcome back to the next edition of the column. I hope you’re all having a great Easter break! Last time we talked about Hungary, and for this edition, I’m sticking with the European theme but moving a little further West.  

I visited this country a few summers ago and was truly struck by its rich history and cultural traditions. Exploring the capital, once divided, was one of the highlights of all my travels. This country truly left a mark on me, so much so that I even brought a piece of the city back home with me! Of course, I’m talking about Germany and more specifically, Berlin! 

The Wall was heavily fortified with barbed wire, armed guards, and concrete barriers, making escape extremely difficult. At its peak, the wall stretched for 155 kilometres!

One of the top things I’d definitely recommend doing in Berlin is visiting the Berlin Wall. Built in 1961, it divided East and West Berlin in response to mass migration from East to West. The Wall was heavily fortified with barbed wire, armed guards, and concrete barriers, making escape extremely difficult. At its peak, the wall stretched for 155 kilometres! It finally came down in 1989, yet parts of it remain visible today. As someone who studied Cold War Berlin for A-level and now at university, seeing something I’d discussed so often in class and being able to visualise it in real life was an incredibly valuable experience for me. I was so moved by it that I even brought a piece of the wall back home with me; it now sits on display in my room!  

Whilst you’re there, you can also see other remnants of the Cold War, such as Checkpoint Charlie, one of the most famous crossing points between East and West Berlin. You’ll even spot a sign marking your entry into the former US sector, and if that wasn’t clear enough,  you’re immediately greeted by a massive McDonald’s and KFC! 

The gate is truly one of the most iconic things to see in Berlin and it has even appeared in many famous movies like Charlie’s Angels and Spider-Man!  

Another great thing to do while in Berlin is to explore its impressive architecture. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Brandenburg Gate. Built in the 18th Century to showcase Prussian prestige, it later became a symbol of unity and peace after the Cold War. The gate is truly one of the most iconic things to see in Berlin and it has even appeared in many famous movies like Charlie’s Angels and Spider-Man!  

Another iconic building is the Reichstag. It served as Germany’s historic seat of parliament, much like the House of Commons does in the UK. It is perhaps most famously associated with the fire of 1933, which helped the Nazis consolidate dictatorial power. However, the building’s history goes far beyond this moment: it was the original seat of parliament during Germany’s unification in the 19th Century and hosted key figures such as Otto Von Bismarck and Gustav Stresemann. 

Architecturally, the Reichstag combines a grand Neo-Renaissance facade with its imposing columns, sculptures, and a striking modern glass dome. It’s well worth a visit, not only for its historical significance but also for its impressive design. As a bonus, it’s located next to a large grassy area that’s perfect for picnics and sunbathing.  

Inside the palace, you can admire the crown jewels and explore many rooms, including the Porcelain Cabinet, which holds thousands of porcelain objects

A final place I’d recommend visiting is slightly further out from central Berlin: Charlottenburg Palace. Once a residence of Prussian Royalty, it is now one of the city’s major tourist attractions. Inside the palace, you can admire the crown jewels and explore many rooms, including the Porcelain Cabinet, which holds thousands of porcelain objects. While there is an admission fee to enter the palace itself, the gardens are free to visit and well worth the trip on their own. 

As always, I’ve run out of space to say everything there is to say about Berlin. I haven’t even mentioned all the amazing food you can try, from its famous range of sausages to so much more, or even many of the non-historical things the city has to offer! 

For me, one of Berlin’s biggest draws is its history, and I hope you feel the same that a trip to Berlin deserves a place on any travel bucket list. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about Berlin and learned a little more about what makes it such a great city! 

Until next time…