"Anyone who does not respect our borders will feel the bullet."
GDR Defence Minister Heinz Hoffmann, August 1966
» Berlin Wall Tour: Life & History
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Before World War II ended, it was already evident that Berlin would be the centre stage for the growing cold war between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union. The Berlin Wall, erected by the East Berlin government on August 13, 1961, ended the astonishing situation that had persisted for decades in which a single city merged the capitalist West with the communist Soviet sphere-of-influence. |
Our guided tour includes at least one visit to the Berlin Wall. We examine the details of the structure from its inception as a barbed wire fence put up overnight to its final form as an advanced multi-wall system. Focusing on the global clashes of power centring around the wall, from shocking espionage stories to moments in which both sides braced for World War III, this tour is certainly one of our most thrilling. We also visit sites in East Berlin that reveal the unique everyday world of socialist East Germany. | Prices & Booking |
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» Tour Options: Duration and Means of Transport
What is the optimal tour duration?
3 hours is the minimum time needed for the Berlin Wall Tour. To get a real in-depth tour and to have time for discussion we recommend 5-6 hours. (However, to see all the places mentioned below, you need about one or two days… and we love to show them all!)
Walking tour, bike tour, van or bus tour?
The best way to discover the breadth of East Berlin is by van or bus, alternatively by bike. A walking tour will concentrate mainly on the former East Berlin neighbourhood Mitte.
Price for our sightseeing tours
Our private guided tours cost 45-75 Euros per hour for a walking tour, depending on group size and duration. For more information see Prices & Booking
“Just a quick email to thank you enormously for such a fantastic tour of Berlin over 2 days - both guides were fantastic, so informative and interesting. Please pass on our thanks from all our party for such a fascinating weekend.“ Third Reich Berlin & Behind the Iron Curtain Tour, Mrs. Nott... read more guests comments
» Selected Sightseeing Attractions: Berlin Wall Tour – Life & History behind the Iron Curtain
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Bernauer Strasse Museum: The roof of the Museum is probably the best place to see the complete structure of the former border system. The wall was built along the front of the row houses that stood at this site. In 1961 many tragedies occurred here, like the story of the old woman who threw all her pillows out of the window, down to the sidewalk on the western side, and then jumped out, seeking freedom... Here soldiers escaped and tunnels were dug. |
Karl-Marx-Allee: The must-see central boulevard of the former GDR, completed in a unique Soviet style. The street was originally named Stalin Allee, and one can still see an ear and half of the moustache of the iron statue that decorated the place until 1961. Hear stories of everyday life in the GDR, early enthusiasm in the 1950th and subsequent disillusionment. Could it be that life behind the Iron Curtain wasn't as bad as western propaganda said? |
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Stasi Headquarters at Normannenstraße: The head of the state security force (STASI), Erich Mielke, and all his commanding officers had their offices here. The furniture as well as the ambience is exactly the same as before the wall fell in 1989. It is a frightening place, kitschy and awe-inspiring at the same time. We’ll examine bugging devices, Lenin carpets and the Stasi Sword, and learn about the opposition movement before 1989. |
Marx-Engels-Forum: Equality is the basic principle of communism. What creates equality between people? Was the communist East Germany a society of equals? This imposing square with its elaborate monuments offers a fascinating glimpse into East German communist ideology, for those who can interpret its details. Rest assured: after our tour you will be one of those people! |
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Bornholmer Bridge: On the 9th of November, 1989, East German politician Günter Schabowski announced during a press conference that the government had implemented a travel regulation that would allow East German citizens to travel to West Germany. That had not been possible since 1961. A journalist asked him: "When does it come into effect?" and Schabowski replied: "... without delay". Four hours later citizens of East Berlin overran the border guards at Bornholmer Bridge. Let's go back to the place today and relive world history. |
Ernst Thaelmann Monument: A massive structure in memorial to the leader of the German Communist party of the nineteen-twenties, who was tortured and murdered by the Nazis. This site was used for demonstrations and inaugurations organised by the East German government. Beyond the huge statue with its clenched fist, which presents a stunning image of the regime's cold grandiosity, lays a typical GDR neighbourhood. |
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Alexanderplatz: after its destruction during WWII the place was rebuilt by the East Germans. Since most West German tourists started their visits to East Berlin at Alexanderplatz, it became the shop window of East Germany. The biggest department store in the GDR was opened here, as was the TV tower, which still overshadows large parts of the city centre. And at night the place was the only shining jewel in the rather dim chain of East Berlin. Why? |
DDR Museum: Combine your tour with a guided visit to the DDR Museum. The Museum offers a hands-on experience of the everyday life of a state long gone, the life of socialism. Visitors can broaden their knowledge in different thematic areas, to reconsider existing clichés and to literally touch history.... go to website... |
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