Overview

Berlin is the Capital of Germany and also the largest city in the country.  It is a city criss-crossed with numerous canals. The centre of Berlin is divided into several districts – these include, Tiergarten, Mitte, Kreuzberg, Wilmersdorf, Charlottenburg, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain.

Berlin is considered a hub for all creatives, whether it’s fashion, architecture, art, music etc. It is also a major centre for the world of politics, media and science.  It is one city, which receives praise rather than complaints for it’s public transportation networks. The standard of living is considered as high quality.

In most recent times Berlin has been made famous for hosting the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final. In the past however, Berlin has been in the spotlight during the worst times this world has ever seen.

History

Berlin, as we know it today, is considered a relatively new European City as it’s origins only go as far back to the 1300’s when two neighboring trading towns joined together to become one. The centre of which is now known as the Mitte district. Since then Berlin has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous amounts of times.

The first time Berlin was nearly destroyed was during the Thirty Years of War. Long, after which it came under the rule of the Prussian Soldier King, Frederick William who developed the city. His son, Frederick the Great, established Prussia as a major player in Europe. Berlin began its love for the arts during the King’s rule.

The city came under Napoleon power in 1806 and remained so for 3 years. During these years, the people of Berlin were introduced to the idea of self-government. Once the French left, they began to reject the role of nobility in their city but they were unsuccessful in making great change under Friedrich Wilhelm III or even later, under his son, Friedrich Wilhelm IV.

During this time, at the end of the 19^th century, Berlin began to experience its industrial boom and significant growth in scientific research and development. This was interrupted however by the First World War during which Berlin was the scene of the failed 1918/19 revolution.

During the 1920’s, Berlin was, yet again, the centre of another important time in German History. The city was made capital of the Weimar Republic (1920-33), the first attempt of creating a democratic country.  It failed to please anyone however. During this period, a popular arts and entertainment scene developed in Berlin.

Berlin was the centre of Nazi control during Hitler’s reign. The people of Berlin suffered greatly during this time with 60,000 native Jews dying in the Holocaust and many others fleeing the country.

World War II left the city of Berlin in ruin. Neighborhoods and people had disappeared. It’s population was halved with two-thirds of them being women. The Potsdam Agreement divided the city into 4 sections. The USA, USSR, Britain and France each had a section to supervise. The USSR had eastern Berlin but wanted supervision of the whole city. Tensions mounted between the USSR and the other 3 allies as the western side grew and developed and the eastern population continued to suffer. Berlin was formally separated from Germany in 1949. The western side came under control of the Bundesrepublik Deutschland (BRD, Federal Republic of Germany or FRG) with Bonn as it’s capital while the eastern side came under control of the Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR, German Democratic Republic or GDR) with East Berlin as it’s capital. In 1961, the now infamous Berlin wall was erected in order to stop people fleeing to the west in hope of a better life. In 1989 the Wall was unexpectedly pulled down after nearly 20 years of reconciliation between the east and west Allies. The west remained under supervision until 1990 when all sides (the BRD, the GDR, USSR, France, United Kingdom and the United States) and signed the Two-Plus-Four Treaty. This was the start of what we now know Berlin to be – a unified city,  Capital of Germany, home of the German parliament.

Attractions

Berlin entices people to the city for many reasons. Firstly, it houses contemporary and classical artworks in galleries and museums throughout the city. History museums, landmarks and cemeteries spread over all the districts provide fantastic information for those wishing to learn more about Berlin, and it’s country’s, past. Gourmet food lovers are also catered for. Guerilla clubs, cafes and bars, make the city a great place to visit for those who like to party. And of course, if you’re on a shopping trip, you won’t be disappointed.

Whatever time of the year you plan to visit, there is always something happening in the city that doesn’t sleep. Between concerts, festivals, trade shows, street parties and sports events there is something for everyone.

To see what else Berlin has to offer please check out our Links page.

Transport

As mentioned already, Berlin has a fantastic public transport system with plenty of options for getting around the city. The modes of transport include buses, trams, U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (light rail), Regionalbahn (RB), Regionalexpress (RE) trains, and ferries.

For any queries, the main operator BVG has a 24-hour hotline number 19 449. You can also check out it’s website - www.bvg.de.  You can get information on S-Bahn, RE and RB connections by calling 11 861 or 0800-150 7090, or you can check online at www.bahn.de.

Public transport in Berlin will take you to all of the city’s sights and attractions.