berlin wall memorial guided tour

BOOK ONLINE

The tragedy of bernauer strasse.

The BERLIN WALL Tour

hour private walking tour – max 10 person group

includes 19% VAT, guide fee, booking fee, admin fee, and tourism insurances

Our Berlin Wall Tour starts at the Berlin Wall Documentation Centre – near to the Nordbahnhof train station.

F ind out what remains of the  world’s most famous concrete barrier  and visit the most  important remaining section of the Berlin Wall . Learn about the  heroic escapes , the  tragic deaths , and the painful reality of  life lived inside the divided city .

To the untrained eye , the Berlin Wall now appears only as a decaying lump of graffiti covered concrete – but the traces of the greater border fortification erected by the East German government in 1961 remain visible – and waiting to be discovered .

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

…the Berlin Wall , the  only remaining section of the ‘Death Strip’ , the  Nordbahnhof Ghost Station , the Berlin Wall memorial , the site of Tunnel 57 , the Chapel of Reconciliation , the site of the Conrad Schumann escape …

TOUR GUIDES

We offer private transportation tour variations of all our famous walking tours

Get in touch for bigger groups tours – we also offer bus tours for companies and schools

English language tours with native English speakers – in other languages on request

Book directly with a local company – 18 years experience offering guided tours of Berlin

Pay online with any major credit card – VISA/Mastercard/Amex or direct bank transfer

FEATURED BERLIN EXPERIENCES

Visit The Remains Of The Berlin Wall

Tour testimonials, photo credits.

Cover Image The Berlin Wall [Public Domain]

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Berlin Wall Memorial Guide

This post is a guide to the Berlin Wall Memorial ( Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer) .

We include tips on how to get here, and planning your visit, as well as a self-guided tour of this large memorial. 

• Why Come Here?
• Plan Your Visit
• Main Features
• East Berlin Sights + Tours
• Free Tours by Foot

Stretching over 1.4 kilometers (roughly 1 mile) of the Berlin Wall’s foundations, this entirely free memorial is the first stop anyone interested in Berlin’s separated past should visit .

It boasts a variety of fascinating exhibitions along with an opportunity to experience the Wall as it would have felt for those living on both sides of Bernauer Strasse (and Berlin).

This moving memorial honors the victims of the GDR regime.

It also explains the many ways that its citizens tried to escape, including tunnels, and particularly for Bernauer Strasse, jumping from windows and roofs.

The memorial also explains the varied methods that the GDR regime cruelly used to keep its citizens from escaping.

The memorial is also the location of one of the most famous escape attempts.

It was captured for posterity when a photographer zoomed in on a young East German Soldier named Conrad Shuman as he lept over barbed wire and into the freedom of West Berlin.

In comparison to the East Side Gallery, the Berlin Wall Memorial is far more educational, and for most visitors, in our opinion, far more interesting.

With its documentation center, lookout tower ,   preserved death strip, and content stations, this memorial provides more details and context than the singular (though long) piece of the wall.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

The memorial consists of 3 main parts, a visitor center, a large outdoor exhibit, and a documentation center with a lookout tower.

The outdoor exhibit is the largest part and it is divided into 4 sections. We detail all of the exterior components in our main features section .

We recommend starting your visit at the Nordbanhof S-Bahn Station.

This is where the Berlin Wall Memorial starts and where the visitor center is located. 

There is an exhibit inside of the Nordbahnhof S-Bahn Station titled "Ghost Stations".

Admission is free and you do not need a ticket to visit any parts of the Memorial.

Both the visitor and documentation centers offer free toilets and there is a small cafe located next to the Documentation Center. 

The visitor center has a help desk, a small bookshop, an introductory film, and interactive guides that cover all Berlin Wall sights throughout the city.

There is no security check, but eating and drinking are prohibited in the Documentation Center.

When stepping inside the Church of Reconciliation you are also asked by signs to be quiet and respectful. 

We summarize what you will see in our Main Features section, and t here are 3 audio tours that you can take with your smartphone: a 30-minute, 75-minute, and a 2-hour tour . 

Hours of Operation

Outdoor Exhibit

• Daily from 8:00 am until 22:00 (10 pm)

Visitor and Documentation Centers

• Tues - Sun from 6:00 am until 18:00 (6 pm)
• Closed on Mondays

Nordbahnhof S-Bahn Station (Ghost Station Exhibit)

• Daily from 4:00 am until 1:00 am (the next day)

Best Times To Visit

Online reviews contain scant mentions of overcrowding or queuing, and we rarely notice any overcrowding when our tours come through.

You should consider avoiding Mondays, particularly if you would like the entire experience.

Another issue that visitors should be wary of is the weather, as most of the memorial is outdoors (all of it, if you visit on a Monday).

How Long Does a Visit Take?

Even a casual walk from end to end of the main outdoor exhibit can last at least 1 hour .

Add at least an additional 30 min to visit the visitor and documentation centers .

If one wishes to experience both the open-air gallery and the documentation center, then a visit may easily stretch to 2 hours in length. 

How To Get To The Berlin Wall Memorial

The Berlin Wall Memorial is located on Bernauer Strasse between the S-Bahn Nordbanhof Station and the Bernauer Strasse U-Bahn Station, 2 stops north of Friedrich Strasse Station on the S-Bahn. 

However you choose to come, we recommend using this Google Map link for directions to the visitor center.

Nordbahnhof is an ideal station to start at due to its historical significance; it had exits in both West and East Berlin and thus became one of Berlin’s ghost stations, about which it now contains an interesting exhibition.

It is served by the S-Bahn (S1, S2, S25 & S26), trams (M10, M8, 12) and buses (247, N40).

If traveling by S-Bahn, just follow the signs for the Berlin Wall Memorial ( Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer) , though we recommend spending some time at the exhibit on the ghost stations .

If you want further explanations for tackling Berlin’s public transportation system, check out our post about Navigating Berlin’s public transportation system .

WHAT YOU WILL SEE AND EXPERIENCE

In this section, we summarize what you will see and experience if you complete a walk of the memorial.

The outdoor memorial is split up into 4 main sections (A, B, C, D).

Each section has its own particular focus, but the content certainly overlaps from one section to another. 

Area A - The Wall and Death Strip

• Area B - Destruction of the City

Area C - Building the Wall

Area D - Everyday Life at the Wall

If you don't have enough time to give this memorial your full attention, then Area A is where you should come.

Titled "The Wall and Death Strip", the overall focus of this section covers how the wall operated, how it changed the physical landscape, as well as its brutality.

This area has 4 subject stations , small areas where you have audio, visual, and text displays with stories, interviews, and eyewitness accounts.

The first station is called " The Wall and Border Strip ".  This station covers why and how the Wall was built and reinforced.

It's in this area that you can start to envision the scale and scope of the border defense. Present in this area is both the outer and inner walls. You are walking on the death strip.

Station 2 is called " Blocking off Bergstrasse ". It's in this area that you will see the excavated remains of the part of Bergstrasse that was sacrificed to the Wall.

The Wall would ultimately create 300 dead-ends streets, cutting off communities and families from one another.

The 3rd station is titled " The Wall at Sophia Parish Cemetery ".  Bergstrasse ran alongside the Sophia Parish Cemetery.

Today, the cemetery ends on the other side of the inner wall, but it used to reach Bernauer Strasse.

Many graves and tombs were uprooted and relocated deeper into the cemetery. Here is an audio clip  with images.

The last station in Area A, " Window of Remembrance ", is arguably the most powerful.

There are no audio, visual, or text clips here. The wall contains photos of 130 individuals  who had died at the Wall.

Most were killed attempting to escape East Berlin, but some were accidents, such as an 8-year-old boy from West Berlin who fell into the Spree and drowned.

Each picture is accompanied by a name, a date of birth, and a date of death. Currently, there are 130 people documented here.

Additionally, there were 8 East German border guards who also died at the Wall and their names are inscribed on a column.

You may notice that some of the squares are empty. This was done on purpose to allow space for those who may be determined to have been victims of research proving that this was the case. 

Although it's random, you may notice candles or flowers in front of the photographs. These are usually left here by family members or friends and are a stark reminder of how recent their deaths really were.

Area A has two additional and important components, the Documentation Center, with its lookout tower, and the Monument , a relatively well-preserved section of the intact border wall system, containing both an inner and outer wall, the death strip, and a watchtower.

You can get a great view of the Monument from the lookout tower across the street. There is an elevator, but most people should be able to handle the stairs.

In addition to the view of the Monument, the lookout tower also affords you great views of the entire memorial and part of the cityscape, including the TV Tower and the Berliner Dom.

Just a quick note, there are restrooms and a small cafe, and a souvenir stand at the Documentation Center.

Documentation Center

You can choose to visit the Documentation Center now or come back once you are done walking the memorial till its end.

Unlike the outdoor exhibits, it is only open from 10:00 am until 18:00 (6 pm) every day but Mondays.

The center is dedicated to telling the story of the Wall, why it was built, maintained, and eventually destroyed, using multimedia displays, maps, documents, interviews, etc.

It's even more in-depth than the outdoor memorial itself. You could easily spend an hour here browsing the exhibits.

And check out our post on the best 60 museums in Berlin , many of which are free like the Documentation Center.

Area B - Destruction of the City

Area B moves the focus of the memorial to the people who lived here on Bernauer Strasse and the surrounding area, particularly those in East Berlin.

This section of the Memorial has 4 subject stations.

The first station is " Blocking Off of Ackerstrasse ".

Unlike the previous station dealing with the closing off of Bergstrasse, this station focuses more on the people who lived in the buildings that were taken down when the Wall was expanded.

Station 2, titled " The Reconciliation Church " covers the fate of one Protestant congregation, most of whose members lived in West Berlin.

Unfortunately, the gothic church was located on East Berlin land and would only be used for two more services after Aug 13, 1961, and ultimately was destroyed in the 1980s .

One other significant feature is the Chapel of Reconciliation , which is built upon the foundations of the Church of Reconciliation, which was trapped within the Berlin Wall upon erection, and ultimately destroyed.

The chapel’s inner room is a quiet, respectful space that occasionally hosts services, whilst the outer space features exhibits discussing the church. 

Station 3 is titled " The Suffering of the People " and its focus is on the apartment buildings that bordered Bernauerstrasse and West Berlin.

These buildings were used for early escapes, including the deaths of a few locals who jumped from the buildings' upper floors and roofs.

It was for this reason that the East German government evacuated their residents and eventually destroyed the buildings.

The main exhibit here is the excavated foundation of one of these buildings, Bernauerstrasse 10a .

Here you will find audio and visual aids that tell you the story of the residents of these border buildings, many of whom were cut off from family and close friends in West Berlin.

The final station on Area B is called "Escaping to the West", which chronicles some of the daring escape attempts that took place here on Bernauerstrasse.

Most of these escape attempts were via tunnels . In all, there were 10 tunnels under the Wall here at Bernauerstrasse, though only 3 successfully freed any East Berliners.

There are many tunnel markers in this area, such as the one in the photo above.

This area of the memorial covers the evolution of the border wall's construction, reinforcement as well as how the East German government enforced security in the area just behind the border.

The subject station, " Rebuilding the Border Fortification ", covers the evolution of the Wall.

It covers how its builders analyzed escape attempts to make improvements to the border system, starting from a simple concrete wall with barbed wire to the more elaborate and impenetrable system that you have now probably come to understand better.

It's here more than anywhere that you can get a good sense of this evolution through photos, audio, and text. 

The second subject station here is " Surveillance of the Border Area ".

Here you will learn how the GDR government spied on its citizens who lived just beyond the wall and how local residents were recruited to aid the government, mostly as informants, all in order to reduce the chances of successful escapes.

The last subject station here is called "the Wall at Brunnenstrasse", where you will find a large mural of one of the most iconic images of the wall.

It's the escape of Conrad Schumann, an East German border guard, who just a few days after the start of the Wall's construction made a daring leap over the border.

His jump was actually one street further on.

As with the other areas of the memorial, you will find several subject stations.

The first is titled " The Wall and West Berlin " and covers how the Wall affected those who lived in West Berlin, particularly those in the Wedding District, which lies on the West Berlin side of the Wall. 

Station 2, " Escape Agents and Tunnel Builders " details several of the escape tunnels that were built from West Berlin under the Wall into East Berlin and those who dug and financed them.

Station 3, " The Border Soldiers ", covers the daily life of border guards and what their surveillance responsibilities were in keeping East Berlin citizens from fleeing the East. 

The next station, " The Wall in Politics ", explains how West Berlin and West Germany portrayed the city and East Berlin in domestic and local politics and foreign diplomacy.

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Anne Wittig

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Exploring the Berlin Wall: A Guided Tour for Beginners

by Original Berlin Tours | Mar 7, 2024 | Cold War Tour Berlin

Introduction

If you are planning a trip to Berlin, one must-visit historical landmark that should be at the top of your list is the Berlin Wall. This iconic structure symbolizes the division of Germany and the Cold War era. Exploring the Berlin Wall can be a fascinating and educational experience, especially for beginners. In this article, we will guide you through a comprehensive tour of the Berlin Wall.

Historical Background

The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 to separate East and West Berlin during the Cold War. It remained a symbol of the divide between communist East Germany and democratic West Germany until its fall in 1989.

Preparing for Your Tour

1. research and planning.

Before embarking on your tour, it is important to do some research and plan ahead. Familiarize yourself with the history of the Berlin Wall, its significance, and the different sites associated with it. This will enhance your understanding and appreciation during the tour.

2. Selecting a Guided Tour

There are various guided tours available, both group and private, that cater specifically to visitors interested in the Berlin Wall. Choose a reputable tour company that offers experienced guides with in-depth knowledge of the history and significance of the Berlin Wall.

Exploring the Berlin Wall Sites

1. checkpoint charlie.

Start your tour at Checkpoint Charlie, the most famous border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Today, it serves as a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the city’s division.

2. East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is an open-air gallery that showcases murals painted on a remaining section of the Berlin Wall. Walk along this mile-long stretch and admire the colorful and thought-provoking artwork created by artists from around the world.

3. Berlin Wall Memorial

Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial, located near Bernauer Strasse. This site offers a somber reminder of the wall’s impact on the city and its residents. Explore the exhibition, view the preserved sections of the wall, and visit the memorial chapel.

4. Topography of Terror

Make a stop at the Topography of Terror, an outdoor and indoor history museum located on the site of the former Nazi Gestapo headquarters. Although not directly related to the Berlin Wall, it provides valuable context to the historical events of the time.

Tips for a Memorable Experience

• Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as you will be doing a fair amount of walking outdoors.
• Carry a bottle of water and some snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized.
• Bring a camera to capture the memorable moments and the impressive street art at the East Side Gallery.
• Consider visiting the sites early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds and get a more intimate experience.
• Take advantage of the audio guides or knowledgeable tour guides to enhance your understanding of the historical significance.

Exploring the Berlin Wall is a must for anyone interested in history and the impact of the Cold War. By doing thorough research, selecting a guided tour, and visiting key sites like Checkpoint Charlie, the East Side Gallery, and the Berlin Wall Memorial, you can have a memorable and educational experience. Remember to come prepared, follow the tips provided, and immerse yourself in the rich history and symbolism of the Berlin Wall.

Check out our other cities

Berlin tours.

• Original Berlin Tours
• Berlin Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Berlin
• Free Berlin Tours
• More Berlin Tours
• Cold War Tour Berlin
• World War Tour Berlin
• Sachsenhausen Tour

Barcelona Tours

• Free Barcelona Tours
• Barcelona Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Barcelona

Budapest Tours

• Free Budapest Tours
• Budapest Bar Crawl
• Pub Crawl Budapest

Madrid Tours

• Madrid Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Madrid
• Nice Pub Crawl
• Nice Bar Crawl
• Pub Crawl Nice

Amsterdam Tours

• Amsterdam Pub Crawl
• Bar Crawl Amsterdam

Paris Tours

• Pub Crawl Paris

Dublin Tours

• Pub Crawl Dublin

Warsaw Tours

• Pub Crawl Warsaw

Stockholm Tours

• Pub Crawl Stockholm

Other Links

• Original Pub Crawls
• Be Original Tours
• Original Free Tours
• E-Ticket Trail

WhatsApp us

Guide to Visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse

This post contains links which earn me a small commission at no cost to you.

Ali Garland, Berlin expert & long term resident What to Do

The Berlin Wall is a huge piece of the city’s history, and it’s something I’m sure you’re interested in learning about on your trip to Berlin. Visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse is definitely something that should be high on your list of places to see in Berlin because it’s so rich in interesting information about the Wall.

In this guide to the Bernauer Strasse Berlin Wall Memorial , you’ll learn about the memorial and why it’s important, what the different sections are, and lots of other helpful tips for seeing this amazing attraction. I really think this is one of the best things to do in Berlin if you’re interested in the Berlin Wall.

What you'll find here

Where to stay near the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse

If you’re interested in staying near the Wall Memorial, you have lots of options that are within 10 minutes away on foot or on public transport. Here are some hotel recommendations for where to stay in Berlin near the Bernauer Strasse Berlin Wall Memorial.

Tours of the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse

A tour can be a great way to learn about the history of a place from an expert. It can also help you see more places in less time than on your own.

Here are a few tours we recommend that involve visiting the Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial:

• Cold War Walking Tour of Berlin
• Berlin Wall and Cold War Bike Tour
• East Berlin & the Wall Walking Tour

Note: I will use both spellings, Strasse and Straße. They are pronounce the same. That ß letter is pronounced like an S, so in English it is usually replaced by a double ss and Straße becomes Strasse.

About the Berlin Wall

In case you don’t know much about the Berlin Wall, it separated East and West Berlin for more than 28 years. In the aftermath of World War II, East and West Germany became two different countries, with the East being backed by the Soviets.

Berlin was also divided into East and West, and after more than a decade of East German residents migrating to the West, the East German leadership began putting up physical barriers in the city. On August 13, 1961, fences and barbed wire went up along the border dividing East and West Berlin.

These fences were quickly replaced by a concrete wall, and the border area became more and more fortified. That single Wall became multilayered and included a no man’s land, dubbed the death strip.

Watch towers, guard dogs, and bright lights were used to detect people who were trying to escape across the border. In the late 1970s, the Berlin Wall was actually rebuilt for improved prevention and surveillance, which allowed leadership to remove a lot of the other barricades that were seen as bad for its international image.

At various points along the border between East Berlin and West Berlin, many people tried to flee. Some were successful while others were caught and died.

On November 9, 1989, a new law regarding travel between East and West was accidentally announced. This led to people rushing to the borders and guards opening the borders to those who wanted to cross.

This was essentially the beginning of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the East German dictatorship. And although most of the Wall has been torn down, there are still quite a few places in Berlin to see remnants of the Berlin Wall .

History about the Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse

The Wall Memorial here is 1.4km (0.87 mile) long and spans the entire length of Bernauer Strasse where the Berlin Wall once stood separating one side of the road from the other. It also cut off Ackerstr, a street that intersected with Bernauer Straße.

Because of where the border between East and West was drawn, the Wall actually went up just outside the windows of East Berlin residents here. In those first few days when it was just a fence, some tried to escape by jumping out of their windows.

It didn’t take long before the windows facing the Wall were bricked up. Eventually people living here were force to relocate.

Not only were residents displace, but the local community church stood in the area that became the death strip. The church was no longer accessible, and the authorities even moved the graves in the cemetery.

This memorial tells the stories of the people whose lives were changed forever by the section of the Berlin Wall that went up along Bernauer Strasse. I think it’s one of the best sights in Berlin .

>>Read: Fun Facts About Berlin

How to visit the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse

The Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse is one that deserves a good amount of time. There are several different sections to see, lots of history to learn, and don’t forget, it’s nearly a mile long.

Here’s some info about the different sections of the Memorial and some tips for making the most of your visit.

Visitors center

You can visit the different sections of the memorial in any order, but I think starting at the visitors center is the way to go.

In the visitors center, you can watch two short films, 15 minutes each, about the Berlin Wall. The first one is about the Wall at Bernauer Strasse in Berlin, and the second one is about the border fortifications in Saxony-Anhalt that divided East Germany from West Germany.

They’re very informative and moving films, and I think seeing them first sets the stage for the memorial. But of course if you don’t get to see them until afterwards, it’s still very much worth coming inside for these films.

The films play in German on the hour and in English on the half hour, so plan accordingly.

Address : Bernauer Str. 119, 13355 Berlin Closest transport : Nordbahnhof Sbahn station and M10 tram stop Opening hours : Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Monday

Documentation center

About halfway along the memorial on Bernauer Strasse is the documentation center. It sits at the intersection of Bernauer Strasse and Ackerstr, an intersection that was broken by the Wall.

In the documentation center, you can see exhibits about the history of Berlin’s division. There are biographies, audiovisual materials, and firsthand witness reports of what it was like to live here during that time.

The documentation center is also where you’ll find the observation tower. Climb a few flights of stairs or take the elevator, and then you can look out over a section of the Berlin Wall that’s been preserved.

Here you can see a watch tower and a section of what was the death strip. It’s an interesting view of Berlin from above .

Address : Bernauer Str. 111, 13355 Berlin Closest Transport : Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer M10 tram stop Opening hours : Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed Monday

Border and Ghost Stations in Divided Berlin

Since Berlin was one city before the Wall divided it, the transport system obviously served both sides. This became a problem for the authorities in East Berlin, and stations in the East were patrolled and/or boarded up to prevent escapes.

The Border and Ghost Stations Exhibit in the Nordbahnhof Station tells the stories of these stations and how the trains functioned here. You can also learn about escape attempts and fortifications that were used underground to try to stop these types of escapes.

You’ll find lots of photos, maps, and interesting information here. It’s a small display but really worthwhile.

(Just be aware that the back corner may or may not smell like a toilet. Ah, Berlin…)

Address : Invalidenstraße 131, 10115 Berlin Closest transport : Nordbahnhof Sbahn station and M10 tram stop Opening hours : whenever the Sbahn station is open

Outdoor exhibit

The outdoor exhibit at the Bernauer Straße Wall Memorial stretches down the entire length of Bernauer Strasse and shows many aspects of the Wall’s history here. Take your time and read the info placards, which are in German and English.

These placards tell stories of this section of the Berlin Wall and the community that lived here at various points of the Wall’s history. This includes stories about people who tried – some successfully, some not – to escape from East Berlin.

You’ll see the section of Wall that you can look over from the observation platform at the documentation center plus another collection of Berlin Wall pieces. There are also tall metal stakes in the ground indicating where the Wall stood.

Metal markers in the ground show where some of the most famous and successful escape tunnels were. Other metal markers show where residential buildings stood before they were torn down for the Wall.

There are also several smaller memorials within this large memorial.

Conrad Schumann Memorial: This honors an East German border policeman who spontaneously decided to jump over the barbed wire just a couple days after it was installed. His escape was photographed and widely publicized, and it’s a photo you may have even seen.

Victims of the Berlin Wall Window of Remembrance: At least 140 people died or were killed at the Berlin Wall between 1961 and 1989. This wall of photos honors the 140 known victims of the Berlin Wall.

Address : From the visitors center at Bernauer Str. 119, 13355 Berlin to Bernauer Str. 50, 10435 Berlin Closest transport : Nordbahnhof Sbahn station and M10 tram stop, Bernauer Str U8 station, several M10 stops Opening hours : Technically 8am to 10pm, but it’s accessible 24 hours a day, easier to visit during daylight hours

Reconciliation Church

As the Berlin Wall was built, a church that sat on Bernauer Str was deemed to be too close to the Wall. Authorities cut off access to the church, and it became part of the no man’s land.

Eventually the church was demolished to make patrolling the border an easier task.

Some time after the Wall fell, a church was rebuilt here, and today it honors the victims of the Wall. Biographies of the victims of the Wall are read here, one per day at noon Tuesday through Friday, and the church plays a big part in remembering the tragedies that occurred here.

Address : Bernauer Str. 4, 10115 Berlin Closest Transport : Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer M10 tram stop Opening hours : Sunday 11am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 12:30pm to 5pm, closed Monday

>>Read: 47 Interesting Places to See Cold War Sites in Berlin

Things to know before you go

Admission to all sections of the Bernauer Strasse Berlin Wall Memorial is free. This includes the visitors center and short films, the exhibition in Norbahnhof, the documentation center and observation platform, the church, and all of the outdoor exhibits and memorials.

This is an in-depth memorial site with lots of different sections. You should allow 30 minutes to watch the two films at the visitors center plus at least another hour or two to experience the other sections.

The outdoor sections Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse are accessible 24 hours a day, though technically opening hours are listed as 8am to 10pm. It’s best visited in daylight hours anyway.

The indoor sections have opening hours (see each section above for more details) and are all are closed on Mondays except the exhibit in Nordbahnhof.

Pay special attention to the timing of the films in the visitors center. They play in German on the hour and in English on the half hour.

What to wear on your visit

Since most of the memorial is outdoors, and it’s 1.4km (0.87 mile) long, you’ll be on your feet a lot. Wear comfortable shoes, and dress for the weather at the time of year you’re visiting Berlin .

>>Read: What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List

Join our Facebook group!

Have questions about planning your trip to Berlin?

Join the Facebook group here to chat with Ali (she runs this site) and other people who have been to Berlin for tips.

How to get to the Bernauer Strasse Berlin Wall Memorial

It’s easiest to start at one end and work your way down. I usually recommend starting at the visitors center so you can watch the short films before exploring the outdoor memorial.

If you’re using public transport, take the S1, S2, S25, or S26, or tram 12, M8, or M10 to the Nordbahnhof Sbahn station to start at the exhibit there followed by the visitors center.

Alternatively, you can start at the other end near Bernauer Strasse and Schwedter Strasse by taking the M10 to the Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark tram stop. You can also take the U8 to Bernauer Strasse which is a few blocks west of Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark.

Where is the Berlin Wall Memorial located?

The Berlin Wall Memorial is located on Bernauer Strasse. It’s a long memorial site with several locations.

German addresses aren’t always as logical as you might hope. For example, the outdoor exhibit runs from Bernauer Str 50-119, but the church, which is in the middle of the whole thing, is number 4. Don’t try to make sense of it.

Here are the addresses:

Visitors center: Bernauer Str. 119 Documentation center: Bernauer Str. 111 Ghost stations exhibit: Invalidenstraße 131 (In the Nordbahnhof Sbahn station) Outdoor exhibit: Bernauer Str. 119 to Bernauer Str. 50 Reconciliation Church: Bernauer Str. 4

How much are Berlin Wall Memorial tickets?

Visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse is free, so there are no tickets. This goes for all sections of the memorial, so you can watch the films at the visitors center, go into the documentation center, see the ghost stations exhibit, and wander through the outdoor exhibit, all at no cost.

Some Berlin walking tours include a stop at the Berlin Wall Memorial, so if you choose to take a tour, that would be a cost. Beyond that, it’s just the cost of your transport ticket.

>>Check out more free museums in Berlin .

Berlin Sightseeing Tours

What to do near the berlin wall memorial at bernauer strasse.

There aren’t a ton of other tourist attractions that are really close to Bernauer Strasse, but the area is very well connected by transport. This means you’re only a few stops away from other top sights in Berlin .

Here are a few things to do near the Bernauer Strasse Berlin Wall Memorial.

Naturkunde Museum

The Natural History Museum is a great place to visit that’s just a short walk or tram ride away from Bernauer Strasse. Here you’ll see exhibits featuring preserved animals, dinosaur bones and skeletons, and more.

Mauerpark is one of the most popular parks in Berlin , and it’s located towards the eastern end of the Berlin Wall Memorial. Mauer means Wall, and the park is named this because the Wall used to run through this area.

A long section of the Wall still stands here. It’s dubbed the Graffiti Wall because it’s covered in street art, and despite being a protected monument (as all sections of the Wall are) it is still permitted to paint here.

Today the park is a favorite place for locals to relax. The park also hosts outdoor karaoke on Sundays, as well as one of the most famous flea markets in the city.

North Side Gallery

I’m sure you’ve heard of the East Side Gallery . Well, the North Side Gallery is definitely a lesser known attraction in Berlin . It’s similar but with fewer people, and it’s located in Park Am Nordbahnhof near the Bernauer Strasse visitors center.

Not only is the park really pretty and peaceful, but there’s a section of the Berlin Wall here that’s recently been converted into an art installation with street art painted on it. Check it out here and here .

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this guide to visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!

• 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
• 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
• 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
• 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
• 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
• What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
• How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation

Check out my favorite travel planning sites and resources

These are the sites I like for travel planning, plus items I like to travel with.

Planning Booking.com : Find a Berlin hotel here.

Rick Steves and Lonely Planet : My favorite guidebook resources.

Tours, Activities, Tickets Viator : Great site for finding tours and other activities.

GetYourGuide : Another good option for tours and activities.

Transport Welcome Pickups : No stress option for airport pickups.

Discover Cars : Find a rental car for Germany road trips.

Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus : Best options for getting around Germany.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for German & EU.

Collapsible water bottle , plug adapter , and stuff bag : Small things that will make your trip a little easier.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for Germany & EU.

Book a local photographer Flytographer : Hire an amazing local photographer anywhere in the world. Use code BERLINTRAVEL to get $25 off your first photo shoot.

Related Posts

What to do in Berlin on Monday: 25+ Museums & More

What to do in Berlin on Sunday: 15+ Ideas

Best Berlin Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Berlin Wall Memorial guide: Cold War stories from the city’s past

The Berlin Wall Memorial is one of the must-see locations in the German capital. Located in Bernauer Strasse, once a no-man’s-land of the formerly divided city, the memorial offers a unique insight into Berlin’s history. The historic site showcases the living conditions of the Wall era, featuring several information points -and also an entire piece of the Berlin Wall itself.

No other city worldwide suffered the Cold War’s consequences more than Berlin. The impact of the Wall sealed the fate of Berlin in the 20th century and its current social structure. Today the memorial at Bernauerstrasse offers visitors an opportunity to study history at the place it was written.

So, in this article, you’ll see photos of the Berlin Wall Memorial, accompanied by information for your visit. Moreover, I will share places you can explore close to the memorial to get a fuller experience. Finally, you’ll also find the best Berlin Wall guided tours to enhance your visit.

Let’s start.

Table of Contents

*Some links are affiliate links. It means that if you buy something, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Berlin Wall Memorial Guide: Information & Tips

Established in 1998 and dedicated to the people who lost their lives during the Wall era, the Berlin Wall Memorial is located at Bernauer Straße in the corner of Ackerstraße. Despite its size, the complex has various sections, and it covers each of them in depth. So, here’s what you’ll see at the Berlin Wall Memorial (German: Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer ).

A section of the Berlin Wall and the Death Strip

A big part of the monument is outdoors, and the remains of the Berlin Wall are the primary sight. Here you can walk next to the Wall and to what was formerly known as the Death Strip . Wherever pieces of the Wall are missing, they are replaced by steel rods to create a sense of continuity.

What was the Death Strip, though? The Berlin Wall consisted of two concrete walls with a 150-meter distance between them. The space between the concrete walls was the Death Strip. It was a place that no one could enter, full of barbed wire, watchtowers, and armed soldiers. Despite looking peaceful nowadays, it was a death zone once upon a time. Several people who tried to escape were killed on the Death Strip.

There are numerous information points throughout the Wall’s area where you can hear stories (available also in English) from people that lived during this time. Moreover, you can get plenty of background information about the Berlin Wall and how it destructed the whole city. The escape tunnels, the openings on the Wall, and the political insights will give you an excellent overview of the structure’s significance. This open-air museum is definitely one of the best things to see in Berlin .

The outdoor sections

There are four distinct sections to discover while walking through the outdoor exhibition. These are:

• The wall and the Todesstreifen (Death Strip)
• Destruction of the city
• Building of the wall
• “It happened at the Wall” (German: “ Es geschah an der Mauer “)

The Reconciliation Church at the Wall Memorial

Concluded in 1894, the Church of Reconciliation survived World War II, only to be destroyed a few decades later. The division of Berlin took place in 1945, and the church became part of the Soviet sector. However, when the Berlin Wall was erected on the 13th of August 1961 , the church’s position was problematic due to its proximity to the French sector, and in 1985 it was demolished. The official statement of the GDR (the East German government) was that its demolition would “ increase security and order .”

The Church that you see on the site today was built after the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Of course, the goal was to commemorate the turbulent years and make a chapel that would respect the historical past. Straight before the entrance, you can also see the Statue of Reconciliation.

The documentation center

The documentation center lies on the opposite side of the Wall remains. There you can visit the exhibition “ 1961-1989: The Berlin Wall ,” which is exclusively dedicated to the history of Berlin as a divided city. Rich in informational material, the center covers the political and historical context that drove the erection of the Wall. Moreover, it shows how the Berlin Wall fell and shares background info about Germany’s reunification.

Last but not least, one of the Berlin Wall Memorial highlights is the view from the center’s fifth floor. After climbing the steps (there’s also an elevator), you’ll find yourself on a veranda with a magnificent view over Berlin. In front of you, you’ll see the Berlin Wall remains, the Death Strip, and the outdoor exhibitions. On a clear day, you can enjoy Berlin’s skyline and see the Berlin Cathedral ( Berliner Dom ) and TV Tower ( Fernsehturm ), among other city highlights.

Other locations close to the Wall Memorial in Berlin

Although not technically part of the Berlin Wall Memorial site, there are two more locations just a few meters away from the complex. Both have significance; therefore, I thought of adding them here.

Nordbahnhof: a ghost train station

Just a few meters away from the Berlin Wall Memorial, you can reach the Nordbahnhof S-Bahn train station . Although today is just one more train station of Berlin’s extended public transport network, this wasn’t always the case.

A ghost station is practically a train station where trains would pass without stopping. During the Wall era, three train lines (U6, U8, and the Nord-Süd Tunnel of the S-Bahn) ran mainly through West Berlin but also had stops in East Berlin. Oddly enough, West Berliners could use these lines, but East Berliners couldn’t. Therefore, the stations in East Berlin remained shut, and West Berliners could travel through the eastern part on a train that didn’t stop. The term Geisterbahnhof was coined, and these places looked more like poorly lit barracks than train stations.

One such station was the Nordbahnhof, where nowadays, apart from regular S-Bahn services, you can see the exhibition “ Border and Ghost stations in divided Berlin .” It contains original photos and footage from the era, and it definitely deserves a visit.

The Conrad Schumann statue

While this is just a small side story of the whole era, the photo of Conrad Schumann jumping over the barbed wire to freedom is definitely a nice add-on for your Berlin Wall Memorial visit.

While entering the outdoor area of the monument, you’ll see a photo covering the wall of a building. It depicts a soldier jumping over the wire of the Wall. The East-German border guard, Conrad Schumann, fled to West Germany during the Wall’s construction. On August 15th, 1961, the third day of the Wall’s construction, Schumann dropped his gun and jumped over to West Berlin. There he was picked up by a West Berlin police unit. It’s one of the most famous photos of this time, and you have probably seen it already.

Now, just a few meters from the memorial, at Brunnenstrasse 143 , you can see a small statue with Schumann’s jump. The statue’s name is “Mauerspringer” or “ The Wall Jumper .” Consider it as a nice, hidden extra of your experience.

Berlin Wall Memorial: Opening hours & more

Here you can find the opening times for the historical site of the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Straße.

Outdoor exhibition : from Monday to Sunday, from 8 am to 10 pm.

Documentation Center : from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm.

Ghost Station exhibition at Nordbahnhof : the opening hours of the station.

Admission is free to all exhibition grounds.

How to get to the Berlin Wall Memorial

The Berlin transportation network is extended, and you can reach the Wall Memorial in various ways.

The easiest way to get to the Wall Memorial is with the U-Bahn U8 . The stop’s name is Bernauer Straße , and you’ll be at the outdoor exhibition when you exit the station. Alternatively, you can take the U-Bahn U6 and stop at the Naturkundemuseum.

It’s equally easy to reach the memorial with the S-Bahn. Lines S1 , S2 , S25 and S26 all stop at Nordbahnhof. That said, you can start your Berlin Wall Memorial visit with the exhibition at the station before heading to the Wall remains and the documentation center.

Finally, tram M10 also stops at Nordbahnhof, and the same goes for bus 247 .

Berlin tip : If the lines confuse you, I have you covered. You can visit the official website of Berlin’s public transport (BVG) and add your starting address. It can be your hotel’s address or any address in town. Then, add either “Bernauer Strasse” or “Nordbahnhof” at the destination and see the suggested itinerary. You can see the English planner of the BVG here .

The best Cold War tours in Berlin

In this section, you’ll find the best Cold War tours in Berlin . Several tour operators offer guided walks to the most important locations in the city that deal with the Wall years. These guided Berlin tours are an excellent opportunity to get local insights about life during the time of division. Of course, every guided tour you’ll find below stops at the Wall Memorial in Berlin.

So, here are the top Berlin Wall tours you can book right now.

Berlin Wall – Small group tour . That’s one of the top tours of the Berlin Wall. Apart from visiting various locations- like the Bornoholmer Strasse and the Mauerpark- you’ll also listen to real stories of families separated by the Berlin Wall. Of course, a visit to the Memorial is part of the tour. The prices start from 21 euros per person, and it lasts approximately 2 1/2 hours. You can book the small group tour here .

E-bike tour of the Berlin Wall . Berlin is a paradise for bikers, and if you enjoy cycling in foreign cities, this tour is for you. Your guide will drive you through Berlin and show you every iconic Wall location. There are plenty of stops on the way, and you’ll also see one of the nicest areas of Berlin while cycling. The tour lasts 4 hours and costs 41 euros per person. You can book the e-bike tour here .

Alternatively, if you use a regular bicycle instead of an e-bike, there’s a similar tour for the same price. You can book the bicycle tour here .

Fates, Heroes, and Love Stories – Walking tour . Finally, here’s one more excellent walking tour that deals with the Berlin Wall. A certified guide will walk you into the Wall Memorial and share plenty of stories about the Cold War era in the city. This guided tour is about real-life incidents connected to the 1961-1989 period of German history. You can book this walking tour here .

Bonus #1: A Berlin Wall extra experience

There’s an art exhibition depicting a day during the Cold War in Berlin. Artist Yadegar Asisi created a 1:1 Panorama close to Checkpoint Charlie, presenting a fictitious autumn day in 1980s Berlin. You can read more about it in my article about the Asisi Panorama here . And you can book your tickets here .

Bonus #2: Tilda Swinton with a Bike Around the Wall (1988)

If you want to see what the Berlin Wall looked like in the late 80s, here’s one of the most surreal videos you’ll ever come across. Director Cynthia Beatt follows with her camera Tilda Swinton as she rides her bike along the Berlin Wall. The movie “ Cycling the Frame ” is less than half an hour long, and some places Tilda Swinton visits are hard to recognize today. However, this is a 28-minute gem that will bring you back to the divided city.

Berlin Wall Memorial: conclusion

The former border strip at Bernauer Strasse was once a no-man’s-land; however, today is a place of remembrance where written history can be revisited. The Berliner Mauer no longer exists, but its traces can still be tracked in people’s lives. Nowadays, the Wall Memorial in Berlin attracts thousands of people every year, and it’s one of the city’s most iconic Cold War sites. Together with the famous East Side Gallery and the Checkpoint Charlie, it ranks among the must-see places.

Therefore, if you’re about to travel to Berlin, make sure to visit the memorial. Apart from a profound experience, it’s also one of the few places in Europe where you can immerse yourself in contemporary history.

More about Berlin : 3 days in Berlin itinerary , Berlin by bike guide , Berlinale guide , 10 Berlin facts

Pin it for later

Sharing is caring. Share this article about the Bernauer Straße Wall Memorial in Berlin with your friends.

Last Updated on October 7, 2023 by George Pavlopoulos

• More Options
• Share on LinkedIn
• Reddit this!
• Save in Pocket
• Save on Flipboard
• Share on Tumblr!
• Share via Telegram
• Share via WhatsApp
• Send via Viber

Related Posts

Computer games museum berlin: an interactive experience, berlin river cruise: should you book a spree boat tour, exploring gropiusstadt, berlin’s ambitious housing project, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

•   Suche aktivieren Stichwort / Suchbegriff   Suche starten
•   Einfache Sprache
• English English
• Deutsch Deutsch

Facebook Instagram Instagram

Photo: Gesa Simons © Berlin Wall Foundation

Art on the Berlin Wall and the history of the East Side Gallery – tours at the East Side Gallery focus on these topics. When were the pictures painted and why? Who was involved and what did the Wall look like before it was painted? 

Public Tours

Public overview tours on various topics take place regularly at the East Side Gallery. The tours last around 1 hour and are conducted with audio guides. These tours are free of charge for schoolchildren. Registration is not required.

To the calendar

Group Tours

For groups of up to 10 people, guided tours can be booked for different groups and at an individual date.

Book a tour now

East Side Gallery compact

The East Side Gallery is the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall. While the GDR border already had special features here, the former border elements gained worldwide attention after the fall of the Wall: 118 artists from 21 countries designed the east side of the Berlin Wall with their pictures to create the world's largest open air gallery. The guided tour deals with the history of the GDR border regime, the joy of the fall of the Wall and the artistic appropriation of the former barrier in 1990.

To the calendar Book for a group

East Side Gallery - Focus: The Berlin Wall

In 1990, the artists painted their pictures on the Berlin Wall. From 1961 to 1989, it separated Friedrichshain in East Berlin from Kreuzberg in West Berlin. To expand the border area, the buildings on the banks of the Spree were demolished and people had to move. At least 13 people died in the area between Oberbaumbrücke and Ostbahnhof. In this guided tour, historical traces of the division are discovered and artworks of the East Side Gallery are presented that deal with life in the GDR and the overcoming of the SED dictatorship.

East Side Gallery - Focus: Art

In spring 1990, more than 100 artists from 21 countries created the longest open-air gallery along 1.3 kilometers of the former border. The art project transformed what had once been an instrument of power into a symbol of joy over the end of the GDR. The tour uses select murals to tell the history of the historical site.

East Side Gallery Highlight Tour: Upheaval 1989-90 and German Unification: Mixed Feelings?

The artists painted their messages for a united Europe on the Berlin Wall in 1990. Some took experiences from 1990 as the inspiration for their artwork. The more than one hundred artworks tell of hope and joy, but also of worries and disturbing experiences during the time of upheaval in 1989/90. As part of the tour, some artworks will be presented and a look will be taken at how the artists look back on German unity and the transformation more than 30 years after the fall of the Wall: What would they have painted on the Berlin Wall today? Are the messages still relevant?

East Side Gallery Highlight Tour: Who Does the City Belong To?

The East Side Gallery as a monument was listed as early as 1991 to preserve the painted remains of the Berlin Wall. At the same time, initial plans were developed for the urban development of the area around the gallery. The urban development plans and the monument protection found a solution, the result of which we can see today: The East Side Gallery remained in its original location with planned gaps in between - including access roads to the new buildings in the former border strip. The tour traces the discussions about the preservation of the East Side Gallery and, with the "Wagenburg" and the graffiti sprayers, makes visible the stories of people who appropriated the derelict area in the 1990s and were displaced.

East Side Gallery Highlight Tour: Art vs. Memorial?

The East Side Gallery was built in 1990 to celebrate the fall of the Wall. Over the years, the concrete crumbled and the colours peeled. In 2009, everything was put back to square one. During a renovation, the porous concrete wall was repaired and all the artworks were almost completely reapplied. Only one original from 1990 has survived to this day. The re-creation of the monument is still being discussed today.

To the Program Book for a group

Ask the Artist: Wall and Art

How did the artists experience the painting of the East Side Gallery in 1990? How did they develop the idea for their artwork? And what was their life like in the divided city of Berlin and after the fall of the Wall in 1989? What is their perspective on their art and the memorial today? Join an artist on a discovery tour at the East Side Gallery.

Become an Art Expert at the East Side Gallery!

A family tour.

During this discovery tour, children aged 8 to 12 and their families learn about the history of the Berlin Wall and become experts on the art on the East Side Gallery. They seek answers to questions such as: Why was Berlin divided for 28 years? What happened to the Wall after the border opened? Why was the East Side Gallery created? The children work with the murals’ symbols and stories and are encouraged to develop their own understanding of the art.

Meeting point

• Mühlenstraße 73, 10243 Berlin-Friedrichshain

The meeting point for all tours is the infomobile. It is located on the Spree side of the East Side Gallery, diagonally opposite Tamara-Danz-Strasse.

Live Speaking

Our guides are dedicated to the exchange of content along the East Side Gallery: They are on site as live speakers to show interested people the history of the East Side Gallery.

Digital Offers

Web-app – virtual discovery tour along the east side gallery.

Ever since the East Side Gallery celebrated its 30th anniversary, the historic monument can be explored at any time and from any location: On September 27, 2020, the Berlin Wall Foundation released a browser-based tour app that provides a virtual tour with 360° views of the site. The interactive app provides background information, short videos with guides, historical photos, and also presents the podcast series “Feelings for the Future 1990” with East Side Gallery artists.

The Berlin Wall Memorial: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

by Original Berlin Tours | Mar 7, 2024 | World War Tour Berlin

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive beginner’s guide to the Berlin Wall memorial. In this post, we will explore the history, significance, and major attractions of this iconic landmark. Whether you’re planning a trip to Berlin or simply interested in learning more about this historic site, this guide is here to help you discover everything you need to know.

1. The History of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall, constructed by the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in 1961, divided the city of Berlin into East and West Berlin. It was built to prevent citizens from fleeing from East Germany to West Germany and was a symbol of the Cold War era.

The wall stood for 28 years, finally falling in 1989. This event marked the reunification of Germany and became a significant symbol of the end of the Cold War.

2. The Berlin Wall Memorial Site

The Berlin Wall Memorial is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in understanding the history and impact of the wall. The memorial site is located on Bernauer Strasse, which used to be the border zone between East and West Berlin.

At the memorial, you can explore various sections of the original wall, see reconstructed watchtowers, and visit the Documentation Center. The Documentation Center provides historical information and personal stories, giving visitors a deeper insight into the experiences of those affected by the division.

3. Key Attractions at the Berlin Wall Memorial

3.1 the wall documentation center.

The Wall Documentation Center is a vital component of the memorial site. Here, you can delve into the history of the wall through numerous photographs, documents, and audiovisual presentations. The center offers a comprehensive overview of the events leading up to the construction of the wall, its impact on the lives of Berliners, and the reunification process.

3.2 The Window of Remembrance

The Window of Remembrance is a particularly moving section of the memorial. It pays tribute to the over 140 people who died while attempting to cross the wall. The names of these individuals are displayed on panels, reminding visitors of the human cost of the division.

3.3 The Visitor Center

The Visitor Center serves as an entry point to the memorial site, providing visitors with practical information, guidance, and additional resources. You can obtain maps, audio guides, and books to enhance your experience.

3.4 The Chapel of Reconciliation

The Chapel of Reconciliation was built on the former “Death Strip” of the Berlin Wall. It serves as a symbol of peace and healing, offering visitors a tranquil space for contemplation and remembrance.

4. Tips for Visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial

When planning your visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial, consider the following tips to enhance your experience:

• Arrive early in the day to avoid large crowds
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves walking
• Take advantage of guided tours to gain deeper insights
• Bring water and snacks as there are limited refreshment options

Visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial is an essential experience for anyone interested in understanding the history and impact of the Cold War division. By exploring the different sections of the wall and engaging with the various attractions, you will gain a profound appreciation for the struggles endured by those affected. Incorporate our tips into your visit to make the most of this iconic landmark. Enjoy your journey into the past!

Check out our other cities

Berlin tours.

• Original Berlin Tours
• Berlin Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Berlin
• Free Berlin Tours
• More Berlin Tours
• Cold War Tour Berlin
• World War Tour Berlin
• Sachsenhausen Tour

Barcelona Tours

• Free Barcelona Tours
• Barcelona Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Barcelona

Budapest Tours

• Free Budapest Tours
• Budapest Bar Crawl
• Pub Crawl Budapest

Madrid Tours

• Madrid Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Madrid
• Nice Pub Crawl
• Nice Bar Crawl
• Pub Crawl Nice

Amsterdam Tours

• Amsterdam Pub Crawl
• Bar Crawl Amsterdam

Paris Tours

• Pub Crawl Paris

Dublin Tours

• Pub Crawl Dublin

Warsaw Tours

• Pub Crawl Warsaw

Stockholm Tours

• Pub Crawl Stockholm

Other Links

• Original Pub Crawls
• Be Original Tours
• Original Free Tours
• E-Ticket Trail

WhatsApp us

Ostrich Trails

Because it is a walking bird and walking is what we do.

Berlin Wall Walk

Home » Europe » Germany » Berlin Wall Walk

By Vicky · Published Feb. 1st, 2024 · Updated Feb. 2nd, 2024

When you buy through links highlighted with an asterisk (*) on this site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Follow this free self-guided Berlin Wall Walk between Mauerpark and the East Side Gallery, along the most interesting section of the wall.

Page Contents:

This walk starts from the Mauerpark on the north side of central Berlin. There are several options to reach this park on public transport, including the metro to Eberswalder Straße U-Bahn or the bus/tram to Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark.

Berlin Wall Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.

Tips for Walking along the Berlin Wall

• At every junction there is a signpost – look out for these as they can be easy to miss! A double row of little cobbles also marks the path that the wall follows and can be another marker when you’re trying to stay on the route.
• If you want to shorten the walk, the least interesting section is between Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery – take public transport instead.
• Check out other walks and city guides on our Germany Hiking Page .

Top Sights along the Berlin Wall Walk

On this free, self-guided walking tour along the central section of the Berlin Wall, you’ll see several interesting sights, detailed below. If you prefer a guided walk, this tour * takes in several of the main sights along the central section of the wall.

• Berlin Wall Memorial
• Memorial Günter Litfin
• Invalids’ Cemetery
• Parliament of the Trees
• Brandenburg Gate
• Memorial to the Fallen Jews
• Potsdamer Platz
• Topography of Terror
• Checkpoint Charlie
• East Side Gallery

Berlin Wall Walk Route

This walk along the central section of the Berlin Wall starts from the Mauerpark.

Directions: Walk northward into the Mauerpark.

1. Mauerpark

The Mauerpark (Wall Park) follows a former straight section of the Berlin Wall. You can’t see much of the actual wall today, but there are some information signs about the history of it. Just next to the road at the beginning of the park is an information panel (in German and English) about this section of the wall together with a few archaeological remains. On Sunday afternoons there’s a great flea market in the park, with loads of stalls, music, food trucks and a fun atmosphere.

Directions: Walk as far into the Mauerpark as you want before returning to the road and crossing to the other side. Take a right behind the buildings on a small walkway parallel to the main road. There are several signs along the path documenting the history of the wall. Soon you’ll enter an open space and the next stop.

2. Berlin Wall Memorial

Key Information: Mainly outside with free entry and unlimited opening hours. Documentation Centre and visitor’s centre open Tue-Sun,10am-6pm. To read and see everything, you could spend a couple of hours here.

The Berlin Wall Memorial covers a section of the former wall along Bernauer Street. In several places, iron poles have been put up to represent where the walls stood, and you walk along the ‘Death Strip’ in the middle. There are some small outdoor exhibits here, along with a Chapel of Reconciliation and several large murals and photos on the buildings showing how the area changed over time.

Inside the Documentation Centre is an overview of the history of the Berlin Wall, the division of Berlin and the consequences of the Cold Wall. There are multimedia exhibits, including a film about the wall’s history.

Directions: At the Documentation Centre, head up some steps into the narrow park on the opposite side of the road and turn right. There used to be a train station here, but it was closed when the wall was built right through it. At the end of the park, leave down the steep steps to your right and turn left to the roundabout. Take the first left, past two cemeteries, and cut across the park just before the next road junction. Take the first left down Boyenstrasse. At the end, turn right and then left to reach the canal and then left along the canal banks.

3. Memorial Günter Litfin

In front of the first buildings you reach, you’ll see a former watchtower on the Berlin Wall. It’s now a memorial to all those killed by the East German border troops as they tried to cross over the wall. Specifically, it’s named after Günter Litfin, the first person to be shot and killed when attempting to cross the wall, in the summer of 1961.

Directions: Continue following the canal and into the park.

4. Invalids’ Cemetery

The Invaliden Cemetery is a historic cemetery and final resting place for various notable figures as well as for many soldiers killed in battle. The Berlin Wall was built through the cemetery in the 1960s, and many graves were destroyed. Today you can still see many graves, memorials, and a section of the Berlin Wall running through the middle.

Directions: Walk further along the canal, across the road, and back to the canal bank. Head along the road beneath the train tracks and you’ll reach the banks of the River Spree on the other side. Turn left past the Futurium (a fun free museum about technology and the future) and keep walking past the first bridge. Soon you’ll see a small park on the left side of the road.

5. Parliament of the Trees

In this small park there are 16 trees representing the 16 federal states of Germany, all planted in 1990 to celebrate the reunification of Germany. There’s also an original stretch of the Berlin Wall at the back, covered in paintings and quotations. Today it’s a monument against war and violence, but also a reminder that we have to take care of nature to take care of ourselves.

Directions: Continue walking along the river and head over the next bridge before heading right and to the front of the large Reichstag building.

6. Reichstag

Key Information: Free entry, but you have to book timeslots in advance from the official website . Book at least one day before your visit as it takes some time to get the confirmation. Bring your official ID with you. It’s open daily from 8am to 9:45pm. There’s also a free audioguide.

The Reichstag is the seat of the German parliament. The main attraction is the Reichstag Dome, a large glass dome at the top with panoramic views over Berlin. It’s free to enter (but book in advance), and you can walk up the spiral ramp to the top while enjoying views of the city and the parliamentary chamber below. The audioguide will guide you around, and there’s also a small exhibit about the history of the building and the German government.

Have lunch at the Reichstag rooftop restaurant *

Directions: From the Reichstag follow the road to the famous Gate.

7. Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of both the city and German history. It was built in the late 18th century by King Frederick William II of Prussia as a neoclassical triumphal arch. During the Cold War, the Brandenburg Gate became a powerful symbol of the division between East and West Berlin. The gate was located in the no man’s land of the Berlin Wall, and its image was often associated with the separation of the city and the ideological conflict between the communist and capitalist blocs.

Directions: Continue down the main road between the gate and the Tiergarten.

8. Memorial to the Fallen Jews

The Memorial to the Fallen Jews, commonly known as the Holocaust Memorial is a somber memorial in the centre of Berlin. It was built in 2005, and consists of 2,711 concrete slabs or stelae of varying heights arranged in a grid pattern over a sloping field. You can walk through the maze-like arrangement of slabs, and the idea is to feel a sense of unease and disorientation while at the same time allowing for solitude and quiet reflection. On the far side is an underground information centre that provides more information about the memorial.

Directions: Continue walking down the main street to Potsdamer Platz.

9. Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz is a bustling square known for its modern architecture, entertainment options, and historical significance. During the division of Berlin, Potsdamer Platz became a “no man’s land” and a desolate area due to its location at the border between East and West Berlin. Today there’s a short section of the Berlin Wall here and several information panels explaining the wall’s history.

Directions: Head along the main street, which bends slightly left. Turn left on the first main street, called Niederkirchner Strasse. You’ll see a large, fancy building on the right, the Martin-Gropius-Bau Art Museum, and the next stop on the Berlin Wall Walk is just past this.

10. Topography of Terror

Key Information: Free entry. Indoor exhibits are open daily 10am to 8pm, the outdoor area closes when it’s dark (or 8pm at the latest). Audioguides are available.

The Topography of Terror Museum is a free, popular museum. It’s located both next to the Berlin Wall and at the former headquarters of the Nazi Gestapo and SS. There are three main parts to this site: 1) the indoor museum, 2) the outdoor exhibition trench, and 3) a walk around the grounds with information panels.

The indoor museum consists of informative panels, photographs, documents, and artifacts that chronicle the history of the Nazi security apparatus and its victims. The outdoor exhibition trench runs along the remains of the Berlin Wall. It’s not actually about the Wall or the Cold War, but about life in Berlin from 1933 until the end of the Second World War, and how the Nazis came to power.

Directions: Walk along the main road for another block, past the touristy big air balloon, and to the next road junction.

11. Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was the renowned border crossing linking East and West Berlin within the Soviet and American sectors. It held significant political symbolism throughout the Cold War era, reflecting the heightened tensions between the opposing sides. Presently, a reconstructed checkpoint booth stands along with the iconic sign declaring “You are leaving the American Sector” in English, Russian, French, and German.

Apart from the checkpoint itself, there are several museums surrounding the old checkpoint:

Wall Museum – Checkpoint Charlie

Key Information: Open daily 10am-6pm. Tickets cost €17.50/9.50 per adult/child.

The Wall Museum – Checkpoint Charlie (or Mauermuseum – Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie) showcases the history of the Berlin Wall, escape attempts, and the broader context of the Cold War.

Get tickets to the Wall Museum *

THE WALL – asisi Panorama

Key Information: Open daily 10am-6pm. Tickets cost €11/5 per adult/child.

THE WALL – asisi Panorama is an immersive museum revolving around a 360-degree panorama displaying a normal day in the life of Berlin citizens living near the Wall. There are also a couple of photo exhibits and films about the wall and daily life.

Get tickets to THE WALL – asisi Panorama *

Cold War Black Box Checkpoint Charlie

Key Information: Open daily 10am-6pm. Tickets cost €5/3.50/free per adult/teenager/child.

Cold War Black Box is a fun and interactive little museum that covers the history of the wall chronologically. You’ll learn about its construction, Checkpoint Charlie and events that happened there, the Cold Wall, and the eventual fall of the wall in 1989. There are films to watch and accounts to listen to, artefacts, a section of the wall and much more.

Detour: Jewish Museum

Key Information: Open daily 10am-7pm. Free admission.

The Jewish Museum is a really interesting museum about 10 minutes walk south of Checkpoint Charlie. It has a small section on the Holocaust but most of it is about the history of Jewish people and their beliefs and customs. The museum is well laid out and well-explained, with interactive exhibits and lots of things to keep you engaged. The building itself is unusual and fun, with hardly any right angles. On the lowest floor, the corridors are inclined and you can easily get a bit confused and disoriented, which is the idea of the design.

Directions: From Checkpoint Charlie to the East Side Gallery it’s about 4 km walk with not that many features. The first 2 km is through a residential area of Berlin with both older and newer apartments, while the second 2 km is through a park area passing two large churches and a poorer neighbourhood of Berlin.

Directions: Keep your eyes peeled for the Berlin Wall Walk signs and the double row of cobbles on the floor that will lead you along the correct route. There are good views as you cross the bridge over the River Spree. From here, the East Side Gallery is not far along the road to your right.

12. East Side Gallery

Key Information: The wall is in a public area so free to access anytime. The eastern side of the wall (away from the river) is fully covered in graffiti, while the western side is only covered in places.

The East Side Gallery is an open-air gallery of the longest section of the Berlin Wall (about 1 km). It’s covered in interesting graffiti by over 100 artists from around the world. They were invited to paint murals on the east side of the Wall shortly after it fell.

The most famous artwork is of two old men kissing – these are the General Secretaries of the Soviet Union and the Socialist Unity Party of East Germany (Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker). This mural can be found on the east (road) side of the wall near the Oberbaum Bridge (the fancy bridge).

Directions: The East Side Gallery is the end of this Berlin Wall Walk. From here you can take the bus, metro or tram back, or head on to a couple of museums about the Stasi. Alternatively, you can continue walking along the wall 1 km further to see an old DDR watchtower. Treptower Park (not on the wall) is another interesting place nearby, with some former Soviet monumental architecture and statues.

Exploring Further

Stasi museum.

Key Information: Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, weekends 11am-6pm. Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat guided tour in English at 3pm (extra €5 per person). Tickets cost €10/7.50. Audioguides are €2 per person.

The Stasi Museum is located in the former headquarters of the Ministry for State Security. This was the official state security service of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) during the Cold War. In the museum, you can gain insights into the extensive network of surveillance and control maintained by the Stasi, as well as the methods employed to monitor and suppress dissent.

Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial

Key Information: The permanent exhibition is open every day 9am-6pm and is free. Guided tours in English are every day at 10:40, 12:40 and 14:40 and cost €8/4. These tours are highly recommended, and it’s best to book in advance during busy periods.

The Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial is a former secret Stasi prison, now a museum and memorial. It used to be a central institution for political persecution in East Germany. Many individuals arrested for political reasons were interrogated and detained here. Today the museum and tours (by former inmates) provide insight into the methods used by the Stasi for surveillance, interrogation, and psychological pressure.

Treptower Park

Treptower Park is almost 2 kms walk from the East Side Gallery. Head across the bridge, along the wall to the former watchtower, and further along the road. There are several interesting features within the park including a monumental Soviet War Memorial, an old Soviet observatory, a riverside beer garden on a little island, a nice riverside walk and boat rentals.

Guidebooks to explore more of Germany

For more walking tours and hikes in Germany, see our Germany hiking page .

Related Posts

Hesselberg Hill Walk

Schloss Nymphenburg Palace and Park Walk

Museum Island & Central Berlin Walking Tour

Castles to Füssen Loop Walk

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

UEFA EURO 2024

All about the European Football Championship in Berlin

• Menu Berlin Welcome Card
• Menu Event calendar
• Menu Newsletter
• Contrast Contrast

Sightseeing tours in Berlin

The best way to explore Berlin

Berlin Sightseeing Touren

Berlin is a happening city, diverse and colourful – and never dull! Explore the urban jungle on a city tour through Berlin, past classic sights, historical locations and bustling neighbourhoods !

With the wide range of fascinating city tours, hop on/hop off bus tours, guided bike tours and adventure and activities tours on offer, it’s easy to discover Berlin’s fascinating diversity in your way.

Please note that there may be changes to departure times and routes on individual public holidays.

To get you started, we have put together a selection of popular sightseeing tours in Berlin here! 

Boat tours & Spree cruises

Boat tours and rental

Bus tours & city tours

Discover Berlin by bus

Walking tours

Guided tours

Berlin by bike

Tips and bike tours for cyclists

Individual city sightseeing tours Berlin

Hop On & Hop Off! Popular bus tours

First time in Berlin? Then take one of the hop on / hop off bus tours through the city. On a classic sightseeing tour on one of the much-loved double-decker buses, you pass the city’s must-see sights, including the Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz, the Reichstag Parliament building, Potsdamer Platz, the Victory Column and much, much more.

You can buy your tickets for one day or more from us, so you can hop on and off the tour buses as you like – giving you time to explore and discover Berlin.

We have selected various hop-on / hop-off bus tours for you – from the classic bus tour to themed tours though the old West Berlin or tracing the path of the Berlin Wall.

For old Berlin hands, we recommend going local on tours through the bustling neighbourhoods in Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain. The hop-on / hop-off bus tours are offered in a variety of languages and with live commentary.

Our tip: With the Berlin Welcome Card you can save 25% on city sightseeing tours by bus!

More bus tours

Explore the most beautiful sights of Berlin

Best of Berlin Tour by bus: Discover famous sights

from €35.00 24h ticket

Tickets & dates

Discover the major attractions of Berlin

Hop On - Hop Off sightseeing tour by Bus

from €37.00 Hop-on Hop-off

Sightseeing tour Berlin by bus

Hop on Hop off Classic Bus Tour Berlin

from €25.00 24h-Ticket

Boat trips & Spree Cruises

• Spree cruises along the most famous sights
• Bridge tours incl. the Museum Island
• Explore the most famous sights by boat

Book your Ticket now

Berlin's official tourist ticket

• Free public transport in Berlin
• Choose from many attractions - savings up to 50%
• Free City Guidebook – including map

More than 15m sold tickets

More about the Berlin WelcomeCard

Guided walking tours & Guides

Where was Hitler’s bunker in Berlin? Does the city really have ‘ghost stations’? And what is a ‘Datsche’ – and where do you find it?  

On a guided tour of Berlin , you can hear about the quirky side of life here, discover hidden places, and benefit from a personal insight into the city. And you can book your tour directly with us – from open guided tours to a private group with friends and family or a bespoke individual tour with your very own guide.

We will also be happy to put you in touch with our trained and certified tour guides for individual tours through Berlin. 

More guided tours

Super tours guided by the pros

Details & booking

The perfect tour along the most famous sights of Berlin

Discover Berlin: Guided Walking Tour

from €20.00 4 hours

AHOI Yachting Günther Winkler

Discover the city with certified tour guides

Tickets for walking tours & guided tours in Berlin

Small Group Berlin Sightseeing

Guided Memorial Centre Tour

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp: Guided Walking Tour

6 hours €29.00 from Berlin

Discover hidden places in Berlin's trendy centre

Guided Tour: Hidden Backyards in Berlin-Mitte

from €20.00 2 hours

Original Berlin Walks English Guided Tour

Walking Tour: Berlin during the Third Reich

from €20.00 Guide: English

Discover one of Berlin's most famous lost places

Tour & Shuttle Service to Teufelsberg

2 hours €49.00 incl. shuttle

Walking tour & Reichstag

• Alter Fritz walking tour  about Berlins history
• Visit of the Reichstag & glas dome included
• Sparkling wine with view of Berlin

Berlin Wall Tours

At a few places in Berlin, you can still find traces of the Wall that divided the city for nearly 30 years.

On a guided tour along the former course of the Wall, you can discover the main details and facts as well as personal stories about the Berlin Wall. Most tours include a visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial as well as a stroll down the East Side Gallery.

If you prefer, you can also take a bike tour to cycle the Berlin Wall Trail following the original course of the Wall.   

Visit our Berlin Tourist Info

• Tipps & Information in 16 languages
• Hotels, Tickets, City Tours and much more
• Souvenirs, Post cards und guides  for Berlin

Your experts in Berlin

Your booking advantages on visitBerlin.com

• Your complete Berlin holiday – hotels, city trips, tickets & tips
• Secure booking on the official Berlin travel portal
• Qualified Berlin experts with over 20 years experience
• Free of charge travel advice, no commission fees
• Exclusive prize games for our newsletter readers
• American Express

You might find this also interesting

Your Berlin guide with insider tips

Sightseeing in Berlin

The top sights, the best exhibitions and tickets for city tours – your must-do list for sightseeing in Berlin!

Show details

The app to discover the real Berlin

Going Local Berlin

The unconventional travel guide! With more than 700 personal Berlin tips, events and restaurant recommendations, this app lets you discover

From walled city to world city

Berlin Wall

For nearly thirty years, the Berlin Wall divided the city. Today, you can trace the route and find remnants of the Wall across Berlin.