Bernauer Strasse: A Street Divided
Explore Bernauer Strasse, a street that embodies Berlin's divided past, offering a poignant journey through Cold War history, escape attempts, and the triumph of the human spirit.
Bernauer Strasse stands as a poignant reminder of Berlin's divided past, a street cleaved in two by the Berlin Wall. More than just a physical barrier, the Wall here became a symbol of separation, loss, and the indomitable human spirit. Today, the Bernauer Strasse Berlin Wall Memorial offers a profound and immersive experience, allowing visitors to reflect on the Wall's impact on individual lives and the city as a whole. Explore preserved sections of the Wall, the moving Chapel of Reconciliation, and the informative Documentation Center. The street itself serves as an open-air museum, with historical markers and remnants of escape tunnels whispering stories of defiance and resilience. Walking along Bernauer Strasse is a powerful journey through history, a chance to understand the complexities of the Cold War and the enduring quest for freedom. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Berlin's soul and the events that shaped its identity.
A brief summary to Bernauer Str.
- Berlin, DE
Local tips
- Start your visit at the Visitor Center (Bernauer Strasse 119) to get an overview of the memorial grounds and watch an introductory film on the history of the Berlin Wall.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking along the 1.4-kilometer memorial site.
- Visit the Chapel of Reconciliation, built on the site of a former church that was demolished by the East German authorities, for a moment of reflection.
- Take the time to read the historical markers along the street, which tell the stories of escape attempts, border crossings, and other significant events.
- Consider taking a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history of Bernauer Strasse and the Berlin Wall.
Getting There
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Public Transport
Bernauer Strasse is easily accessible via Berlin's efficient public transport system. From anywhere in the city, take the U8 U-Bahn line to the Bernauer Strasse station. Alternatively, you can take the S-Bahn (S1, S2, S25, S26) to Nordbahnhof station, which is a short walk from the memorial. Tram M10 also stops directly in front of the memorial at the 'Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer' stop. A single public transport ticket within Berlin (AB zone) costs around €3.50.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services (like Uber or Bolt) are readily available throughout Berlin. A taxi ride from a central location like Alexanderplatz to Bernauer Strasse would typically cost between €15-€20, depending on traffic. Be sure to specify 'Bernauer Strasse' as your destination.
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Driving
If driving, be aware that parking in the immediate vicinity of Bernauer Strasse can be limited. Street parking is available, but spaces are often scarce, and parking fees apply (€0.75 for 15 minutes). Several parking garages are located within walking distance, such as those near Mauerpark or along Gartenstrasse, with hourly rates typically ranging from €3-€4 and daily rates around €12-€15. Parking spaces for coaches are located in Ackerstrasse.
Discover more about Bernauer Str.
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bernauer Str.
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Bernauer Str. 63
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Invalidenstraße 10
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Elisabeth-Schwarzhaupt-Platz 3
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Oderberger Str. 4
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Piece of the Berlin Wall
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Wolf in the city Mural by Alaniz
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Friedrichstraße 205
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Oranienburger Str. 36
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Oranienburger Str.
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Memorial Jewish Cemetery
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Stolpersteine Salinge
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Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg
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Unmissable attractions to see
Grenzhaus Bernauer Straße 10a
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Chapel of Reconciliation
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Grenzstreifen Bernauer Straße
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Berlin Wall Memorial
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Gedenkstein: Gedenkstätte für die Opfer des Zweiten Weltkriegs und der deutschen Teilung
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Friedhof Berlin (II. Sophien-Friedhof)
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The Berlin Wall and its Fall at Schwedter Strasse
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Zion Church
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Visitor Center of the Berlin Wall Memorial
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Gedenkstätte Bernauer Straße
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Mauerpark
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Park am Nordbahnhof
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Prater Beer Garden
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Spreefahrten Berlin
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Mahnmal Der verlassene Raum
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Essential places to dine
Altberliner Restaurant
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Katz Orange
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MaMi's Food&Wine
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Hackethal's
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MontRaw Restaurant
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PeterPaul
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Friedel Richter Restaurant
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Pantry
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Loretta
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Jyoti - FairWorks
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vintage
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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My Bar ICI
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Melody Nelson bar
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The Dorothy Bar
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