Experience the hidden history of East Berlin on this captivating 3-hour tour. Delve into the city's dark past as you explore the surviving monuments of the East German regime, including the infamous Berlin Wall and Stasi headquarters. Led by a knowledgeable historian, you'll uncover the dialogue between modern Berlin's built environment and its shadowy history. Learn about life under Communist rule, the growing discontent of the East Germans, and the brutal suppression by their government. This small group tour offers an intimate and immersive experience, allowing you to truly grasp the significance of these historical landmarks. Please note that food and drinks, hotel pickup and drop-off, and transportation to/from attractions are not included. However, your guide will assist you in purchasing a day metro pass, ensuring convenient and efficient travel between key sites. Don't miss this opportunity to uncover the hidden secrets of East Berlin's past.
About this experience
Free Cancellation
For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
3
hours
Suitable for
1-8
Participants
Small Group Tour
Guided Experience
Explore surviving monuments of East German regime
Reveal dialogue between modern Berlin and its dark history
Learn about life under Communist rule
Experience the notorious Death Strip at Berlin Wall memorial
Visit the former Stasi headquarters and learn about their surveillance techniques
Local guide
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions: you will need to use public transport a few times, since the distances between some key sites would be too far to walk. if you will not have a few days visitor's transit pass to berlin already, we suggest that you purchase the day metro pass. if you cannot purchase it in advance, your guide will help you purchase it at the first metro station on the tour. berlin transit one way tarif ab ticket 2.8 euro, senior discount 1,70 eur berlin transit day ticket for one person 7 euro, senior discount 4,70 eur
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More about this experience
Introduction
Explore the hidden history of East Berlin on the captivating "East Berlin: City of Shadows" tour. This 3-hour tour takes you on a journey through the surviving monuments of the East German regime, including the infamous Berlin Wall and Stasi headquarters. Led by a knowledgeable historian, you will uncover the dialogue between modern Berlin's built environment and its dark and often hidden past.
What to expect?
During this tour, you can anticipate an immersive experience that delves into the history and impact of the East German regime. Gain a deeper understanding of life under Communist rule as you explore the remnants of the Berlin Wall—a symbol of division and oppression. Visit the Stasi headquarters, where the East German secret police operated, and learn about their surveillance tactics and the impact they had on the lives of East Germans. Engage in meaningful discussions that shed light on the growing discontent of the East Germans and the brutal suppression they faced.
Who is this for?
This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and anyone interested in uncovering the hidden history of Berlin. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this experience offers valuable insights into a crucial period in Berlin's past. It is designed to be inclusive, welcoming all individuals who have a curiosity about the East German regime and its impact on the city and its people.
Why book this?
Immerse yourself in the rich history of East Berlin with this tour. Led by a knowledgeable historian, you'll gain a unique perspective on the city's past and the lasting impact of the East German regime. The tour takes you to iconic sites such as the Berlin Wall and Stasi headquarters, allowing you to witness firsthand the remnants of a bygone era. By exploring the dialogue between the modern city and its dark history, you'll develop a deeper appreciation for Berlin's resilience and transformation.
Good to know
Please note that this tour does not include food and drinks, hotel pickup and drop-off, or transportation to/from attractions. To fully explore the key sites, you may need to use public transport, so we recommend purchasing a day metro pass. Your guide will assist you in purchasing the pass at the first metro station on the tour. It's essential to come prepared with the necessary transit tickets to make the most of your experience.
Reviews
Travelers who have embarked on the "East Berlin: City of Shadows" tour have praised it for its informative and thought-provoking content. They highlight the expertise of the historian guide and the opportunity to witness the surviving monuments of the East German regime. Reviews consistently mention the tour's ability to shed light on the hidden history of Berlin and provide a deeper understanding of the city's past. Travelers have expressed their satisfaction with the tour's performance and the insights gained from exploring this often overlooked aspect of Berlin's history.
How long before the event do I need to book?
You can book at any time before the event
Vouchers accepted in the following formats
Mobile
Is an adult required for the booking?
At least one adult or senior required per booking
Please meet your guide outise Cafe Einstein at address Unter den Linden 42, 100117 Berlin.
Unter den Linden 42,
Unter den Linden 42, 10117 Berlin,
DE
Berlin,
Berlin,
DE
Your Itinerary
Brandenburg Gate
A historian will reveal the dialogue between modern Berlin’s built environment and its dark and often hidden history. You’ll hear about life under Communist rule, the East Germans’ growing discontent and their government’s brutal suppression. The tour begins at the Brandenburg Gate where, in June 1987, President Ronald Reagan famously called on Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev to, “tear down this wall!” Nearby is the former Soviet Embassy, a grandiose monument built in 1945 amid the rubble of World War II as a bold declaration of Stalin’s ambition to control all of Berlin. We will discuss how the Allies’ postwar division of Germany into four parts led to decades of Cold War tensions.
Friedrichstrasse
Friedrichstrasse train station, a key crossing point between East and West Berlin. When families were torn apart by East Germany’s ironfisted immigration laws, they said their sad goodbyes here in the office known as the Palace of Tears.
Park am Nordbahnhof
At Nordbahnhof, we’ll explore how Berlin’s division created “ghost” stations, unused but heavily guarded stops on West Berlin’s subway lines that lay in East German territory.
Karl-Marx-Allee
We visit the grandiose mile-long housing complex known as Karl Marx Allee and consider how East Germans’ dreams for a Socialist paradise turned into a nightmare of deprivation, suppression and paranoia.
Memorial of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall memorial allows you to experience the notorious Death Strip and hear stories of East Berliners whose attempts to escape led to their tragic deaths.
Stasimuseum
East Germany’s secret police, the notorious Stasi, coerced neighbors and family members to spy on each other. At the former Stasi headquarters, you’ll learn how its feared leader Eric Mielke recruited a massive network of spies and created innovative surveillance techniques.
Alexanderplatz
We will visit the center of public life in East Berlin, Alexanderplatz, which was rebuilt in the 1960s with monuments like the futuristic parliament building and the iconic TV Tower. In 1989, this symbol of East German pride was the setting for massive demonstrations that led to the regime’s downfall and brought 40 years of Communist rule to an end.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews
(10)
4(10)
marybethp2021
We were totally taken by Dan's amazing presentation of divided Berlin and his sense of humor and good company. Not a question he couldn't answer. Plus good recs for what else to do in Berlin. Thumbs up
schoolm
I've seen many guides at work in all those years as a schooltrip-organiser, did a lot of guiding myself, and without any doubt: these guides (Dan and Lee) are top-shelve material.
A perfect understanding of the group atmosphere in combination with a multi-layered knowledge made it into a rich experience for every-one of our students.
V2581JWelenas
This tour was the highlight of a 5-day stay in Berlin. It was intimate and conversational. We chose the tour for the small size and, exactly as we hoped, we got to ask loads of questions and learn what we specifically cared about. We were also very moved by our guide's personal stories of his in-law's family's life behind the iron curtain and by the ghost stations.
va17sky
We already knew a lot about East Berlin but this tour deepened our knowledge so much further. Our guide, Dan, could answer absolutely any question. He was so informative and engaging. We would have loved to take another tour with him. Highly recommended.
X3882PFedw
The tour got us to the most important Cold War monuments in Berlin. Having a small group and tour guide who could bring this history to life made it much more special. Thanks a lot
Samii619
Martin was great, so engaging, answering all our questons. He lived through divided Berlin and was able to offer a very personal account of the iron curtain in addition to his helping us grasp the monuments but also subtle, small things in the city. We would have missed so many signs of the former separation if he hadn't been with us. Great host and storyteller.
diddle-sauce
The Berlin of today as only the faintest scar of the actual division of the the city. It's more like a commercial memory. This tour really shed light not only on the jarring juxtaposition of life in the former East vs West Berlin, but gave me a clearer understanding of what it must have been like growing on one side of the wall or the other.
Irishtraveller353
Historically, Berlin is multilayered and dense. Effortlessly informed guide. Respect for objective facts. Arduous when you're standing for 3 hours but definitely worth it; we had lunch beforehand and a place to go afterward.
daveandkat2018
This tour was absolutely fascinating, focussed on the Cold War and East Berlin. Forrest has such a great demeanour, he has a wealth of knowledge and relayed it in a relaxed and intelligent manner. I would highly recommend this tour and thanks for a fantastic experience.
Alexander T
<p>Nice brief overview of a few spots related to the DDR past. Come back on your own later if you want actual entrance to museums such as the Stasi museum</p>
Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners
2024-07-02 00:06
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