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East Berlin: Wall and Cold War Special

Duration: 3h
Languages: English
Guru: Alexis
Quality Verified Registered on April 10, 2023

My name is Alexis and I am a Philosophy teacher. I came to Berlin 5 years ago to do my PhD, which is closely related to Berlin and the history of Germany. The German capital is a living laboratory that has witnessed the most important events of the 20th century that have shaped the world as we know it today. The streets of this city thus become a space where each and every one of us can listen and be heard: this is the main motivation that inspires me to do this work. From there the 'Side to Side' project was born, which proposes not only to look, but to see, listen and reflect on history. The 'Side to Side' tours are structured and designed to make the most of your visit to the capital, be it short or long. We avoid repeating monuments or commercial slogans. My tours are focused on historical periods to understand the essence of each era. Get to know the history of the city from the hand of a professional, with a close and entertaining language. If you want an exclusive tour, this is your tour. Book now :)

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  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
  • Accepts electronic payment
    This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

Berlin, 1961 : one city, two countries. Communism and Capitalism separated by a 155 kilometer wall that faced the Soviet sector and the Western sector. 28 years of divided families, of tanks face to face, of cut communications, of escape tunnels, of spies and red telephones, of ghost stations and above all of tears.

 Today, 34 years after the fall of the Iron Curtain , we wonder how Berliners lived through the Cold War. What was life like for a Berliner behind the wall? How important was the role of the family and the role of women in socialism ? What were the Stasi's methods of repression and surveillance ? We will also talk about the most famous escape attempts and how the resistance and peaceful revolution was organized, which led to the fall of the Soviet bloc. If you wonder what the wall means today and if it still exists: this is your tour .

 In 'Side to Side' tours we seek to answer these questions. Tours to see and know Berlin, but also to think and feel it , this is our philosophy. We will talk about all this visiting the most emblematic places that are the living testimony of a not too distant past.

 At the end of the tour, you will be able to discover the most emblematic corners of Berlin thanks to the digital guide 'Side to Side East Berlin' that I have prepared with great care. A small gift that includes a selection of the most authentic bars, restaurants and breweries so that you can make the most of your stay in Berlin.

Do not hesitate and book with ' Side to Side Tours' one of the most elaborate and thought tours to get to know the Berlin of the Cold War .

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    Zietenplatz, Mohrenstraße 66-67, 1011...
    Zietenplatz, Mohrenstraße 66-67, 10117 Berlin, Germany
    View on map

    Hi, I'll be waiting for you outside of the underground station Mohrenstrasse(orange line U2). You will recognize me by my black & white umbrella.

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Detlev-Rohwedder-Haus

    Socialist mural: the new communist ‘brave new world’.

  • 2
    Outside visit
    Berlin Wall Remains

    A city: two sides: the beggining of the nightmare.

  • 3
    Outside visit
    Checkpoint Charlie

    The dangerous border of Europe.

  • 4
    Outside visit
    Tränenpalast

    Trains, tears and farewell: big brother is watching you.

  • 5
    Outside visit
    Berlin Nordbahnhof

    The ghost station par excellence.

  • 6
    Outside visit
    Victims of the Berlin Wall Window of Remembrance

    The unforgettable repression.

  • 7
    Outside visit
    Watch tower of Berlin Wall

    24/365 the death stripe.

  • 8
    Outside visit
    Ackerstraße

    The end of an era.

  • 9
    Outside visit
    Reconciliation Church

    Faith in the middle of nowhere.

  • 10
    Outside visit
    House at the border

    From east to west through the windows.

  • 11
    Outside visit
    Tunnel 57

    The most succesful tunnel escape.

  • 12
    Outside visit
    U Bernauer Str.

    The path to freedom.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

219 ratings
4.9
By category
Professionalism
4.97
Fun
4.83
Expression
4.92
Quality
4.98
Route
4.91
Generic
5 stars
209
4 stars
10
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Pat Legacy/James 06 May 2024
Mission

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - May 2024
This was a very interesting tour with a knowledgeable guide who made history come alive. Alexis did not just tell us the “stories” and show us the places but also used audio visuals to enhance our learning. We thoroughly enjoyed the 3 hours, which included a short break. You will learn a lot!
Camilla 05 May 2024
Rome

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - May 2024
Guru super recommended! He explained to us the history, political events, causes and consequences of the Cold War, with many little anecdotes and without ever boring us. Super helpful also for information on what to visit and typical places.
Izzy 04 May 2024

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - May 2024
Alexis' tour was a thorough well researched account of Cold War Berlin. He gave unique and nuanced insights into the lives of Berliners on both sides of the wall. Alexis was engaging from start to end - I would definitely recommend this tour!
Anna 03 May 2024
Stockholm

Verified booking
Travelled alone - May 2024
Alexis was the perfect guide- professional and organized, knowledgeable and passionate, and also bringing his unique story-telling touch to the tour. Go on this tour and you will not be disappointed!
Paul 03 May 2024
Wellington

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - May 2024
Wonderfully informative and thought provoking. Alexis dynamically brought to life the history, politics and stories of the east/west divide in Germany and Berlin, with enthusiasm and insight. Very enjoyable.
Show 219 reviews

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
A minimum of 5 people is required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour requires the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or credit card payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
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