Berlin
Berlin, Capital of the Federal Republic of Germany, is located at the heart of Europe and also, after EU enlargement in 2004, at the centre of the European Community. With about 3,400,000 inhabitants, Berlin is the largest City in Germany. It is 38 kilometres long and 45 kilometres wide and covers an area of 889 square kilometres. In the middle of the Brandenburg region, the city occupies the flatlands on the banks of the Havel and Spree rivers and is criss-crossed with numerous canals.
History and Architecture
Compared to other European cities, Berlin with its less than 800 years is considered a rather young city, but its history is unique. Berlin's history is reflected in architecture. The Prussian buildings tell - as also the futuristic buildings of today - from the up and downs in Berlin's history.
The impressive historical palaces that grace Berlin date from various eras and together they comprise a tour of art, architecture and culture down the ages. In the mid-18th century, the era of Friedrich the Great, opulent, neoclassical palaces were built that coined the face of the city.
The Brandenburg Gate, Berlin's only remaining city gate, is the true symbol of the city. Because it was situated in the no man's land just behind the wall, it also became symbolic of the division of the city.
The city celebrated on Nov 9, 1989 when the Berlin Wall was torn down. After the reunification in 1990 Berlin became residence of the Federal Government, which held its first plenary session in the redesigned Reichstag on Apr 19, 1999. The Reichstag with its new glass dome became an attraction for both Berliners and tourists from all over the world.
Berlin’s parliament and government quarter has become the key political centre in the reunified Federal Republic of Germany. A place where major political decisions are taken; where the leading political figures meet in recently built or new “old” government buildings.
The new government quarter was designed as a “Band des Bundes” across the River Spree, symbolically linking the former East and West of the city.
Must-See Berlin Highlights
- Fernsehturm am Alexanderplatz / TV Tower: Berlin’s best-known square plus a top attraction
- Brandenburg Gate and the Unter den Linden boulevard: The famous Berlin landmark at the western end of this magnificent boulevard
- Reichstag Parliament building with public access glass dome
- Kurfürstendamm, Tauentzien boulevard and Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church: upscale urban strolling and fashionista shopping plus the world-famous memorial against the destruction and terror of war
- Gendarmenmarkt with the Concert House and the German and French Cathedrals
- Hackesche Höfe, Oranienburger Strasse and environs: Berlin’s trendy meeting place and clubbing district
- Zoological Gardens: The oldest German zoo and the one with the largest number of species
- Potsdamer Platz and Cultural Forum: Berlin’s new centre and leading arts district
- Museum Island – UNESCO World Heritage site with five remarkable museums
- Charlottenburg Palace: Berlin’s most beautiful palace
For classical music fans, Berlin is something like paradise on earth. It is home to eight major symphony orchestras including the renowned Berlin Philharmonic and three great opera houses, a feature totally unique to this city! Every day Berlin’s opera houses provide world-class performances of classic and modern operas – so no wonder their joint slogan is “770 opera performances in a year – where else can I find that?” And Berlin is also a leading global venue for light entertainment as well, its near-mythical status rooted in the tradition of the “Roaring Twenties” and still very much alive today. Berlin is again experiencing a boom in cabaret, variety and revue theatre, musicals, and comedy. In the Golden Twenties they said of Berlin: “There’s always something happening”. And there still is!
Berlin – City of Science and Media City
Research district Adlershof: The biggest research and technology park is located in the southeast of Berlin. Besides the six institutes of the Humboldt University and other twelve facilities of research, more than 370 companies are working altogether.
They are mainly concentrate on physics, chemistry and biology. Since 1998 it is also the location of the High-luminosity radiant source BESSY II.
The universities in Berlin are famous far beyond the city borders with more than 139.000 young people studying here. Especially the Humboldt University is well-known and is said to has been once the model for the Harvard university. Other major universities in Berlin are the Free University, the city’s largest educational institution, the Technical University (TU), and the University of the Arts (UdK).
During the last few years Berlin has developed to one of the most important media places in Germany. More than 130,000 people are employed in the media and communication industry. There is no other German city hosting more national and international radio and TV channels than Berlin. Reporting from the capital is, of course, an important aspect so that 1,000 journalists from all over the world are broadcasting the newest information to their home countries.
Event Highlights
There are up to 1,500 events in Berlin every single day, from sports to trade shows, from concerts to open air events. Here you will find a selection:
Long Night of Science
A fascinating view inside institutes, laboratories and other research establishments.
IFA Consumer Electronics Unlimited
The IFA is the world's biggest trade fair of Consumer Electronics with more than 1000 exhibitors.
Berlin Six-Day-Race
The world’s elite in track cycling meets in Berlin.
Berlinale International Film Festival
The Berlin International Film Festival is one of the top film festivals worldwide.
Carnival of Cultures
For four days, this unique carnival brings together people from around the world to celebrate their cultural background in Berlin.
musikfest Berlin
In the annual preface to the upcoming concert season internationally renowned orchestras and musicians present old masterpieces, forgotten highlights and new compositions.
Shopping
Berlin shops offer everything your heart desires – from cool trends to precious gems, from must-have style icons to quirky fashion accessories. And don’t forget the young made-in-Berlin designer fashion that has made a name for the city on the international designer scene. When it comes to famous brands, stores, and boutiques, the Kurfürstendamm boulevard is one of Berlin’s top shopping locations, and the adjacent side streets are worth visiting as well on your next “Ku-Damm” shopping trip! In this area, you’ll also find the famed KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens), the largest department store on the European mainland and housing an unbelievable choice of upmarket goods. In the district of Mitte, the legendary Friedrichstraße proudly canbines both new and old architecture with a cosmopolitan flair and numerous exclusive designer boutiques, international brandname outlet shops, and relaxed coffee shops.
For the latest in designer fashion and accessories, head for the shops around the popular Hackesche Höfe and Alte Schönhauser Straße in Mitte, or along Bergmannstraße in Kreuzberg. Prenzlauer Berg’s Kastanienallee is another trendy fashion street where you’ll find young Berlin designers and vintage collectibles.
Berlin Tourist Info
Berlin Tourist Info
The BERLIN infostores provide you with a full service at several locations within the city of Berlin: booking of accommodation, tickets, souvenirs and fashion of the brand BERLIN as well as information and up-to-date tips concerning the destination Berlin.
Berlin Tourismus Marketing GmbH
Am Karlsbad 11
D-10785 Berlin
www.visitBerlin.de
information@btm.de
Phone: +49-(0)30-25 00 25
Fax: +49-(0)30-25 00 24 24
Berlin's WebTV:
www.visitBerlin.TV
The WebTV presents a 24 hours programme via internet including news and events as well as up-to-date features dealing with sightseeing, culture, hotels and shopping. The programme is broadcasted in English.
