| Berlin, Germany |  |
| July 24 - 26, 2004 |
With about 3.4 million inhabitants, Berlin is the largest city in Germany (covering an area of around 889 km2) and since 1999 the united Germany's capital. It has evolved into the country's only truly international metropolis equal to Paris or London.
Compared to other European cities, Berlin with its less than 800 years is considered a rather young city, but its history is unique - especially the history of the young past: Following World War II, Berlin was partitioned into American, British, and French zones in the west, and a Soviet zone to the east. By 1947 the city had become one of the cold war's first testing grounds. The three western-occupied zones gradually merged, becoming West Berlin, while the Soviet-controlled eastern zone defiantly remained separate. The division of the city was cruelly finalized in concrete in August 1961, when the East German government constructed the Berlin Wall, dividing families and friends until Nov 9, 1989 when the Berlin Wall was torn down. After the reunification in 1990 Berlin became residence of the Federal Government. The Reichstag (the German Parliament) with its new glass dome became an attraction for both Berliners and tourists from all over the world. The new millennium was celebrated with a magnificent party at the Brandenburg Gate. A lot has changed in Berlin since then; it's more exciting than ever. Developments and changes are to be witnessed everywhere in the city. Hosting the whole world - Berlin is ready!
The best way to explore Berlin is either walking (for the short distances) or using the vast public transportation network. If you are new to the city, take Bus #100 and enjoy a cheap sightseeing tour along the major sights!
You can't really get lost within sight of the huge TV Tower, a useful orientation point visible from most of central Berlin. Unter den Linden, the fashionable avenue of aristocratic old Berlin, extends from the Brandenburg Gate to Alexander Square, once the heart of socialist East Germany. Some of Berlin's finest museums are on the museum island in the Spree, the original center of the metropolis. West of the Brandenburg Gate, the boulevard runs through the Zoo, a huge landscaped park passing by the famous the Victory Column. The commercial centre of West Berlin sparkles just to the south around Potsdamer Square, in areas once occupied by the Wall.
Berlin is waiting for you! Explore my photo-gallery to get a feel for the city and then travel to Berlin for an unforgettable trip!
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