Highlights
Ever wanted to delve into the fascinating capital of Germany, a place full of global historical prominence, vibrant artistry, and modern landmarks? Good news — this week we are heading to Berlin on a virtual tour. This city is known for its striking contrasts in historical architecture and contemporary pieces, as well as many museums and other attractions. If you are interested in all of this, be sure to keep reading…
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Visit the Museums and Sites
As stated above, Berlin is home to a number of cultural landmarks and captivating attractions bringing in crowds of tourists from all over the world. One such site is the Brandenburg Gate, an 18th-century neoclassical monument now symbolizing a reunified Germany. The iconic landmark offers insights into the city’s history, its division and strife, and current hopes for peace and harmony throughout the country. To learn more about the Brandenburg Gate, we recommend reading a blog from Vive Berlin Tours and listening to a podcast from City Breaks. The podcast website also contains an in-depth description of the monument and its history.
If you want a break from the urban setting, look no further than Tiergarten, a huge park located completely in the district of the same name. Tiergarten is 210 hectares in size, making it among the largest urban parks in all of Germany. For more information on this incredible park, be sure to read the blog from Visit Berlin and watch the video from Howcast on the Tiergarten district. The video contains auto generated captions.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Museum Island is a museum complex sure to excite any history or art buff. The island is made up of five museums altogether, and is one of Berlin’s most visited sites overall. To learn more about the Museum Island, read the blog from That Backpacker, as well as the Google Arts story on the site. Furthermore, you can watch a video from Radical Living as they tour the attraction — the video includes auto generated captions.
One of the most impressive landmarks in Berlin’s cityscape is Berliner Dom, the magnificent dome part of the Berlin Cathedral. Originally opened in 1905, the cathedral is richly decorated and offers visitors a great view over the city center. To learn more about the Berliner Dom and the Berlin Cathedral, we recommend visiting the blog written by A Traveler’s Secrets and watching the video from Panorama-b Sightseeing Berlin. The video does not come with captions, but offers some historical information on the cathedral and imagery. You can also go on a virtual tour of the Berliner Dom, which includes a 360 degree tour and an audio tour.
Gendarmenmarkt is another such fascinating exploration spot, being a heavily visited square in Berlin. Lined by many historical buildings and monumental attractions, Gendarmenmarkt makes for a beautiful architectural ensemble. For further information on the square, be sure to read the blog from Visit Berlin and listen to the podcast from City Breaks, which comes with an in-depth written description on the site. You can also watch a video about Gendarmenmarkt from Howcast, which comes with auto generated descriptions.
Tune in to Shows and Movies About Berlin
Berlin, and Germany generally, have served as the background and inspiration for a number of fascinating films and television shows. Whether it be historical dramas or action flicks, there are many movies and shows to explore.
One such engaging film is Good Bye, Lenin! — a comedy-drama taking place right before the fall of the Berlin Wall. A young man’s communist mother falls into a coma and misses the revolution and the end of communism in Germany. After she wakes, doctors warn her family to shield the mother from any jarring information, leading her loved ones to keep pretending like communism reigns in Berlin. Good Bye, Lenin! is available for viewing on Tubi, and comes with closed captions.
A more serious film takes place in Victoria, a crime thriller detailing the night of party girl Victoria as her newfound friendship with three men leads to bank robbery. Interestingly enough, the film is presented as a single take, meaning the narrative seems to unfold in real time. You can watch this imaginative film by renting it on AppleTV, and it comes with closed captions.
Based on the memoir of the same name, A Woman in Berlin delves into the story of a female German reporter in the last months leading to the end of World War II in Berlin. She lives in the basement of a ruined building, is assaulted by Red Army troops, and later seeks protection from a Russian soldier. The film is available for viewing on Amazon Prime, and contains closed captions.
For those invested in romance and fantasy, Wings of Desire may be for you. This film imagines that invisible, immortal angels populate Berlin and listen to the thoughts of the city’s human inhabitants, offering comfort to those distressed. One angel tires of this and wishes to become human after falling in love with a mortal. Wings of Desire is available for viewing on Max, and contains closed captions.
Babylon Berlin, a television series set in 1920s Berlin, tells the story of a haunted cop and poor typist as they uncover a political conspiracy. Amidst the vice and glamor of the times, the pair attempt to accomplish their mission before it is too late. Babylon Berlin is available on Netflix, and contains closed captions and German audio description.
The Empress is a German period piece sure to leave viewers swooning. When rebellious Elisabeth falls for Emperor Franz and becomes his bride, she enters a world full of tension and excitement at the Viennese Court — talk about intrigue! The show is available to view on Netflix, and comes with closed captions and Spanish audio description.
Get Lost in Books About Berlin
If you are more of a reader than a film watcher, do not fret — this list of books taking place in Berlin and Germany is sure to provide you with something of interest.
An epic in its own right, Berlin Alexanderplatz by Alfred Döblin is a tumultuous, farcical, and unexpected journey. Later made into a film, this relic of the doomed Weimar Republic tells the story of petty criminal Franz Biberkopf as he tries to rehabilitate himself after jail. The book is available on Amazon, and has a Kindle and audiobook version.
Introducing a host of moral questions, the eerie Mephisto by Klaus Mann delves into the consequences of vanity, selfishness, and ignorance of crisis. Hendrik Hofgen, an aspiring actor obsessed with fame, praises Nazi power in order to achieve his goals. However, even after accomplishing everything he said he would do, the ethical ramifications of his actions become inescapable. You can find Mephisto on Amazon, and it does have a Kindle version.
In Marzahn, Mon Amour, Katja Oskamp deftly portrays the essence of community. Told in a series of vignettes, the book follows a middle-aged woman who abandons her career as a writer to become a chiropodist. She keenly observes her clients and co-workers, thinking in-depth about their personal histories. This book is available to read on Amazon, and has a Kindle and audiobook version.
Coming from a local bookstore in Berlin, My Berlin Kitchen: Adventures in Love and Life by Luisa Weiss tells the story of Weiss’ whirlwind experience in Berlin with a new life, a new man, a new home, and new culinary priorities. In between recipes, readers also get a look at Weiss’ life and the obstacles that she faced. My Berlin Kitchen: Adventures in Love and Life is available for purchase on Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus.
A queer romance story, Once in Berlin by Jo Havens details the budding love story between Mila Nessian and Cecelia Balfour in 1938 Germany. Mila is a seemingly emotionless and incredibly intelligent billionaire, who, in secret, hopes to find love. On the other hand, Cecelia is reeling from a bad heartbreak, but becomes distracted by Mila.
Once their stories are intertwined, they must save each other from the powers that control both their lives. This book is available on Amazon, and has a Kindle version.
Bring Berlin to Your Kitchen
Berlin is known for a plethora of hearty, tasty dishes, some of which we will share with you now. All the recipes are vegan and can be made gluten free with a few adjustments.
One is a classic German potato soup, both filling and perfectly savory. The dish is aromatic, chunky, and is best served with some bread rolls. This Wife Cooks has a great vegan German potato soup recipe, which can be made gluten free by replacing all purpose flour with gluten free flour. Be sure to cook this up on a cold winter day and enjoy!
Another satisfying meal is found in the German Königsberger Klopse, or meatballs in white sauce. This dish is very traditional and will keep you feeling full all day long — great for a day of winter activities. To make vegan Königsberger Klopse, we recommend using Bianca Zapatka’s recipe, which has specific instructions on how to make the meal gluten free as well.
For dessert, look no further than Kalter Hund, a simple, no-bake German dessert. The sweet treat is assembled by layering chocolate ganache and biscuits on top of each other. The Vegan Dietitian has an easy vegan Kalter Hund recipe — make this gluten free by getting gluten free tea biscuits. Cook away!
Where to Next?
Thanks for wandering Berlin with us virtually. Join us next time as we explore Mexico City.