Berlin: Aug. 20-22, 2025

 

 

I visited Berlin in Germany. This was my third visit there, after the visits in 1991 and 2007.

In 1991, just after the end of the Cold War, the Berlin wall still remained in many places. Trabants, cars produced in East Germany-made “Trabant” cars were still on the roads, and East Berlin's buildings were noticeably black with soot. 

In 2007, redevelopment of the city was progressing in many areas. Construction was underway in many places. However, old buildings still stood out in East Berlin.

This time, I was strongly impressed with the city's transformation. The city had been renovated, and modern buildings were lining the streets everywhere.

 

Many tourists were gathered at the Brandenburg Gate, the center of Berlin. There were drink stalls in front of the gate, and musicians were playing their performances. Embassies and cultural centers of countries such as the United States and France had been built nearby. (See also the top photo)

 

Unter den Linden street extends east from the gate. It was also better maintained than on my last visit. Tourists flocked to historical sites such as Humboldt University, the Historical Museum, and the Berlin Cathedral.

 

Berlin Central Station opened in 2006. This five-story building, with three above-ground floors and two below, houses numerous train and subway lines. The tracks intersect in a three-dimensional structure. The glass-walled buildings evoke the image of a future city seen in a movie. (See the 4th photo)

 

I saw skyscrapers in Potsdamer Platz, about 500 meters south of the Brandenburg Gate. 

Part of this area was formerly owned by Sony and other companies and the place was known as the Sony Center. Now, it is owned by investment funds and known as Das Center.

Near Potsdamer Platz is the home of the Berlin Philharmonic.

 

Remains of the Berlin Wall are scattered throughout the city. A 1.3-km long wall remains in the East Side Gallery in the eastern part of the city. Artists have created and exhibited various artworks on the wall. (see also the 2nd photo)

 

Many visitors gathered in front of the famous mural depicting a kiss between Soviet General Secretary Brezhnev and East German Chairman Honecker.

 

A few parts of the wall were displayed in Potsdamer Platz. (See also the 3rd photo)

 

During the Wall's existence, Checkpoint Charlie, managed by the US military, was one of the locations used to check the movement of people between East and West Berlin. Guardhouses and other structures remain to this day.

 

Berlin also has many Jewish memorials and museums related to World War II. Near the Brandenburg Gate, there is a monument commemorating the Jews murdered during that war.

 

The effects of the war between Ukraine and Russia were evident in various parts of the city. On Unter den Linden, photographs calling for support for Ukraine and criticism of Russia were on display.

 

A big Ukraine flag was displayed on the wall of the Wall Museum near Checkpoint Charlie.

 

Some people were calling for a support for Ukraine in front of the Brandenburg Gate.