Berlin's Main Attractions

Berlin is the capital of Germany and one of the 16 states of the country. It is located approximately 70 kilometers from the border with Poland. With a population of 3.4 million inhabitants, it is Germany's largest city and second by number of inhabitants in the European Union. Located in north-eastern Germany, the Berlin metropolitan area - Brandenburg, an area that collects 5 million people from over 180 different nations, the city is crossed by rivers Spree and Havel.

Berlin is the heart of modern Germany, a city that has made a virtue of reinventing itself. The metropolis hosts worldwide famous universities, research centers, sporting events, museums and personalities. The urban landscape of the city and its historical heritage have turned the town into a popular location for international film productions. Berlin is recognized for its festivals, for its diverse architecture, night life, contemporary art and high standard of living.

Berlin's cultural program is amazing: 3 opera halls, more than 150 theaters, more than 170 museums and collections and over 200 private galleries. In addition, there are about 1500 events occuring on Berlin's cultural calendar.

The memorial dedicated to murdered European Jews - opened in spring 2005, the abstract work of art is situated near the Brandenburg Gate and includes an underground museum, which presents details of the Holocaust. Approximately 3.5 million tourists visit this impressive memorial each year.

Berlin Cathedral - the largest and most impressive church, built in the 19th and 20th centuries, is an expression of imperial power. From the top of the dome you can admire the beautiful panorama of the city center.

Berlin Wall - A large intact portion of the Wall is located in the eastern city center, along the river Spree in Mühlenstraße. The wall was originally built of stone slabs on a portion of 12 km and 137 km of barbed wire, with 116 observation towers. The wall divided 192 streets, 32 railway, 12 trains and subways. Even the lakes and rivers were guarded. 134 people died trying to cross this border.

Museum Island - is the northern half of the island on the river Spree, in Berlin center. On this island you will find many museums: Bode Museum, Pergamon Museum, Altes Museum. In 1999, the museum complex was included in UNESCO patrimony.

Brandenburg Gate - is the symbol of both Berlin and entire Germany. It appears on coins of 10, 20 and 50 euro cents.

Charlottenburg Palace - is the largest palace in Berlin and the only city building that dates from the Hohenzollern dynasty. It was destroyed during the Second World War but was subsequently restored, being a major attraction for tourists.

Berlin Zoo – the zoological garden in Berlin has the largest range of species in the world. It is famous for its panda bears and for Knut, the famous polar bear born in captivity in 2006.

Reichstag - German Parliament building, near the Brandenburg Gate, has a huge glass dome from where the tourists can admire the entire city.