Private Walking Tour: World War 2 and Cold War Sites in Berlin

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Reichstag Building

   If you’re interested in WW2, visit monuments for those who opposed the regime, including Claus von Stauffenberg, and for those who lost their lives during those cruel times. Learn about Albert Speer's Berlin and plans for Germania, as well as the Soviet Monumentalism. Hear stories about the titanic struggle from Stalingrad through the fall of the Third Reich's Capital during the Battle of Berlin.

   10 minutes here

2. Brandenburg Gate

   On this private walking tour of Berlin, tailor the tour to your interests for a personalized Berlin experience. Whether you are interested in the history of WW2, the Cold War or both, your guide will show you top Berlin attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag and Hitler’s bunker -- the epicenter of the Nazi regime.

   10 minutes here

3. The Holocaust Memorial - Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

   Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin is a somber tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. Located near the Brandenburg Gate, the memorial consists of 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid pattern, creating a stark, disorienting landscape. The varying heights of the slabs evoke feelings of unease and loss, symbolizing the chaos and inhumanity of the Holocaust. Beneath the field of stelae is an underground information center, offering historical context and personal accounts of the atrocities committed during World War II. The memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of remembering and honoring the millions of lives lost. It stands as a place of reflection, urging visitors to confront history and ensure that such atrocities are never forgotten.

   15 minutes here

4. Fuhrerbunker

   Get deep insights into the history that made Berlin what it is today. To ensure you get the most out of your tour, please include any specific requests at the time of booking. For example itineraries, please see the Itinerary section.

   10 minutes here

5. On this walking tour, we’ll visit the imposing Reich Air Ministry, a key Nazi-era building closely linked to Hermann Göring, head of the Luftwaffe. Completed in 1936, the massive structure was designed to showcase Nazi power and housed the Luftwaffe’s headquarters during WWII. Göring’s office on the top floor offered sweeping views of Berlin, symbolizing the regime’s militaristic ambitions. Though damaged during the war, the building survived and was later repurposed by East Germany as the Ministry of Transport. Today, it stands as one of the few surviving Nazi-era structures, offering a powerful reminder of Berlin’s complex history and the legacy of the Third Reich.

   10 minutes here

6. Topography of Terror

   Experience the location of where the SS, Gestapo and the SD had their HQ during the period of the Nazi's. The location is now an exhibition informing us about the perpetrators during that dark period of German history.

   15 minutes here

7. Checkpoint Charlie

   Step back into the heart of Cold War history and visit Checkpoint Charlie, one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks. Once the most famous border crossing between East and West Berlin, it stood as a symbol of the city's division, representing both the tensions of the Cold War and the stark realities of a divided world. In 1961, Checkpoint Charlie became the site of a dramatic standoff between American and Soviet tanks, a moment that brought the world to the brink of war and marked a chilling chapter in Berlin's history. As we walk through this historic area, you’ll hear the stories of espionage, daring escape attempts, and the human cost of the division that separated families and friends. We’ll explore the fascinating history of the checkpoint and its role as both a symbol of oppression and a beacon of hope for those seeking freedom. From the 1961 tank showdown to the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall, this tour offers a deep dive into the struggles that defined Berlin during the Cold War.

   15 minutes here

8. The "Palace of Tears" (Tränenpalast) at Friedrichstrasse Station is a deeply emotional site in Berlin’s history. Between 1961 and 1989, it served as the departure hall for East Germans crossing into West Berlin. Due to the strict travel restrictions imposed by the Berlin Wall, families and friends were often forced to say painful goodbyes, with many never seeing each other again. The name "Palace of Tears" reflects the sorrowful farewells that took place here. Today, the Palace of Tears houses a museum that explores the history of the Berlin Wall and the personal stories of those who lived through the division. It stands as a powerful reminder of the emotional toll the Cold War had on Berlin’s residents and the enduring impact of the city’s

   20 minutes here

9. Walk around the old Nazi airport, which was used by the allies during the Berlin airlift in 1948/49. The airport today is longer functioning as an airport, but an immense playground for people to enjoy, a truely sensational space.

   20 minutes here

10. Memorial of the Berlin Wall

    Bernauer Strasse is a powerful symbol of Berlin’s Cold War division. When the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, it split the street in half, trapping East Berlin residents while their neighbors in the West looked on. The area became notorious for daring escape attempts, including Tunnel 29 and Tunnel 57. Tunnel 29, built in 1962, was a secret escape route under the Wall that allowed 29 people to flee to West Berlin. Tunnel 57, constructed in 1970, helped 57 people escape by crawling through a narrow tunnel beneath the Wall. Today, the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse preserves sections of the Wall, a watchtower, and a documentation center, offering a moving reminder of the personal struggles and the brave escape efforts that defined this tense chapter in history.

    25 minutes here

11. Prenzlauer Berg

    Go to an old NKVD (precursor to the KGB) prison, which was then later used by the East German secret police, the Stasi, hear which sort of methods were used to extract information from the "prisoners" there. See what the site is used as today and how Germany comes to terms with it's destructive past.

    10 minutes here

12. East Side Gallery

    Walk along the longest permanent open air graffiti wall in the world, which happens to be the longest piece of Berlin Wall still standing. See the art and experience some amazing murals, promoting justice and freedom, you have to see it to believe it!

    15 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• 3 hour Third Reich Cold War

  3 hour Third Reich Cold War Pickup included

• 4 hour Third Reich Cold War

  Private Third Reich & Cold War: Private 4 hour World War 2 and Cold War Sites Walking Tour Pickup included

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

de, en, es

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Insider Tour Berlin

Know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos

Traveler reviews

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