Government Tourist Offices
For pre-travel enquiries, contact Visit Berlin (Am Karlsbad 11; www.visitberlin.de). Their website has information in English to help plan your stay and you can order maps and brochures online. Their call center (
030-25-00-25) deals with accommodation bookings.
German National Tourist Offices:
In the U.S.: 122 East 42nd Street, Suite 2000, New York, NY 10168-0072 ( 212/661-7200; www.cometogermany.com). In Canada: 480 University Ave., Suite 1410, Toronto, M5G 1V2 ( 416/968-1685). In the U.K.: PO Box 2695, London W1A 3TN ( 020/317-09-08; www.germany-tourism.co.uk).
The Best Times to Go
Every season has its appeal, but May through August are the most popular months, when the weather warms and locals flock to the city’s gardens, lidos, and beaches. Even in peak months, temperatures rarely exceed 30°C (86°F). Summer is also best for music festivals, open-air screenings, and beer garden jaunts, though beds can be scarce so book well ahead. September and October are cooler and quieter—with fewer crowds, and reductions on hotels and airfares up for grabs. November’s great cultural lineup enlivens the dull onset of winter. Although December can be bitingly cold, it offers winter warmers at its Christmas markets. Wintry weather continues through to March, with the thermometer often dipping below freezing in January and February.
Festivals & Special Events
SPRING. Classical music lovers descend on Berlin for the 10-day MaerzMusik festival (www.berlinerfestspiele.de) in March, staging contemporary orchestral and chamber works, including several premieres. The immensely popular Festtage (Festival Days) strike a chord at Easter with gala concerts and operas at Staatsoper Unter den Linden. May 1 means May Day rallies, particularly in the Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg districts. Rioting is not uncommon, so it’s wise to give these neighborhoods a wide berth.
SUMMER. Kreuzberg celebrates the Carnival of Cultures (www.karneval-berlin.de; Go to Page) in June with parades, club nights, and plenty of dancing in the streets.
Feel the pride at the Christopher Street Day parade (www.csdberlin.de) in late June, when LGBT revelers turn out for a flamboyant street party between Kurfürstendamm and the Siegessäule. Watch romantic flicks and big screen classics under the stars at Kreuzberg’s Open-air Cinema (www.freiluftkino-kreuzberg.de) from May to August. Following Paris’s lead, Berlin leaps into summer with the free Fête de la Musique (www.fetedelamusique.de) in June; it’s a mammoth street music festival with everything from choirs to DJs rocking the city on 60 stages. The focus switches to classical symphonies on elegant Gendarmenmarkt for Classic Open Air Berlin (www.classicopenair.de) in July, whereas dance takes center stage at the dynamic Tanz im August festival (www.tanzimaugust.de). Berlin rivals Munich in the beer-guzzling and pretzel-munching stakes with its very own Augustfest—the Berlin International Beer Festival (www.bierfestival-berlin.de; Go to Page). Grab a stein to join the swaying crowds on Karl-Marx-Allee, for beer tents, live bands, and merrymaking. Need a cultural fix? Head over for the Long Night of Museums, also in August, when 100 museums and galleries stay open late and host special events.
FALL. September’s Berlin Literary Festival (www.literaturfestival.com) rustles up a feast of poetry and fiction, accompanied by free concerts, readings, and screenings. For a less highbrow event, try Popkomm (www.popkomm.com), a gigantic music and clubbing festival, featuring 3 days of electric beats and up-and-coming talent at venues across Berlin. Later in the month the Berlin Marathon (www.real-berlin-marathon.com) comes to town; the 42km (26.2 miles) track takes in landmarks from Siegessäule to Unter den Linden. On Tag der Deutschen Einheit (Oct 3), a huge street party celebrates German reunification with events from live music to cabaret taking place around the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate. As the days draw in, Berlin’s Festival of Lights brightens up the season with dazzling projections on landmarks from Unter den Linden to Alexanderplatz. In early November, Berlin hosts JazzFest (www.berlinerfestspiele.de), when soloists and swinging quartets hit stages across the city.
WINTER. Ideal for children, the Berlin Fairytale Days Festival in November welcomes authors and storytellers to Berlin. ’Tis the season to drink cinnamon-laced Glühwein (mulled wine), chomp on gingerbread, and get giddy on the carousels at Berlin’s Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets) in December. Gendarmenmarkt (www.gendarmenmarktberlin.de) is particularly enchanting with a twinkling tree and traditional gifts such as hand-carved nutcrackers and toys. Acrobats, jugglers, and choirs keep shoppers amused. Twirl across the ice rink or race down the toboggan run at the glittering Winterwelt (www.winterwelt-berlin.de) on Potsdamer Platz from November to early January. Fireworks, parties, and open-air concerts ring in the New Year (www.silvester-berlin.de) at the Brandenburg Gate. The small but innovative Britspotting festival (www.britspotting.de) attracts aficionados of British independent film to Kino Babylon in late January. A big event on the media arts calendar in early February is Transmediale (www.transmediale.de) at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt. In February, film buffs are glued to big screens, as the Berlinale (www.berlinale.de) draws the cream of the cinematic world to Berlin.
The Weather
Part of Berlin’s year-round appeal is its continental climate, characterized by cool winters and warm (but not stiflingly hot) summers. In spring, temperatures hit highs of around 18°C (64°F). Summer spells sunshine and temperatures hovering around 25°C (77°F), which means air conditioning in hotel rooms is a luxury rather than a necessity. Berlin’s parks are ablaze with color in September and October, but expect chillier days (2–10°C/35–50°F). Winters are cold, particularly when an icy wind blows from Russia, with temperatures often plummeting below freezing from December to February. Whichever season you choose, pack layers because Berlin’s weather can be fickle and showers spontaneous, even in midsummer. Like the rest of Europe (and the world), Berlin’s weather now displays sudden spikes of unseasonable heat and is less predictable than it once was.
Useful Websites
• www.bahn.com: Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) site for routes, schedules, and ticket booking.
• www.berlin.de: Comprehensive information about Berlin, including culture, transport, and politics.
• www.berlin-info.de: English-language site on Berlin; themes stretch from arts and culture to food and drink.
• www.bvg.de: Berlin’s official public transport site with timetables, routes, maps, and an online journey planner.
Cell (Mobile) Phones
Cell phones are referred to locally as Handys. Like the rest of Europe, Berlin operates on the GSM 900/1800 network, compatible with Australian and other World Phones. Call your service provider to activate roaming and ensure the international call bar is unlocked. Check charges, because they can be high. If your cell phone doesn’t work in Germany, invest in a local GSM phone with a prepaid SIM card (around 30€ total) for affordable calling rates. A central store is Vodafone (Friedrichstrasse 172; 0173-921-211-16; www.vodafone.de). North Americans with iPhones and ATT accounts can set up data packages that allow them to use their phones in Europe, or can rent a GSM phone before leaving home from RoadPost ( 888/290-1606 or 905/272-4934; www.roadpost.com). In the UK, try Cell-hire (01904-616-810, www.cellhire.co.uk).
Car Rentals
Driving in Berlin is unnecessary because of the city’s vast, efficient and relatively inexpensive public transportation system. But if you are driving, Berlin is relatively hassle-free compared with other European cities of a similar size, if you’re staying in the center. All major international car-rental companies operate here, with branches at the airports, Hauptbahnhof, and in the center. Among them are Avis ( 800/331-1212; www.avis.com), Hertz ( 800/654-3001; www.hertz.com), and Budget ( 800/472-3325; www.budget.com). Reputable agencies include Holiday Autos ( 866/392-92-88; www.holidayautos.com), and Auto Europe ( 800/223-55-55; www.autoeurope.com).
By Plane
Until the new Berlin-Brandenburg International Airport (BBI) opens in 2014 (that date is flexible, and as of writing there have been four delays in the opening of the airport), two airports serve Berlin: Tegel (TXL) and Schönefeld (SXF). See www.berlin-airport.de for up-to-date information on all Berlin’s airports, or call 0180-5000-186.
Tegel airport (8km/5 miles northwest of the center) serves European and long-haul destinations. Continental Airlines operates daily nonstop flights to Newark Liberty International Airport and Delta Airlines to JFK Airport in New York. Major European airlines serving Tegel include British Airways to London Heathrow, KLM to Amsterdam, and Air France with flights to Paris. Buses 128, X9, 109, and the Jet Express TXL depart for Berlin from stops outside the terminal every 10 or 20 minutes from 6am to 11pm. The journey takes between 15 and 40 minutes; tickets cost 2.60€ and can be purchased at the BVG kiosk close to the airport exit or from the ticket machines at the bus station. Validate your ticket by stamping it in the machine on the bus. A taxi ride will set you back around 35€; taxis depart from ranks outside the terminal.
Schönefeld airport (18km/11 miles southeast of the center) connects with destinations across Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is served by low-cost airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, and Germanwings. A regular S-Bahn service (S45 and S9) departs from the airport and takes roughly 45 minutes to reach central Berlin. Alternatively take the Airport Express train, departing every half-hour from 4:30am to 11pm and taking 28 minutes to reach Hauptbahnhof, stopping en route at Ostbahnhof, Alexanderplatz, and Friedrichstrasse. Tickets for either service cost 3.20€ and can be purchased from the machines on the platforms. Expect to pay around 35€ for the 45-minute taxi journey into town.
By Car
The A10 highway orbits the city, linking Berlin to the rest of Germany and Europe. The A11 leads northeast to Szczecin in Poland and the A13 drops south to Dresden. Hop on the A9 highway for major German cities farther south of Berlin including Leipzig, Bayreuth, Nuremberg, and Munich. The A2 leads west to Hanover and the A24 northwest to Hamburg. On the ring road, look out for signs into central Berlin: Take the A115 for the west, the A113 for the southeast, and the A114 for the north of the city. German highways are speed limit-free unless otherwise indicated, but you should watch your speed in built-up areas, because there’s usually a 30km/h (18 miles/h) or 50km/h (30 miles/h) limit.
By Train
National and international trains—including Deutsche Bahn InterCity-Express (ICE), InterCity (IC), EuroCity (EC), InterRegio (IR), and overnight City Night Line trains with comfortable sleeper carriages—glide into the Hauptbahnhof, Europaplatz ( 118-61). Berlin’s ultramodern central station links long-distance trains with local S-Bahn and U-Bahn services. Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s state-owned railway company. For comprehensive information on routes, timetables, fares, and ticket booking, see their English-language website (www.bahn.com). Tickets can also be booked by calling their hotline ( 08718-80-80-66). If you are traveling long distances, consider purchasing the German Rail Pass, which allows you to travel on all high-speed trains in Germany and takes you as far as Salzburg, Austria, and Basel, Switzerland. You can choose from 3 to 10 days in a month; a 3-day pass starts at 188€. Visit the Deutsche Bahn website for details on discount schemes and passes such as InterRail and BahnCard.
You can save euros on sightseeing with one of Berlin’s discount cards. The WelcomeCard and Museum Pass are available online at www.visitberlin.de and at Berlin Infostores (p ###).
Berlin WelcomeCard Covers public transport in zones AB and gives reductions on some 160 sights and attractions. A 48-hour, 72-hour, 5-day pass costs 18.50€/24.50€/31.50€. A 72-hour pass including admission to Museum Island’s galleries and museums costs 34€.
Museum Pass Berlin This 3-day Berlin pass costs 24€ (12€ concessions) and provides access to 60 museums across the city, including most of those mentioned in this book.
Berlin CityTourCard A variation of the WelcomeCard, this money-saving card gives you unlimited use of public transport (zones AB) and substantial discounts on sights, attractions, tours, theaters, shops and bars. A 48-hour, 72-hour, 5-day pass costs 16.90€/22.90€/29.90€. It is sold at airports and major train stations including Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Zoologischer Garten and Alexanderplatz. See www.citytourcard.com for more details.
By Bus
Most long-distance buses pull into the Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof/ZOB (Masurenallee 4–6; 030-861-93-31), opposite the Funkturm in Charlottenburg. The station links Berlin to 350 destinations across Germany and Europe. Companies operating to/from here include Eurolines (www.eurolines.com), EuroTouring (www.eurotouring.de), and BerlinLinienBus (www.berlinlinienbus.de).
Taking the S-Bahn (urban light-rail), U-Bahn (underground), or bus will get you where you need to go. All of them use the same fare system, Berlin is divided into three tariff zones: AB (2.60€), BC (2.90€), and ABC (3.20€). A single AB ticket suffices for most journeys; if you’re planning more than two trips, invest in a day pass (6.70€–7.20€).
By S-Bahn
Speedy and efficient, S-Bahn trains ( 030-29-74-33-33; www.s-bahnberlin.de) are one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Berlin and its suburbs. The service comprises 15 routes, which feed into three main lines: The east–west Stadtbahn, the north–south Nord–Süd Bahn, and the circular Ringbahn. Purchase and validate your ticket at one of the red or yellow stamping machines at the platform before boarding. The S-Bahn operates from 4am to 12:30am, later at weekends.
By U-Bahn
Operating on the same fare system as the S-Bahn, U-Bahn underground trains ( 030-19-44-9; www.bvg.de) are another means of getting around Berlin. Ten lines run to more than 170 stations from 4am until midnight, later on the weekends. At peak times, services depart every 3 to 5 minutes.
By Bus
If you’re not in a hurry, Berlin’s buses can be a great way to get about and enjoy the views, especially from the upper deck; routes 100 and 200 are particularly scenic (Go to Page). Although services are plentiful—150 day and 54 night routes—they can be painfully slow during rush hour. Download routes from www.bvg.de or for information call 030-19-44-9.
By Taxi
Taxis wait outside major hotels, stations, and airports round the clock. Most drivers speak some English. There is a minimum charge of 3.20€, plus 1.65€ per kilometer. If you are going less than 2km (1.2 miles) and flag the taxi down on the street, you can ask for the Kurzstreckentarif (short-route fare); the driver should switch off the meter and charge no more than 4€ for the ride. Reputable companies include TaxiFunk Berlin GmbH ( 030-44-33-22) and Funk Taxi Berlin ( 030-26-10-26). Note that fares may be higher when roads are busy.
By Car
Once in central Berlin, there’s little need for a car; it’s cheaper, quicker, and more carbon friendly to use the excellent public transport network, even for day trips to Wannsee and Potsdam (by S-Bahn). If you are driving, however, you’ll find Berlin easy to navigate thanks to clear signage and the ring road. Pay-and-display parking costs around 2.50€ per hour from 9am to 6pm or 8pm. Few machines accept credit cards, so have some change handy. Clearly display your ticket on the dash.
If you’re staying for more than a few days, make use of Berlin’s free park and ride service (www.vbbonline.de). These unsupervised car parks are connected to the center by S-Bahn or U-Bahn.
By Bicycle
Berlin’s terrific network of cycling trails makes pedal-pushing popular. Bikes are a fun, eco-friendly way of exploring the sights. Most S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains have a dedicated compartment, but you need to buy a reduced fare ticket for your bike, which costs 1.60€ single or 4.70€ for a day pass in zone AB. To hire your own set of reliable wheels, check out Fat Tire Bike Tours (Go to Page). Fahrradstation ( 0180-510-80-00; www.fahrradstation.com) is another option with six outlets in the city. Expect to pay 17€–32€ per day. The 24-hour Deutsche Bahn call a bike service ( 0700-05-22-55-22; www.callabike.de) is convenient. Simply dial the number to receive a code that unlocks the bike. Rates are 0.08€ per minute and 15€ for 24 hours.
On Foot
Berlin’s parks, squares, and waterways make walking a pleasure, especially in Tiergarten, Unter den Linden, and the pedestrianized streets of the Nikolaiviertel. A leisurely stroll along the River Spree or Landwehrkanal is an excellent (and free) way of keeping fit and seeing the sights. If you want to cover more ground or your time is limited, cycling may be a better option.
APARTMENT RENTALS Check out www.all-berlin-apartments.com, www.ferienwohnungberlin.com, and www.apartmentsapart.com for modern holiday apartments and flats in Berlin, which are often remarkably good value for longer stays.
ATMS There are plenty of ATMs for withdrawing cash 24/7. Maestro, Cirrus, and Visa cards are widely accepted, but be aware that your bank may charge a fee for the service. You can exchange currency at banks, post offices, or EuroChange/Travelex offices at airports, Hauptbahnhof, and in Alexanderplatz.
BUSINESS HOURS Banks open 8:30am–4pm Monday through Friday. Office hours are usually Monday–Thursday from around 8/9am up to 6pm; many close at midday on Friday. Most major department stores open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 8pm, plus six Sundays throughout the year.
CONSULATES & EMBASSIES U.S. Embassy, Clayallee 170 ( 030-83-05-12-00); Canadian Embassy, Leipziger Platz 17 ( 030-20-31-20); British Embassy, Wilhelmstrasse 70–71 ( 030-20-45-70); Australian Embassy, Wallstrasse 76–79 ( 030-88-00-880); New Zealand Embassy, Friedrichstrasse 60 ( 030-20-62-10); Irish Embassy, Jägerstrasse 51 ( 030-22-07-20).
DOCTORS Call 01804-22-55-23-62 to find an English-speaking doctor. The Yellow Pages lists medical specialists.
ELECTRICITY Germany uses 230 volts AC (50 cycles). European two-pin plugs are standard. U.S. and U.K. plugs need adapters.
EMERGENCIES For ambulance or fire service, dial 112. See “Doctors,” above, and “Police,” below.
GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELERS Liberal Berlin makes no secret of being one of the gay capitals of the world. The city is a magnet to the international gay (schwul) and lesbian (lesbisch) community, with an unrivaled nightlife scene in its bars and clubs. If you need proof that Berlin embraces homosexuality, look no further than the city’s openly gay mayor Klaus Wowereit, or the Christopher Street Day parade (Go to Page). Resources for gay travelers include www.gayberlin4u.com and www.out-in-berlin.com, with information in English.
HOLIDAYS German public holidays include: January 1 (New Year’s Day), January 6 (Epiphany), March/April (Good Friday and Easter Monday), May 1 (May Day), May (Ascension), May/June (Whit Monday and Corpus Christi), August 15 (Assumption), October 3 (German Unity Day), October 31 (Reformation Day), November 1 (All Saints’ Day), Wednesday before 23 November (Repentance Day), December 8 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception), December 25 (Christmas Day), and December 26 (St. Stephen’s Day).
INSURANCE With a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), EU citizens receive free or reduced-cost emergency health care in Germany. All travelers should have an adequate insurance policy before visiting, which covers cancelation, lost luggage, and car rental insurance. Try the following in the U.S.: Access America ( 866/284-8300; www.accessamerica.com); Travel Guard International ( 800/826-4919; www.travelguard.com); Travel Insured International ( 800/243-3174; www.travelinsured.com); and Travelex Insurance Services ( 800/228-9792; www.travelexinsurance.com). In the U.K., try MoneySupermarket ( 0845/345-5708; www.moneysupermarket.com).
For additional medical insurance, contact MEDEX Assistance ( 800/537-2029; www.medexassist.com) or Global Rescue ( 800/381-9754; www.globalrescue.com).
INTERNET You’ll find Internet cafes doubling as discount call centers around major stations such as Zoologischer Garten; many offer a cheap, speedy connection (around 2€ per 30 min. online) and services such as Skype, printing, and faxing. A growing number of cafes, bars, and hotels now offer Wi-Fi (sometimes free to customers). The Sony Center is a free Wi-Fi hotspot. For a list of other free hotspots, visit www.hotspot-locations.de.
LOST PROPERTY If your wallet has been lost or stolen, call your credit card company immediately and file a report at the nearest police station. There’s one near Alexanderplatz (Keibelstrasse 32; 030-4664-332-700).
Visa’s toll-free emergency number in the U.S. is 800/847-2911, or 0800-811-8440 in Germany. American Express cardholders and traveler’s check holders should call 888/412-6945 in the U.S. or 0800-101-23-62 in Germany. MasterCard holders should call 800/627-8372 in the U.S. or 0800-819-1040 in Germany.
MAIL & POSTAGE Deutsche Post ( 0180-233-33; www.deutschepost.de) provide postal services in Germany. A yellow sign with a black horn identifies post offices. Most open from 8:30am–6:30pm Monday through Friday, and Saturday 8:30am–noon. Central branches include Friedrichstrasse 69, Europaplatz, and Alexanderplatz 1.
Here are the international prices for stamps: Postcard 0.75€; standard letter under 20g 0.75€; letter under 50g 1.45€; letter under 500g 3.45€; package under 2kg 16.90€.
MONEY Germany’s currency is the euro. At the time of writing, the exchange rate was approximately 1€ = $1.35 (or £0.84). For up-to-date rates, check the currency converter website www.xe.com.
PASSPORTS & VISAS EU, U.S., Canadian, and Australian visitors must have a valid passport to enter Germany, but don’t require a visa for stays of fewer than 90 days. It’s advisable to keep a separate photocopy of your passport. If your passport is lost or stolen, contact your embassy (see “Consulates & Embassies,” above).
PHARMACIES Pharmacies (Apotheken) operate during normal business hours and post details of the nearest 24-hour pharmacy; at least one per district stays open all night. Central pharmacies include Pluspunkt Apotheke, Friedrichstrasse 60 ( 030-20-16-61-73) and Apotheke Berlin Hauptbahnhof ( 030-20-61-41-90). Call 22-833 for the emergency pharmacy service. The website www.berlin.de lists pharmacies by district.
POLICE The national police emergency number is 110. For local police, dial 030-46-64-46-64.
SAFETY Overall, Berlin is a safe city. The usual commonsense rules apply: Keep an eye on your possessions in crowded tourist areas and don’t walk alone at night. Pickpockets operate on the U-Bahn, so have your wits about you. You can alert the stationmaster by pushing the emergency “SOS” button. Though rare, extreme right-wing groups can turn violent toward people they consider “foreign.” This is more prevalent in former East Berlin districts such as Lichtenberg and Marzahn-Hellersdorf.
SALES TAX & VAT See “Taxes,” below.
SENIOR TRAVELERS Mention that you are a senior when making bookings and reservations. As in most German cities, people over the age of 65 qualify for reduced admission (20%–50%) to theaters and museums, and reduced fares on public transport. You may be asked to show ID.
SMOKING The Nichtraucherschutzgesetz (Non-Smokers’ Protection Law) introduced in January 2008 means Berlin is in practice a smoke-free city, though in theory smoking is still allowed in certain establishments (particularly bars). Officially, smoking is banned in public places including on transport, and in offices, hospitals, and restaurants. If in doubt, ask.
TAXES Sales tax, value-added tax (VAT), or Mehrwertsteuer (MwSt) in German, ranges from 7% to 19%. Food and necessities are taxed at 7%, luxury goods (jewelry, tobacco, liquors) at 19%. Non-EU residents are entitled to a refund of the 19% MwSt tax if goods are exported within 3 months of purchase. The store provides you with forms, which you should have stamped at Customs on departure. For further details see www.global-blue.com.
TELEPHONES Call 11837 for national and 11834 for international directory enquiries. If you’re making an international call, dial 00, wait for the tone, and dial the country code, area code, and number. To make a local call, dial the three-digit city prefix (030 in Berlin), followed by the number.
TIPPING Restaurants add a service charge to the bill. If you are satisfied, a tip of 5% to 10% is standard on top of the service charge. Round up the bill to the nearest euro if it’s just a coffee or snack. It’s customary to tip your waiter/waitress when settling the bill, not by leaving money on the table. Tip hotel porters and doormen 1€ and maids about the same per day. A 10% tip is normal for taxi drivers. Keep spare change handy for washroom attendants.
TOILETS Berlin has a number of clean public toilets, many of them automatic and wheelchair-accessible. You need around 0.50€ to unlock the door.
TOURIST INFORMATION The multilingual staff at BERLIN infostores can provide information on sightseeing, help with ticket and tour bookings, and make hotel reservations. Central tourist offices include those at Hauptbahnhof (Europaplatz), open daily 8am to 10pm, the Brandenburg Gate (Pariser Platz), open daily 10am to 7pm, and the Neuen Kranzler Eck (Kurfürstendamm 22), open Monday through Saturday 10am–8pm and Sunday 9:30am–6pm.
One of the best bargains in Berlin is the Berlin museum pass costing 24€ (12€ concessions) and providing access to 60 museums across the city over 3 days. Purchase the pass online at www.berlin-tourist-information.de or at a Berlin Infostore (Go to Page).
TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES Berlin is constantly improving public buildings to cater for Behinderte (people with disabilities). Many modern hotels, attractions, and restaurants are now wheelchair-friendly; some display a yellow Berlin barrierefrei (barrier-free Berlin) sign. Public transport network maps pinpoint stations equipped with ramps or elevators for easy access to the platforms. Mobidat ( 030-74-77-71-15; www.mobidat.net) has comprehensive information on accessible buildings and facilities in Berlin. A 24-hour hotline provides a Wheelchair breakdown service ( 0180-111-47-47). Deutsche Bahn offers an excellent service for travelers with special needs, including a 50% reduction on tickets and staff to assist at stations; for details contact the Mobility Service Center ( 01805-512-512; www.bahn.de). Access-Able Travel Source ( 303-232-2979; www.access-able.com) has access information for people traveling to Berlin.
1237 Cölln, Berlin’s sister town, is first mentioned in writing. The two cities merge for political and security reasons in 1307 and continue their rapid development.
1244 Berlin is founded as a trading post.
1307 Berlin and Cölln are united politically to form modern Berlin.
1415 Berlin comes under the rule of the Hohenzollern dynasty, the ruling house of Brandenburg-Prussia, which held sway until 1918. Friedrich I becomes the Elector of the Margraviate of Brandenburg, which he rules until 1440.
1451 Berlin becomes the royal residence of the Brandenburg electors and renounces its status as a free Hanseatic city.
1539 Berlin embraces Lutheran (Protestant) religious reform.
1576 Bubonic plague claims around 4,000 victims in Berlin.
1618–48 The Thirty Years’ War wreaks havoc. Berlin loses half its population in bloody religious and political feuds; the city is left devastated.
1647 Unter den Linden boulevard is constructed and planted with lime trees, on the orders of Frederick William of Brandenburg, to link Tiergarten to the Prussian palace (Schloss Hohenzollern).
1685 Edict of Potsdam. Frederick William gives the Calvinist Huguenots free passage to Brandenburg-Prussia following their expulsion from France. More than 6,000 settle in Berlin.
1695–99 Schloss Charlottenburg is built as a summer palace for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Friedrich III, Elector of Brandenburg.
1701 The Elector Friedrich III is crowned king. Berlin becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia. His grand plans include extending Schloss Charlottenburg in the style of the Palace of Versailles, outside Paris.
1740–86 Berlin flourishes as a center of the Enlightenment under Friedrich II of Prussia. He redesigns the city together with his favorite architect, Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff; notable landmarks include Schloss Sanssouci.
1806–08 French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte conquers Berlin, but grants the city self-government.
1810 Humboldt University is founded by the Prussian educational reformer and linguist Wilhelm von Humboldt, a close friend of German writer Johann Wolfgang Goethe and German poet, philosopher, and dramatist Friedrich Schiller.
1871 The Industrial Revolution powers Berlin to global pre-eminence; its economy and population swell. In 1871, Berlin becomes capital of the Deutsches Reich (German Empire).
1884 The construction of the Reichstag (German Parliament) begins.
1900 Berlin’s population soars to almost two million.
1914–18 World War I. Positive reactions to the war in Berlin are short lived. By the winter of 1916–17, thousands of Berliners are dependent on food aid.
1918 Military defeat in World War I and social revolution prepare the ground for the Weimar Republic, proclaimed on November 9 in Berlin. A period of political instability and inflation ensues.
1920–29 Despite economic depression, Berlin crackles with creativity during the Roaring Twenties. Cabaret, jazz, theater, and nightlife bloom.
1933 On February 27, the Reichstag is set on fire, perhaps by the Nazis. The following day, Hitler asks for the Reichstag Fire Decree to be signed into law, which leads to the suspension of civil liberties and enables the suppression of thousands of communists and other opponents of the Nazis. As a result, the Nazis are able to increase their share of the vote (52%) in the elections on March 5. In December, Dutchman and communist Marinus van der Lubbe is convicted of arson and treason, and is beheaded the following month in Leipzig.
1936 Berlin hosts the Summer Olympic Games. The Nazi regime promotes the Aryan master race ideology. African-American track-and-field athlete Jesse Owens wins gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4x100-meter relay. Hitler storms out of the stadium.
1938 On November 9, Jewish property and synagogues are burnt or destroyed during Kristallnacht (Night of the Broken Glass). Thousands of Jews from Berlin and the rest of Germany are incarcerated in concentration camps such as Sachsenhausen.
1939 Britain and France declare war on Germany.
1942 Nazi leaders convene to draft the “Final Solution” at Wannsee. This horrific plan to exterminate the Jewish people leads to the torture and murder of millions.
1945 On April 30, a defeated Hitler commits suicide together with his wife Eva Braun in his bunker underneath the Reich Chancellery on Wilhelmstrasse.
1945 On May 8, World War II officially ends. Berlin is divided into four occupation zones by Britain, France, the U.S., and the U.S.S.R.
1948 Berlin is divided into the FGR (U.S., French, and British zones) in the West and the GDR (Soviet zone) in the communist East.
1949 The U.S.S.R. sees the introduction of the Deutschmark as a breach of the Potsdam Agreement. They retaliate with the Berlin Blockade, the first major crisis of the Cold War. The allies respond with the Berlin Airlift, which delivers supplies to West Berlin.
1949 The capital of West Germany is moved from Berlin to Bonn.
1950 Stasi, Ministry for State Security and infamous spying agency, is created in the GDR. Its headquarters are located in East Berlin between Frankfurter Allee, Ruschestrasse, Normannenstrasse, and Magdalenenstrasse in Berlin-Lichtenberg.
1961 The emigration of young, skilled East Germans to the West strains the GDR economy. The Berlin Wall is built, with Soviet consent.
1963 On June 26, United States President John F. Kennedy visits West Berlin and gives a speech (Go to Page) on Rudolph Wilde Platz in which he famously claims, “Ich bin ein Berliner” (“I am a citizen of Berlin”). Shortly after his death in November 1963, the square is renamed John-F.-Kennedy-Platz.
1967 Berlin becomes the sister city of Los Angeles, California.
1987 On June 12, President Ronald Reagan speaks in front of the Brandenburg Gate and challenges Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down” the Berlin Wall.
1989 On November 9, Berliners celebrate the fall of the Wall.
1990 On October 3, East and West Germany are reunited, ending 45 years of Cold War division. German reunification is often referred to as Die Wende (the change).
1991 Berlin is again the capital of a reunified Germany.
2005 A grand coalition of the CDU–CSU (center-right Christian Democrats) and SPD (center-left Social Democrats) is elected. Angela Merkel becomes Germany’s first woman chancellor.
2006 Berlin opens its new Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) and hosts the final of the FIFA Football World Cup at its Olympic Stadium.
2009 Berlin celebrates the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Wall.
2013 Chancellor Angela Merkel is re-elected to third term and is considered the most powerful woman in Europe.
2014 Berlin-Brandenburg Airport opens after years of delay.
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