An Introduction to Berlin
Berlin has served as the backdrop to many of Europe’s most politically
and culturally significant events and movements including a central role
in both the second world and cold wars. Dangerous, exciting, spirited
and living on the edge, Berlin has over the last number of years been
emerging with both a techno smile and punk sneer from the shadow of its
dark past.
At the heart of modern Germany and modern Europe, Berlin’s alternative
swagger strides through grand historic buildings, glorious museums, fabulous
parks, an awesome range of restaurants, and some of coolest of bars and
clubs on the continent.
Constantly enjoying its own reinvention, Berlin has perpetually been
an essential European city. Not only that, but Berlin is easily accessible
from the UK – check online at sites such as Travelzoo for example
for flights and bargain holidays.
The largest and most populous city (3.5 million registered inhabitants)
in Germany, the iconic events of November 1989 and reunification saw Berlin’s
status as national capital restored in 1999, having been almost bombed
out of existence during the Second World War and economically and politically
asphyxiated during the Cold War.
From restoration of the dark streets of East Berlin (pre-war the cultural
and political heart of Germany), which remained unchanged for 50 years,
to the grand architecture of Museumsinsel and Unter den Linden, and the
refreshing Tiergarten Park, Berlin oozes an intoxicating optimism.
Tourism is on the up and business is flourishing too as government offices
and internal and foreign investment move to the city. In 2003 Popkomm,
Europe's largest music industry convention moved to Berlin from Cologne
and was soon followed by the Universal Music Group MTV who moved their
European headquarters and main studios to the banks of the River Spree
in Friedrichshain. The rise in electronics, manufacturing and information
technology reflect the hopes for a brighter future for Berlin.
The creativity and confidence of Berliners might best be seen in its
internationally acclaimed culture, education and architecture.
Culture
Berlin blazes a cultural trail with numerous galleries, nightclubs,
bars, over 153 museums, 3 opera houses, 7 symphony orchestras (including
The Berlin
Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the pre eminent orchestras
in the world whose current principal conductor is Simon Rattle), and 50
theatres, many of which enjoy international reputation.
Education
The city has four universities and numerous private, professional and
technical colleges with in excess of 130,000 student and 62,000 scientists
working in research and developments. Berlin can rightly be described
as one of the most prolific centres of higher education and research in
the European Union.
Architecture
Berlin's unique recent history has left the city with an eclectic array
of architecture and sights largely shaped by the pivotal role it played
in Germany's history in the 20th century reflecting the 1871 German Empire,
the Weimar Republic, Nazi Germany, East Germany, and now the reunified
Germany in turn.
Perhaps the two most recognisable structures are:
-
The Fernsehturm (TV tower) at Alexanderplatz in Mitte. Built in
1969 it is the second highest building in the European Union at 368
meters (1,207 ft).
-
The Brandenburg Gate - an iconic landmark of Berlin and Germany.
It also appears on German euro coins (10 Cent / 20 Cent and 50 Cent).
Even if you’re only planning a short visit to Berlin, it pays
to have appropriate travel insurance to cover every eventuality. Try online
specialists such as Go Travel for reasonably priced policies.
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