Berlin: Third Reich & Cold War Walking Tour Landmarks

Summary

Walk Berlin’s past from the Brandenburg Gate to Checkpoint Charlie, hearing stories of the Wall, WWII, and reunification with a local

You’ll trace Berlin’s tangled history on foot with a local guide, from the iconic Brandenburg Gate through sites like the Reichstag and Holocaust Memorial to Checkpoint Charlie. Hear honest stories about WWII, daring escapes across the Berlin Wall, and everyday life under watchful eyes. Expect moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the pink umbrella at the Brandenburg Gate — honestly, I was distracted by a street musician playing Bowie (fitting for Berlin, right?). Our guide, Thomas, waved me over with a grin that made it feel less like joining a tour and more like meeting up with someone who knows every backstreet. The air had that sharp autumn bite, and you could smell roasted chestnuts somewhere nearby. I didn’t expect to start this Third Reich & Cold War walking tour feeling so… unprepared? But maybe that’s how Berlin gets you.

We moved through history fast — one minute standing in front of the Reichstag while Thomas explained how it survived fire and bombs (“You can still see bullet holes if you look close,” he pointed out), then suddenly we were at the Soviet War Memorial. The tanks there looked almost out of place against all the green. At some point, an old woman walked her dog right past us without even glancing up; life goes on here, even among all these heavy memories. The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe was quieter than I expected. The concrete blocks swallowed sound — I caught myself whispering without meaning to.

Standing above what used to be Hitler’s bunker was strange — there’s nothing left but a parking lot now. Thomas didn’t dramatize it; he just told us what happened and let us stand there for a minute in silence. You could hear distant traffic and someone’s bike bell ringing down the street. Later, at the Topography of Terror exhibition, I tried reading every caption but ended up just staring at people’s faces in old photos. It’s hard not to think about what it would’ve been like living here when the Wall went up overnight.

The Berlin Wall itself — or what’s left of it — felt rough under my hand (they let you touch it). Thomas shared stories about escapes gone wrong and right; he didn’t sugarcoat anything but somehow kept things hopeful too. We ended at Checkpoint Charlie, where souvenir shops now sell fake stamps and tiny pieces of “the Wall” (are they real? who knows). I still think about that moment at the memorial though, standing between shadows as evening crept in — Berlin doesn’t let you forget.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Third Reich and Cold War sites

• Start at Brandenburg Gate
• Visit Reichstag building
• See Soviet War Memorial
• Pass Berlin Victory Column
• Walk through Holocaust Memorial
• Stand above Hitler's bunker
• Walk along Hermann Goering's Airforce ministry
• Visit Topography of Terror exhibition
• See preserved Berlin Wall section
• End at Checkpoint Charlie

Top questions

How long is the Berlin Third Reich & Cold War walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Where does this walking tour in Berlin start?

The meeting point is in front of the Tourist Information office at Brandenburg Gate (Pariser Platz side).

Is this Berlin walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

What main sites are included on this Third Reich & Cold War tour?

You’ll see Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Soviet War Memorial Tiergarten, Holocaust Memorial, Führerbunker site, Topography of Terror, sections of the Berlin Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this Berlin history tour?

Yes, your local guide leads the entire walking tour in English.

Does this day trip include transportation?

No transportation is included; it is a walking tour starting at Brandenburg Gate.

Are children or strollers allowed on this Berlin walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join in a pram or stroller.

What’s included

Your day includes an English-speaking local guide leading you through central Berlin’s most significant historical sites by foot. Wheelchair access is available throughout. Just meet your group at Brandenburg Gate — no transport needed — and everything else is taken care of from there.