Berlin Cold War and East German History
The Berlin Wall, a Stasi prison and sites of Leipzig's Peaceful Revolution: four days to understand a divided Germany
A thematic route for history enthusiasts. Follow the remains of the Berlin Wall to see division and escape, visit the Hohenschönhausen Stasi Prison and the DDR Museum, then take the train to Leipzig to see St. Nicholas Church, the heart of the 1989 Peaceful Revolution, and the Stasi Museum in the Runde Ecke, known as the 'Round Corner.' End at the Topography of Terror and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. The content is heavy, so two or three sites a day is enough. Stay in Friedrichshain, close to the East Side Gallery.
Most sites are indoor memorials and can be visited year-round. Hohenschönhausen requires a guided tour booked in advance.
Day by day
Day 1 · Along the Berlin Wall
Berlin（Berlin Wall Memorial、Brandenburg Gate、Reichstag Building）
Take the S-Bahn from the airport into the city, the tram to Bernauer Strasse, then the S-Bahn to Brandenburg Gate.
The outdoor exhibition at Bernauer Strasse is free. The viewing platform overlooks the death strip.
Stay: Friedrichshain
Day 2 · Stasi Prison and Life in East Germany
Berlin（Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial、DDR Museum、East Side Gallery）
Take the tram to Hohenschönhausen in the morning, about 30 minutes. In the afternoon, go to the DDR Museum in Mitte. Return to the East Side Gallery in the evening.
Hohenschönhausen can only be visited on a guided tour. Book online in advance.
Stay: Friedrichshain
Day 3 · Leipzig Peaceful Revolution Day Trip
Leipzig（St. Nicholas Church、Stasi Museum (Runde Ecke)、Contemporary History Forum）
Take the ICE from Hauptbahnhof, about 1 hour 15 minutes, to Leipzig. Walk between three sites in the old town and return in the evening.
The Forum for Contemporary History is closed on Mondays, so avoid traveling on a Monday.
Stay: Friedrichshain
Day 4 · Checkpoint Charlie and Memorials
Berlin（Checkpoint Charlie、Topography of Terror、Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe）
Take the metro to Checkpoint Charlie, then walk to the Topography of Terror and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. In the afternoon, take the S-Bahn to the airport.
The information center under the memorial is closed on Mondays.