Cold War Berlin: Espionage, Berlin Wall, and a Divided City
Join this expertly guided walking tour of Berlin and step into the heart of the Cold War conflict that defined an era. Witness firsthand the powerful remnants of the military standoff between the Western and communist worlds. With your knowledgeable guide, explore the Berlin Wall and hidden sections of the deadly Death Strip, stand beside a preserved guard tower, and delve into the mysterious underground 'Ghost Stations'.
Stand above the sites of escape tunnels and hear the gripping tales of those who risked everything to create them. Uncover stories of espionage and the intense face-offs between the CIA and KGB in this geopolitical flashpoint. Learn about the influential leaders and pivotal events that kept the world teetering on the edge of nuclear war for decades.
Your guide will bring to life what daily existence was like for Berlin’s residents during nearly 45 years of division and tension, and shed light on the far-reaching consequences that continue to shape our world today.
Options
Cold War Berlin: Espionage, Berlin Wall, and a Divided City
What's included in Cold War Berlin: Espionage, Berlin Wall, and a Divided City
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Berlin Friedrichstrasse Station
The meeting point for your Cold War tour is at Friedrichstrasse Train Station, a historic location at the heart of Berlin’s division. Here, your expert guide will give you an overview of the fascinating three-hour journey ahead, outlining the key sites and stories you'll explore. From there, you'll embark on a unique experience aboard the "ghost train" — an underground route that once connected East and West Berlin during the Cold War. This will set the stage for a deeper understanding of the city's dramatic history, the tension of the divided years, and the personal stories that shaped Berlin's past.
Admiralspalast Berlin
See the location where the East German Political Party (SED) was founded in 1946
Palace of Tears
The Place of Tears (Tränenpalast) is a poignant site in Berlin, located at Friedrichstrasse Station. This former border crossing was the emotional heart of the city's division during the Cold War, where East and West Berliners were forced to say tearful goodbyes as they were separated by the Berlin Wall. Officially known as the "Palace of Tears," it became a symbol of the heartache caused by the division of families and loved ones. Today, the Tränenpalast houses a museum that tells the story of the emotional and physical toll the Wall took on the lives of Berliners, featuring exhibits about escape attempts, the harsh separation between East and West, and the reunification that followed. As part of your walking tour, you’ll visit this deeply moving site and reflect on the personal stories of loss, longing, and resilience that marked this dramatic chapter of Berlin's history.
Inclusions
- Local Expert Guide
- Berlin Transport AB Zone ticket
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- 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
- Please bring a Berlin Transport AB Zone ticket
- As a good amount of walking is involved, comfortable shoes are recommended
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Meeting point: outside FRIEDRICHSTRASSE TRAIN STATION, on the square beside the 'Traenenpalast' (Palace of Tears), Reichstagufer 17, 10117 Berlin. Our guides will be wearing a blue lanyard with a yellow name tag, holding yellow umbrellas!
End Points
- The tour concludes at a strategic location surrounded by a multitude of transportation options, offering you seamless and convenient choices for your onward journey.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
The tour is in ENGLISH Meeting point: outside FRIEDRICHSTRASSE TRAIN STATION, on the square beside the 'Traenenpalast' (Palace of Tears), Reichstagufer 17, 10117 Berlin. Your guide will be wearing a yellow name tag holding a yellow umbrella for easy recognition. Please arrive 15 minutes before the designated start time Gratuities are not included
