Museums for the Money
Berlin Offers one of the World's Best Selections
Checkpoint Charlie
The "Checkpoint Charlie" sign warning visitors they are leaving the American sector is all that remains of the crossing area on this site, which is under massive redevelopment. (c) 1998 Mark Kahler, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Not all the museums are devoted to ancient history. One of the most fascinating involves a time most of us remember.
The Berlin Wall once divided this great city east and west. But it did more than separate governments and streets. People's very lives were thrown into chaos.
Families were torn apart. Fortunes were lost. People became so starved for freedom in the east that they resorted to dangerous, yet remarkable schemes for escape.
"Checkpoint Charlie" was perhaps the most famous of the gateways, and elaborate security prevented many would-be crossings. But the Checkpoint Charlie museum documents both failed and successful attempts at escape that were under, over, and even above the ground.
Some attempts involved suitcases or trunks with false bottoms, and one even turned on a special gas tank underneath a car. You'll see these items, with explanations in several languages.
Checkpoint Charlie Museum is located at Friedrichstraße 43-45 in the Kreuzberg section of Berlin. Take U-Bahn train U6 to the Kochstraße stop, or line U2 to Bahnhof Stadtmitte. Bus 129 will get you there, too.
Admission: 5 EUR ($6.50 USD) for adults, half that for students and children.
Getting to Berlin
Because of its years as a divided city well within the East German border, Berlin lost its status as a non-stop transatlantic destination. Most airlines make Frankfurt their hub in Germany, with Munich running second.
But there are some nice connections to Berlin through London on British Airways. You can probably do better with some homework and the approach of the off-season.
Museum Island's classical buildings bear the bullet scars of World War Two (c) 1998 Mark Kahler, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Guidebooks will show you how to find one of Berlin's many budget hotels. They're usually conveniently located near major attractions, but don't expect mints on your pillow.
So Many Museums, So Little Time
There are plenty of other attractions in this fascinating city, but don't miss the museums!
I've only scratched the surface with the few that are described here, and space doesn't allow for much more. Even if you're not an art or history enthusiast, you'll get a lot of enjoyment and knowledge out of just a few hours invested. When it comes to money--as we've noted--admission prices here are very reasonable given the wealth of quality on display.
Some of us are prone to put museums on the travel schedule only when a rainy day strikes.
Not a good plan in Berlin; you see, the city has fewer rainy days each year than there are museums to visit. So go and enjoy, rain or shine. Take heart in the knowledge that there are few places on earth where you can see so much history for so little money.
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