» The federal capital
The old and new capital of Germany, with around 3.5 million inhabitants, the largest city in the country. Many consider Berlin also for the exciting city in the whole of Germany, perhaps because the metropolis on the Spree never stands still, because here old and new exist side by side, because Berlin is just living on the pulse of time. Even if the Potsdamer Platz, long the largest construction site in Europe, is now completed, is still built everywhere in Berlin. The "thick B above on the Spree" as the band Seeed is changing rapidly and is the new trend at the moment. The town on the Havel and Spree is huge, a little confusing and multicultural, so as Berlin is the third largest Turkish city in the world.
After the end of World War II the center of Berlin was destroyed three-quarters of the former population of 4.3 million, only 2.8 million were living in the city. Berlin was then divided among the four occupying powers in 1961 the eastern part of the city was completely sealed off by the Wall. Until 9 November 1989 the borders were opened again.
Of the Berlin Wall that divided the city for 26 years, now only remains as can be seen in the Niederkirchnerstraße and the Oberbaumbruecke on along the river Spree. There still is a 1300 meters long section that was painted on one side.
Berlin has always been the scene of great historical moments, the city saw as the emperor's abdication and the proclamation of the Republic. Even Kennedy's speech from 1963, with its famous phrase "Ich bin ein Berliner", with which he expressed his solidarity with West Berlin is known throughout the world.
» The universities
With 18 colleges and more than 140 000 students together Berlin is the largest university town in Germany.
The Humboldt University (HU) Berlin comprises eleven faculties and a broad range of subjects. It was founded in 1809 by an initiative of Wilhelm von Humboldt. Since 1946, it also bears his name. The impressive main building, built in 1748-1753 as a palace, is located directly on Berlin's most famous boulevard "Unter den Linden". About 34 000 students are enrolled at HU. With the famous Charité HU has the largest medical faculty in Europe.
1948, the Free University of Berlin (FU) was founded, and from here the student protests were fueled in the 60s. Today it has around 43 000 students in 12 departments and more than 100 institutions, with languages, history, law and business are the main focus.
The third major university is the Technical University of Berlin (TU), located in the west of the city. With currently 27 700 students, it is one of the largest technical universities in Germany.
At the Berlin University of the Arts (University of Arts) taught since 1975, in addition to the individual artistic subjects such as visual and performing arts, design and music you can also find studying education and social sciences. Here Vivienne Westwood lectured in fashion design.
Besides these four are located in Berlin also the Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences, ESCP-EAP European School of Management, the Protestant University of Applied Sciences, the School of Technology and Economics, the College of Administration and Legal Affairs, the College of Business, the School of Music "Hanns Eisler", the School of Dramatic Arts "Ernst Busch", the Catholic College, the Art Academy Berlin-Weissensee, the Media Design University for Design and computer science, the OTA college, the Steinbeis University and the Technical University of Applied Sciences.
» Attractions
During a city tour by bus to get a nice overview of the sights of Berlin. Departure points: for example, the lines 216, 220 and 225 on the Kurfürstendamm
See you should necessarily (only one choice):
- the Reichstag (Republic Square), completed in 1894 and 1933, partially destroyed by fire, and he has been modernized by renowned architect Sir Norman Foster and reopened in 1999. From the glass dome you can enjoy a wonderful view over Berlin
- the landmark of the city, the Brandenburg Gate was built in 1788-1791, which is a symbol of German unity. During the division of the city, there stood in the death strip. On the floor on the west side of the gate today marked a red line to the former Berlin Wall
- The 1400 meter long and 60 meter wide avenue Unter den Linden, which runs from the Pariser Platz at the Brandenburg Gate to the castle bridge. Especially under Frederick the Great came here impressive edifices located on Pariser Platz as the legendary luxury Hotel Adlon.
- the Museum Island with the Pergamon Museum, a unique collection of antiques (including the Pergamon Altar from 180 BC and the Market Gate of Miletus from the year 165 AD) houses; also the Old and the New Museum
- Potsdamer Platz with its modern glass skyscrapers such as the 130 meter-high Sony Centre and Alexanderplatz with world time clock
- Checkpoint Charlie (the south end of Friedrichstraße), the famous border crossing which is where the Allied checkpoint
- the seat of the Federal President, the neoclassical Bellevue Palace in 1785 and Charlottenburg Palace
- Kurfürstendamm, or "Kurfürstendamm", in which also the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
- the Egyptian Museum (70 Castle Street), where you can admire the famous, created in 1350 BC bust of Nefertiti
» Student Life
Berlin has a nightlife that is at least in Germany without competition. So there are infinitely many ways to celebrate. A bar district is eg the Oranienburger Straße in Berlin-Mitte, especially in the areas immediately around it is played out the student life. Otherwise, you need yourself informed of cafe Guide.
Rents in Berlin seem pretty cheap at first glance, but a lot of scrap is offered - for example, homes with coal stove, etc. Indispensable for finding accommodation and in the search for events and parties are the city magazines Zitty and tip.
Very good for shopping are the various shopping malls such as the Potsdamer Platz or on Friedrichstrasse. Interesting and at the same time good for shopping are the Hackescher Markt (Rosenthaler Straße 40/41 & 6 Sophie Street), a large courtyard area with a mixed-use development through art, culture, living and dining. Should necessarily once you pop in the KaDeWe (Tauentzienstraße 21-24). The KaDeWe department store is almost 100 years old (2007 is applicable), and the largest department store in Europe.
» Typical Berlin
Despite all the hostility he talking about real Berliners still free to muzzle. The "Berlin snout" lives on, even if Goethe was unsympathetic and many see it simply for incorrect German. In Berlin, a bun is a "bread roll" and you say "ick, det" and "kiek times". Berlin also are very direct and maintain at first glance a somewhat harsh tone. Typical of the city is the Bear, the emblem of the city. Has started a preference to bear in 1280 with the first seal bears a look today everywhere from postcards and banners bear to. The lively city bears Tilo can go to the Köllnischen Park View.