Discover the history of Berlin and learn about the Third Reich's rise to power, as well as the build-up to the Second World War. On this tour narrated by a local historian, we’ll explore both East and West Berlin, visiting Anhalter Bahnhof, the Topography of Terror, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Reichstag.
Venture off the tourist trail, and discover multi-layered neighbourhoods around Germany’s capital Discover Berlin’s historical context, secret stories and famous residents as you get a more local feel for the area.
Discover Berlin’s place in the Second World War, through its complex history in this captivating walk through central Berlin.
Start the tour at Anhalter Bahnhof, a ruined train station once was known as the ‘gateway to the south’ and was one of the busiest train stations in the kingdom of Prussia. Learn about the birth of Germany and this station’s involvement in the Second World War.
Visit Martin Gropius Bau. Completed in 1881 and designed by the architects Martin Gropiu and Heino Schmieden, this was originally designed to house Berlin's Museum of Applied Arts. Martin Gropius Bau serves as a space for diverse temporary shows. From ancient Buddha sculptures of Pakistan to the artistically staged photographs of Cindy Sherman, this elegant gallery has something for everyone.
Visit the Topography of Terror, an open and free exhibition all about the Nazis rise to power and their 12-year dictatorship. Both the Gestapo and the SS once had their headquarters right here. The Gestapo was the official Nazi secret police service, and the SS, or the Shutzstaffel, was the Nazi agency of terror which among other things was in charge of policing the concentration camps.
Walking up Wilhelmstraße, visit what was, in 1936, the Nazi Ministry of Aviation and learn about Hermann Göring. Then visit the the Ministry for Propaganda, one of the most infamous ministries of the Nazi dictatorship, headed up by Joseph Goebbels. His propaganda included management of culture and the arts, so films, music and theatre, alongside broadcasting, the national press, and censorship.
Visit this memorial to Johann Georg Else, who was almost one of the most important people in world history. Elser was quite a low-profile figure, historically speaking, but he was almost one of the most important people in world history.
Stop at this unassuming car park which sits above what was once Hitler's Bunker. Hear about the end of the Second World War.
Visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, a free, above ground memorial designed by Jewish architect, Peter Eisenman to remember Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust. Walk through the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, taking a moment to process the history this monument represents and hear about some possible interpretations of this design.
Finish the tour at the Reichstag, the German house of Parliament, originally built in 1893 which has seen Berlin throughout the 20th century. This has, in essence, been dedicated to the German public. Only after Germany was reunited that the decision was made to reinstate Berlin as the capital city of reunified Germany, and to reinstall the parliament into their original home here, the Reichstag.
The Vidi Guides experience is enriched with on-screen photos and videos. We also point out where to take the perfect Instagram photos during the tour, and include recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. Don't worry, none of our recommendations are sponsored - they are simply favourites of the locals who helped craft the experience.
Vidi Guides creates immersive audio experiences that are like podcasts. This is a self-guided audio tour that can be started or stopped at your own convenience. Download the Vidi Guides app & your tour to explore the area independently and safely! Make sure to download your tour before your visit to streamline your trip!
Audio: English