Historvius (mapping history)

Historic sites in Berlin

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For those seeking to discover this famous city, there’s an amazing selection of historic sites in Berlin to explore. Our Berlin historic sites map will help you get underway, along with our selection of some of the best historical places Berlin has to offer.

The modern city of Berlin was first noted in the early 13th century, its humble origin as a small settlement meant it was of little importance at the time. However, its excellent location led to a slow and gradual growth right through the middle ages. Berlin became a member of the Hanseatic League and was the seat of the electors of Brandenburg. By the 18th century the city was one of the most important political and cultural centres of the region and, with German reunification in the 19th century, Berlin became the capital of the German Empire in 1871. World War Two brought destruction and devastation to the city and, during the Cold War that followed, Berlin became a vital pressure point in this ideological struggle.

Today, Berlin is a fascinating modern city which still boasts a vast array of historical places. From the remains of the Berlin Wall to the famous Brandenburg Gate and moving memorial to the Holocaust, the city provides an array of interesting places to visit.

Once you’ve explored the historic sites of Berlin you can use our itinerary planner tool to plan out your trip and then print off a free pocket guidebook. Our database of Berlin’s historic sites is growing all the time, but we may not cover them all. Remember, if you know of other historic sites in Berlin, you can always add them to Historvius now by visiting our upload page.

Historical sites in Berlin : Site Index

  • Berlin Stasi Prison Berlin Stasi Prison
    An infamous East German prison which operated during the Cold War, the Berlin Stasi Prison is a memorial to those who were persecuted there.
    Photo by CxOxS (cc)

  • Berlin Wall Berlin Wall
    One of the most famous historic sites in Berlin, the Berlin Wall split the city and was a dramatic symbol of the ideological struggle of the Cold War.
    Photo by siyublog (cc)

  • Berliner Dom Berliner Dom
    Built in the early 20th century, during the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II, Berliner Dom is an impressive cathedral and was the church of the German monarchy.
    Photo by Andrey Belenko (cc)

  • Brandenburg Gate Brandenburg Gate
    Among the most popular historic sites in Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate is a Romanesque structure modelled on the ancient gateway to the Acropolis in Athens. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Berlin

  • Checkpoint Charlie Checkpoint Charlie
    Checkpoint Charlie was a prominent symbol of the Cold War and is among the best-known historical sites in Berlin. Today the original gate is in the Allied Museum and a replica stands on the site.
    Photo by roger4336 (cc)

  • German Resistance Memorial Centre German Resistance Memorial Centre
    A lesser known historic site in Berlin, the German Resistance Memorial Centre is a monument and museum to those Germans who fought against the Nazis.
    Photo by dionhinchcliffe (cc)

  • Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz
    One of the most infamous of all historical places in Berlin, the Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz was the site where the Nazis planned the Holocaust. Today the site hosts a moving memorial to these terrible events.
    Photo by nagerw (cc)

  • Jewish Museum - Berlin Jewish Museum - Berlin
    The Jewish Museum in Berlin examines the history of the German Jewish community over the course of 2,000 years. It examines all aspects of the history of Jews in Germany set our through chronological presentations.
    Photo by Lauren Manning (cc)

  • Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
    A popular tourist attraction, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is a famous Berlin landmark dedicated to Kaiser William I.
    Photo by heatheronhertravels (cc)

  • Reichstag Reichstag
    The Reichstag Building is the seat of the German parliament and was previously the building used by the German government and Weimar Republic. Guided tours are available, but must be booked well in advance.

  • Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
    A sombre historic site near Berlin, Sachsenhausen was a Nazi concentration camp and the closest to the German capital. It was used to house and kill Jews, political dissidents and others. Today it is open as a memorial and museum.

  • The Altes Museum The Altes Museum
    Hosting a range of ancient collections, the Altes Museum is one of the most popular historic sites in Berlin and is part of the National Museum.

  • The Berlin Flak Tower The Berlin Flak Tower
    One of the more hidden historic sites of Berlin, the Berlin Flak Tower is a World War II anti-aircraft station and bunker built to protect the city from aerial attack.

  • The Holocaust Memorial - Berlin The Holocaust Memorial - Berlin
    A moving memorial in the heart of Berlin, the Holocaust Memorial is a vast granite maze covering 19,000 square metres which commemorates the European Jews murdered by the Nazis.

  • The Neues Museum The Neues Museum
    Part of Germany’s National Museum, the Neues Museum has a huge collection of pre-historic, Ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek artefacts. It is one of Berlin’s most popular tourist attractions.

  • The Pergamon Museum The Pergamon Museum
    An interesting historic site in Berlin, the Pergamon Museum displays ancient artefacts as well as a collection of Islamic art.

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