Third Reich And Germania - Berlin Walking Tour

Third Reich And Germania - Berlin Walking Tour Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Journey back to Berlin’s darkest period--the time of the Nazi regime.

Many people are not aware of the fact that prior to the Nazi regime, Berlin was known as a city of enlightenment and tolerance. With vicious violence and sophisticated propaganda, the Nazis conquered this open-minded, cosmopolitan city and transformed it into the core of Hitler’s future empire. This tour through Nazi Berlin will introduce you to the powerful personalities, important places, and imposing buildings that represented the Nazi regime. Although the subject matter is dark, you will visit some of the most beautiful parts of Berlin.

Your tour begins at the Reichstag, the parliament building, where a fire--allegedly lit by a communist in February of 1933--served Hitler’s pretext for a seizure of absolute power by means of an “emergency decree.” Then you are on to the Soviet War Memorial, the burial place of the soldiers who took Berlin and the Reichstag. Next you'll walk along the East-West Axis to the Brandenburg Gate, the stage for Hitler’s triumph in 1933, and to the newly completed Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. After standing on the “Führerbunker,” where Hitler spent his last weeks, you'll get to take a closer look at important Nazi ministries such as Goebbels’ Propaganda Ministry, Goering’s Ministry of Aviation, and Hitler's Chancellery.

Now continue on to Checkpoint Charlie, where you will see the torture cellars left over from the headquarters of SS and Gestapo, and then on to the Clou, the entertainment palace where Hitler held his first speech in Berlin and where Jews and opponents were later gathered for deportation, as well as the seat of the famous Organisation Todt. Break for lunch at the beautiful Gendarmenmarkt, a monument to Old Prussian tolerance, and then go to the Hausvogteiplatz, the former heart of the Berlin confection industry, largely in Jewish hands at the time and destroyed by the Nazis.

Next you are on to the former Imperial Bank, with its massive and forceful Nazi-facade, the storage location of gold stolen from raided enemies. Then continue on to Humboldt University, where 20,000 books written by opponents of the regime were burned, and students and professors collaborated with the Nazi regime to remove Jewish colleagues and contribute “scientific” know-how to Hitler’s plans.

Next, take a closer look at the Neue Wache, as well as the Lustgarten on Museum Island. Listen as your guide explains the fatal art policies of the Third Reich, before finishing up at the Jewish synagogue that, although burned in 1938, was partly saved by a courageous policeman and the fire brigade. Your final stop will be a Jewish cemetery, used at one point as a collection point for deportation to the camps, before returning to your hotel.

- Lunch is not included in the price of this tour, but your guide can recommend a great place to suit your tastes.

- Other departure times are available.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 09:30 AM, duration: 4.5 hours
• 02:30 PM, duration: 4.5 hours