Berlin has its fair share of weird but wonderful tourist attractions, Designpanoptikum is a less known example of this. The exhibits here are bizarre and outlandish in the best possible ways and immediately transport you to a world caught between dreams and Willy Wonka's workshop. The whimsical collection is privately owned by Vlad Korneev, an artist in his own right. He is usually around to assist you with explanations, view points and sometimes, to help you draw your own conclusions. Step in, give that imagination of yours a thorough workout.
Germany's most recognizable symbol is not as large as many visitors expect, yet its history is rich and fascinating. Built in 1791, the Brandenburg Gate was modeled on the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. The Quadriga statue on top of the Gate, designed by sculptor Gottfried Schadow, represents Victoria, the Goddess of Peace, riding a four-horse chariot. This was one of Berlin's original 14 city gates, yet the only remaining evidence of the other gates are the names of underground stations such as Kottbusser Tor and Schlesisches Tor. The Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz have played center stage to numerous turbulent historical events. The south wing houses a tourist information office.
Throughout the centuries, many churches have stood on the location of the current Berliner Dom. The first one was erected in 1465 for the reigning royal family, the Hohenzollern, and was little more than a chapel at that time. In 1747, it was replaced by a Baroque cathedral designed by Johann Boumann, before being transformed once again in 1822 by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Today's Dom was built between 1894 and 1905 during King Wilhelm II's reign. Almost completely destroyed in World War II, the Berliner Dom remained a ruin until restoration work finally began in 1973. Some of the cathedral's highlights include the mosaics covering the cupola, the crypt, the altar and the altar windows. The Dom also enshrines over 80 members of the Hohenzollern family. Those visiting must take a look at the Sauer organ within the cathedral, one of the largest in Germany, and take in the views from the roof promenade.
C/O Berlin calls itself an "International Forum for Visual Dialogues," and while this may be apt, it doesn't actually describe what C/O is. It is simply an excellent gallery that houses temporary exhibitions of photographs and photographic installations by the world's leading documentary photographers, from Henri Cartier-Bresson to Trent Park. It is not particularly well known, but for photographers, lovers of photography, or even just people who are interested in the world, it is one of the must-see museums in Berlin. Its exhibitions, usually by multiple photographers, never leave the viewer untouched.
When you think of Berlin, the first word that likely comes to mind is the Wall. A decade after being torn down, there is not much of the Berlin Wall which remains intact. The longest section of the Wall to be spared, which is 1.3 kilometers (0.81 miles) runs parallel to the River Spree between Kreuzberg in the West and Friedrichshain in the East. In the months following the fall of the Wall in 1989, 118 artists from all over the world flocked here to pay their artistic tribute to the historic event. The result is an open-air gallery containing a host of colorful and imaginative images, some satirical, some shocking and others puzzling. The East Side Gallery is a must for first-time visitors to the city. The area which surrounds the Wall is oddly fitting and gives a good idea of how the Wall would have appeared several decades ago. An important part of Berlin's cultural heritage, this landmark is one of the largest open-air galleries in the entire world.
Familiar to many from Wim Wenders' 1987 film "Wings of Desire," the view from the top of the 69 meter-high (226.37 feet) Victory Column is well worth the 285-step climb! Built in 1873 to commemorate Prussian military victories against Denmark, Austria and France, the Victory Column originally stood in front of the Reichstag, but was moved to its current location in the middle of the Tiergarten by the Third Reich in 1938. The golden statue of the Goddess Victory can be seen from all over the city and is one of Berlin's most eye-catching landmarks. Since 1995, the Victory Column has been the epicenter of Berlin's annual Love Parade, when hundreds of thousands gather in the Tiergarten to party.
Bucher Forst is a forest in the northernmost part of Berlin, ideal for long, relaxing walks. Forty per cent of the 435 hectare forest is coniferous, sixty percent deciduous. There are also two fish farms where carp are bred. The forest is dotted with tables and benches for picnics.
Spandauer Theater Varianta is a popular theater in the Spandau district that is loved by drama and comedy enthusiasts alike. Here you can find an enthusiastic ensemble presenting a range of comedy favorites, with special attention given to the details. The costumes and background settings are especially well done, and do not fail to garner attention! The self-proclaimed goal of the ensemble is to give guests the opportunity to forget the worries of daily life. Each production runs for one year, with performances several days during the week.
Musikschule is nothing but the 'school of music' as it literally states. In accordance with its name, the school functions as a teaching ground for the various genres in music. The school has a few locations in the city and one such school is located near the Berlin airport. Professional guidance is extended to music in order to enhance their knowledge as well as talent. To serve the purpose further, the school plays host to such cultural events too, which define music in a better way to its students. Basically Musikschule is learning with entertainment.
Evangelische St.-Laurentius-Stadtkirche is an important Protestant church of Berlin. Replacing a 13th-century basilica, the current church was built in 1838 and inaugurated on May 31, 1841. The church was designed by Friedrich Wilhelm Butzke and features distinguished components such as two-story arched windows, a dominant tower, nave, and vaults. The interiors of the church also display intricate details that are fascinating to look at. Since 1977, the church falls under the monument protection act.
The quaint Blankensee village has a rich history, especially when it comes to agriculture, and you can learn about it all at the Bauernmuseum Blankensee. Offering regular guided and thematic tours of the facility, the museum also has a Bavarian restaurant which offers delectable local fare, and can be used to host parties.
Set in the midst of lush green meadows and woodlands, Buchholz Saloon is a friendly countryside restaurant and events center. The restaurant’s menu includes a selection of traditional homemade meals and alcoholic drinks like whiskies, gins, and wines. This wild west-themed lively restaurant often hosts events like concerts, weddings and celebrations. Guests can also pick a friendly alpaca and hike along the scenic trails to explore the beautiful surroundings.