How Berlin Changes You

When I made my Euro Trip in 2016, my final stop was in Berlin. While I knew I wanted to hit up Germany, in all honesty, I picked Berlin just because it had the cheapest flight home. When I pictured my time in Germany, I envisioned beer halls, pretzels, and the unmistakable accents.

What I got instead was a trip that changed me more than any other.

Berlin is a city rich in history that has shaped it into the cultural hub it is today. While it’s an amazing destination with delicious food, fun experiences, and gorgeous architecture, it’s also a place that makes you reflect. It’s a city that should not be remembered only by its past but experiencing it will change you.

While I try to keep my posts lighthearted, today I’m going off course and opening up about my experiences in Berlin.

First – a disclaimer. It’s not fair to associate Berlin with only its darker moments. It has so much to offer aside from a history lesson. There are incredible things about this German gem, so do not think this is a city to avoid if this post does not resonate with you.

Many of us grew up learning about the Holocaust. We’ve heard the grim stories of the Nazi movement and learned about the rise and fall of Hitler. Our textbooks showed us the black and white photos of concentration camp horrors and we were quizzed on the events of Berlin – the wars, the wall, the politics.

Nothing compares to seeing it in person. Even though it’s simply exploring the bones of the past, it brings it to life. The history lessons become real. You see the bullet holes, crumbles of the wall that divided a city, the gates of the camps that killed thousands. There’s something about standing where the atrocities of the past occurred that makes you feel their weight in a way no classroom can.

Most of like to believe that humans are inherently good. We want a world full of peace, sunshine and rainbows. It seems almost unfathomable that people can be capable of unspeakable evil.

Walking through the infamous showers that ended countless innocent lives shows you otherwise. Seeing the remains of a wall that repressed half the capital proves you wrong. Learning of the tortures people endured at the hands of humans just “following orders” opens your eyes. As much as we want to believe that people could never be so evil and the world isn’t cruel, Berlin shows you the sad truth.

Most countries you visit have a sense of pride. You see the national flags flying high from every building. You see signs and displays promoting the beauty or brilliance of the nation. People are proud to be from where they are. But when you walk through the streets of Berlin, you don’t see many flags.

For the people of Germany, there has long been hesitation to show their pride and love for their country. There’s a fear that their patriotism will be associated with nationalism. To some, the flag became a symbol of Germany’s aggressive past, rather than a source of fun and national pride. While this feeling is finally starting to reverse, it still shows you the hold the past can have on people.

It’s easy to get lost in the somberness of Berlin. But the city is a testament that life moves on. Despite everything it’s been through, this destination refuses to be solely defined by its past. Berlin has emerged as an artistic and cultural hotspot. It’s home to Michelin-starred restaurants, a lively nightlife, and incredible shops. There are music fests and breweries and shows. Berlin is a popular tourist destination for good reason and it’s for more than just its history.

The fact that a city can go from being a chaotic, war-torn capital to a thriving cultural destination in just a few decades shows you that we can all move on. You don’t need to forget where you’ve been, as the memorials and museums throughout Berlin represent, but you don’t need to be bound to your past.

If you’re considering a trip to Berlin – do it. Whatever your reason is, be it the food, the drinks, the buildings, or its past, it’s worth it. Know that diving into the historical aspect of Berlin will change you. It’s a different kind of traveling adventure. You’ll cry, you’ll reflect, you’ll question. But at the end of journey, you’ll feel a little different.

If you’re interested in seeing some of the sights dedicated to Berlin’s history, here are my suggestions:

• Sachsenhausen concentration camp – this camp housed a reported 200,000 people with an estimated 30,000 dying here. It was largely a forced labor camp for political, homosexual, and gypsy prisoners. A guided tour is highly encouraged to fully understand the stories and history of this site.

• Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie – see the remains of the Berlin Wall in person by walking around Checkpoint Charlie. The East Side Gallery has artwork from over 100 artists that’s worth seeing. It’s free and you can see the wall from numerous parts in town.

• Topography of Terror – housed in the former Gestapo and SS headquarters, this historical museum provides information on the Holocaust. It’s a chilling experience but highly impactful and informative. Admission is free and it’s not far from Checkpoint Charlie. You'll also get to see parts of the Berlin Wall outside the museum.

• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe – another free experience, this outdoor memorial is near Brandenburg Gate. Without knowing it’s a memorial, you’d think it was an art installation. The architect has never revealed the story behind the design, but it’s essential to walk through the pillars and shape your own interpretation.

Again, I usually aim for more upbeat posts, but experiences like these are just as important when you’re traveling. If you ever find yourself in Berlin, I hope you take the opportunity to explore the past – but be sure to enjoy some currywurst or a pint, too!

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