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Berlin is the capital of Germany; and one of the most interesting cities in Europe. In Berlin you find interesting historical sites, modern art, delicious cooking and a pulsing nightlife. A lot of the buildings were badly damaged in the final years of World War II, but today they have all been rebuilt. After World War II, Berlin was divided into four sectors: a French, American and British sector in West Berlin and USSR sector in East Berlin). After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the city merged together and again became the capital of the reunified Germany.
The 26 meter (85 feet) high landmark of Berlin, Brandenburger Tor was originally the main gate to the city. Under the Cold War it lived a secluded life in a waste part of East Berlin. Today it stands as the symbol of the German reunification. The German Parliament Building called the Reichstag Building is also a very important historical building. When a fire I 1933 destroyed the dome, Hitler used the accident to declare state of emergency, and 12 years later the Red Army showed their victory by planting a flag on the roof. After a major renovation (including a new, spectacular glass dome) the building reopened I 1999. You should be prepared for long lines and heavy security checks, if you visit the building in the high season. Berlin has its share of remains of the Cold War. A typical example is Check Point Charlie. Originally it was the border post on the Eastern and Western border. Today the museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie stands as the monument of a tough time. Here you can see photos and other effects from the separated Berlin. Berlin is also a shopping paradise. You can find everything for yourself or your home in the largest department store in Europe, KaDeWe. But the most exciting part is the food and beverage department located on the sixth floor. Here you can chose between 1000 different sausages, 1700 different cheeses and 800 types of bread. Even deer and wild boar can be found here. And before you buy, you can taste samples of almost everything. Berlin does also have a lot of markets. The weekend markets are the best ones. That includes Kunst- und Nostalgiemarkt at the Museumsinsel, and Grosser Berliner Trdel- und Kunstmarkt at Strasse de 17. Juni in Tiergarten and Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz. If you are in Berlin around Christmas, you should also visit a Weinachtsmrkte, where you can taste waffles, sausages and the famous Glhwein. Berlin does also have a great art scene. There are a lot of galleries and modern art museums spread around the city. The best ones are the Museumsinsel, the Neue Nationalgalerie and the famous art gallery Galerie Eigen & Art. Morten Elm is writing about city breaks i Berlin on Berlin Miniferie . Read more about the sights in Berlin Shopping.
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Berlin, Brandenburger Tor, Reichstag Building, Check Point Charlie, KaDeWe, ights, museums, shopping, markets, art, galleries, World War II, Cold War,
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