Topographie des Terrors (Topography of Terror), Berlin (must see)
Charting the history of persecution in Germany and the rise of Nazi/SS organizations, Topography of Terror stands as a chilling testament to one of the most brutal interrogation agencies in history, rivaling even the Inquisition. Although the buildings that once housed the Gestapo and SS headquarters were largely obliterated by Allied bombing in early 1945 and subsequently razed after the war, the outer wall of this site managed to endure, now serving as the backdrop for an outdoor chronological exhibition featuring photographs and documents. Adjacent to this, visitors can explore the excavated basement of a Gestapo headquarters from the Third Reich era.
A must-see for anyone seeking to understand the dark history of the Nazi party, the indoor museum is thoughtfully housed in a modern and well-lit building, complete with a café and free restrooms. While the content can be emotionally challenging to absorb, it is presented with clarity and objectivity, organized into distinct themes that encompass various countries and groups of people. The curation excels in its blend of photographs, letters, documents, and audiovisual materials, which collectively narrate a deeply troubling story in a sensitive but unflinching manner. Before delving into the exhibits, it is advisable to store coats and bags in the provided lockers and embark on the highly informative self-guided audio tour.
Tip:
When exploring the outdoor memorial storyboard, start from the left side, and if visiting in winter, dress warmly as it can be quite cold. Additionally, consider joining the free English tour at 3:30pm on Sundays for a quicker overview without delving into every panel.
A must-see for anyone seeking to understand the dark history of the Nazi party, the indoor museum is thoughtfully housed in a modern and well-lit building, complete with a café and free restrooms. While the content can be emotionally challenging to absorb, it is presented with clarity and objectivity, organized into distinct themes that encompass various countries and groups of people. The curation excels in its blend of photographs, letters, documents, and audiovisual materials, which collectively narrate a deeply troubling story in a sensitive but unflinching manner. Before delving into the exhibits, it is advisable to store coats and bags in the provided lockers and embark on the highly informative self-guided audio tour.
Tip:
When exploring the outdoor memorial storyboard, start from the left side, and if visiting in winter, dress warmly as it can be quite cold. Additionally, consider joining the free English tour at 3:30pm on Sundays for a quicker overview without delving into every panel.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Berlin. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Topographie des Terrors (Topography of Terror) on Map
Sight Name: Topographie des Terrors (Topography of Terror)
Sight Location: Berlin, Germany (See walking tours in Berlin)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Berlin, Germany (See walking tours in Berlin)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Berlin, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Berlin
Creating your own self-guided walk in Berlin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Alexanderplatz Walking Tour
One of Berlin’s cosmopolitan hearts, Alexanderplatz (or Alexander Square) is a true hive of activity. There is always something going on here: Christmas markets, Easter fairs, buskers, performances, Oktoberfest, and the list is countless. Easily accessible, with lots of transport connections and all manner of drink and food outlets, it’s a great place to hang around, take photos, and enjoy... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Tiergarten Walking Tour
Known for the huge park of the same name, which once was a royal hunting ground, the central district of Tiergarten (German for “Animal Garden”) is home to the Berlin Zoo, the Victory Column with its winged statue and the lively, lakeside Café am Neuen See.
Begin your exploration at Postdamer Platz, the historic central square of Berlin, once regarded in the same way as Piccadilly Circus... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Begin your exploration at Postdamer Platz, the historic central square of Berlin, once regarded in the same way as Piccadilly Circus... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Third Reich Walking Tour
The “Third Reich” and “Nazi Germany” are the common English names for Germany between 1933 and 1945, when it was a totalitarian state led by Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. For any visitor to Berlin, the Nazi surrender that ended World War II is still a point of interest, but matching locations to those moments of history can be a challenge. On this special... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Berlin Introduction Walking Tour
The German capital, Berlin, is known for its turbulent past. Today, this sprawling metropolis is filled with a mix of historical resonance and modernity manifested in creative industries, popular media, and diverse cultural tourism.
The first written records of settlements in the present-day Berlin area date back to the late 12th century. In 1157, the region came under German rule as part of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The first written records of settlements in the present-day Berlin area date back to the late 12th century. In 1157, the region came under German rule as part of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Berlin Food Walking Tour
While Berlin may not be considered a typical foodie destination yet, recent years saw a growing number of decent places to eat, serving both German and international cuisine. At some point, the city has even earned itself the title of a vegetarian capital of the world, contrary to what one may have expected. Amid all this renaissance in creativity and culture, coupled with the influx of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Museum Island Walking Tour
One of Berlin’s most visited attractions, the Museum Island ("Museumsinsel") complex was established by order of King Frederick William IV of Prussia in 1841 and houses several world-famous museums kept in close vicinity of each other. The island itself is spectacular for a walk, with wonderful architecture, statues, gardens and trees, so enjoy the atmosphere and make at least a day... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Best Cafes in Kreuzberg, Berlin
Traditionally, you may expect the cafes around Kottbusser Tor and throughout Kreuzberg to be dominated by ethnic Turks, particularly men, in rooms that do much to resemble the cafes of Istanbul.
More recently, however, the ethnically Turkish and Arab communities that have typically inhabited...
A Self-Guided Food Walk in Berlin
Repeatedly scarred throughout its long and often depressing past, today's Berlin has made a comeback as a major bohemian hub which lures artists and creatively-minded folk from all over the globe in their droves. It may well not be considered a typical foodie destination yet, but in recent...
Best Bars in Kreuzberg, Berlin
Kreuzberg and "Kreuzkölln" - the area where Kreuzberg and Neukölln meet, mostly along the canal in east Kreuzberg and north of Sonnenallée in Neukölln - has a constantly and rapidly evolving bar culture that makes it one of the trendiest alternative evening and nightlife spots in...
Best Cafés and Coffee Houses of Berlin
Cafes have a certain refinery and elegance that pubs lack; there is a mellowness that is rarely found in bars and clubs, and an ease and tranquillity that is not to be found in restaurants with their steaming kitchens, heavy plates, clattering cutlery, constant complaints and corrections and,...
Best Food in Kreuzberg, Berlin
Kreuzberg is known for having great cheap, street food, particularly of the Middle Eastern variety. On almost every corner you can find a kebab or falafel shop, although the trick is knowing which to choose! While you can typically get a good, tasty wrap for €2.50-4, the quality, quantity and...
Berlin Mementos: 18 Souvenir Shopping Ideas for Travelers
Too many people and for very different reasons strove to set their foot in Berlin over the course of the 20th century. Today, the city proves just as luring a destination for numerous travelers who want to come and enjoy themselves in this fascinating European capital and, perhaps, bring home...