Where It All Began: Berlins Queer & Trans History Tour

Berlin’s Where It All Began: Berlins Queer & Trans History Tour offers a compelling journey through over a century of LGBTQ+ life and activism in the city. Priced at $81.82 per person and lasting approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, this tour stands out for its augmented reality technology and a dedicated queer activist guide. With a small group cap at 10, the tour promises an intimate experience that combines history, storytelling, and interactive visuals, making Berlin’s queer past accessible and engaging.

This tour is especially suitable for those interested in LGBTQ+ history, activism, and nightlife. It’s designed to be hassle-free with an iPad provided for AR features, allowing visitors to explore the city’s hidden stories without hours of research. The high praise from past participants, who rate it a perfect 5.0/5, confirms its quality. However, travelers should be aware that the tour covers a broad timeline and involves walking, so comfortable footwear is advisable.

Key Points

• Comprehensive LGBTQ+ and trans history in Berlin, from early activists to modern nightlife.
• Augmented reality technology enhances storytelling with over 200 rare photos, videos, and archival materials.
• The small-group setting ensures personalized attention and richer discussions.
• Ten meticulously selected stops reveal stories of activism, persecution, cultural life, and nightlife.
• Led by a knowledgeable queer activist and gender scholar who shares engaging narratives.
• The tour begins at Alnatura Super Natur Markt and concludes at Metropol, a historic nightclub.

The Starting Point at Alnatura Super Natur Markt

The tour kicks off at Alnatura Super Natur Markt located at Else-Lasker-Schüler-Straße 18. Here, the group assembles for a 2:00 pm start, ready to explore Berlin’s LGBTQ+ past through a mix of walking, storytelling, and augmented reality. The meeting point is conveniently near public transportation, making access straightforward.

The beginning of the tour sets the tone by highlighting the contributions of Karl Heinrich Ulrichs, often called the world’s first gay rights activist. Ulrichs’ pioneering advocacy for decriminalizing homosexuality and defining queer identities long predates modern movements. The site at Karl-Heinrich-Ulrichs-Straße 1 offers a free 5-minute stop and introduces participants to the foundational figures of LGBTQ+ activism.

Exploring Berlin’s LGBTQ+ Persecution in Nazi Germany

The second stop at Nollendorfplatz focuses on a dark chapter in Berlin’s history—persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals during the Nazi era. This area, known as the heart of Berlin’s queer community, reveals stories of Adolf Brand, Ernst Röhm, and Hitler’s policies against homosexuality.

You’ll learn how Röhm and openly gay Nazis played complex roles within the regime, and the tragic events of The Night of the Long Knives, where many queer individuals in the Nazi party were executed. The tour discusses LGBTQ+ persecution in concentration camps, marked by the pink triangle badge, emphasizing the resilience of those who resisted oppression. This stop lasts about 20 minutes, with no entrance fee.

Berlin’s Lesbian Scene in the 1920s

At Schwerinstraße 13, the focus shifts to lesbian life and music in 1920s Berlin. The site features the historic Toppkeller, a famous lesbian bar, where queer women found community and safety. The guide shares stories of Claire Waldoff, a lesbian cabaret singer whose songs became anthems of defiance, and Josephine Baker, a bisexual performer who became a symbol of liberation across genders.

This stop lasts around 20 minutes and provides insight into the cultural and social importance of spaces like Toppkeller for queer women. The stories highlight how Berlin was a vibrant hub for lesbian culture and resistance during this period.

Christopher Isherwood and the Inspiration for Cabaret

At Nollendorfstraße 17, the tour uncovers the story of Christopher Isherwood, whose writings about gay life in 1920s Berlin inspired the musical and film Cabaret. This site also explores the homosexual department of Berlin’s police force, revealing a surprising aspect of city life.

The guide discusses Isherwood’s relationship with Heinz Neddermeyer and their escape from Nazi Germany as queer refugees. This 20-minute stop emphasizes the influence of Berlin’s queer scene on literature and entertainment, with no admission fee.

Magnus Hirschfeld and the First LGBTQ+ Rights Movements

The site at Magnus-Apotheke centers on Magnus Hirschfeld, a pioneering LGBTQ+ activist. Visitors discover his Institute for Sexual Science, the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee, and his groundbreaking work on gender theories and surgeries performed on Dora Richter, Lili Elbe, and Karl M. Baer.

This 20-minute stop highlights the fight against Paragraph 175, the Nazi-led criminalization of homosexuality, and the destruction of Hirschfeld’s institute. The stories underscore Berlin’s role as a birthplace for early queer rights activism.

Eldorado and Berlin’s Drag & Nightlife Heritage

The Denns BioMarkt stop marks the location of Eldorado, one of Berlin’s most famous drag bars of the 1920s. This venue was an important space for gender-nonconforming performers and queer nightlife attracting both local patrons and high-profile Nazis like Ernst Röhm.

This 20-minute segment explores the paradox of Eldorado’s cultural significance amid Nazi persecution, emphasizing how trans and gender-diverse people found acceptance in Berlin’s nightlife before it was suppressed.

Post-War Queer Activism and A Trans Icon

The site at Prinz Eisenherz introduces post-WWII queer activism in Berlin. The tour explores organizations like Homosexuelle Aktion West-Berlin and the founding of SchwuZ, a key queer club. The story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a trans woman dedicated to preserving Berlin’s queer history, highlights ongoing activism and safe spaces.

This 15-minute stop celebrates the resilience and ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights after the war, making it a vital part of the overall tour.

The Trans Community and Nightlife Revolution

At Chez Romy Haag, the tour focuses on West Berlin’s trans community in the 1970s and 80s. The legendary Romy Haag led a nightclub that revolutionized Berlin’s nightlife for gender-diverse individuals and became a symbol of liberation.

This 15-minute segment discusses how such clubs created spaces for gender expression and helped shape Berlin’s vibrant queer club culture that persists today. It’s an essential chapter in understanding Berlin’s ongoing queer nightlife scene.

The AIDS Crisis and Berlin’s Divided City

The next part of the tour, at Internationale Stele GEGEN DAS VERGESSEN, tackles the AIDS crisis and its impact on divided Berlin. The guide explains how activism and community organization fought for AIDS awareness, highlighting the work of Rita Süssmuth.

The narrative includes how East Berlin and West Berlin responded differently, with the GDR being called the “condom of the GDR”, illustrating the stark contrasts in public health approaches during that crisis. This 20-minute segment underscores resilience in the face of tragedy.

Modern Queer Nightlife and Pride in Berlin

The tour concludes at Metropol, once a key club in Berlin’s early gay scene and now a link to famous venues like Berghain. The guide discusses queer nightlife today, including SO36’s legendary nights, Folsom Europe fetish festival, and Kreuzberg Pride.

Special attention is given to activism against gentrification, with mention of the Tuntenhaus squat. The 15-minute finale ties together past and present, showing how Berlin’s queer communities continue to fight for space and acceptance.

Practical Details and Booking

The tour is led by a queer activist and gender scholar, ensuring expert storytelling and engaging insights. The augmented reality features bring history to life with over 200 rare photos, videos, and archival materials. Participants can enjoy personalized AR photos for lasting memories.

Meeting at Alnatura Super Natur Markt at 2:00 pm, the tour concludes at Metropol. The group size is limited to 10 participants for a more personalized experience. The tour offers group discounts and is available via mobile ticket.

Final Thoughts on Berlin’s Queer & Trans History Tour

This tour provides a well-rounded, detailed exploration of Berlin’s LGBTQ+ and trans history, blending historical storytelling, interactive AR, and site visits. It’s especially suited for those curious about activism, cultural life, and nightlife through the decades. The knowledgeable guides and carefully curated stops ensure each moment is meaningful, though the walking pace and length may require comfortable footwear and stamina.

For anyone eager to understand Berlin’s vibrant queer past and present in a small-group setting, this tour offers an engaging, educational, and visually compelling experience. It’s highly recommended for visitors who want more than just sightseeing—who want to connect deeply with the city’s LGBTQ+ legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

What is included in the tour?
Participants receive a guided walk, augmented reality experience with iPad, personalized AR photos, and access to over 200 rare images and videos.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Alnatura Super Natur Markt at Else-Lasker-Schüler-Straße 18 and ends at Metropol at Nollendorfpl. 5.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate; the tour involves walking and historical content, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

How many people are in each group?
The group is limited to 10 people, ensuring an intimate experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of AR technology with a queer activist guide and a focus on Berlin’s LGBTQ+ history and nightlife makes it truly special.

Are there group discounts available?
Yes, group discounts are offered for larger parties.

Is there a focus on nightlife?
Yes, the tour covers historic nightlife venues like Eldorado and discusses current scene highlights like Folsom Europe and Kreuzberg Pride.

Who leads the tour?
A queer activist and gender scholar guides the experience, sharing expert insights and engaging stories.