Berlin: School class Bike Tour of the Berlin Wall & Third Reich

Discover Berlin’s History on a School-Class Bike Tour of the Berlin Wall & Third Reich

This $34.72 per person bike tour in Berlin, Germany offers an engaging journey through the city’s most significant sites related to its recent past. Lasting approximately 3 hours, it’s specially designed for school groups but open to anyone interested in understanding Berlin’s complex history. The tour starts and ends at Poststraße 11, where the bike rental and meeting point are located, and features comfortable bicycles with baskets, helmets on request, and rain capes in case of bad weather. With a minimum of 10 participants, groups are split into smaller units to ensure safety and a more personalized experience, with each group led by a dedicated guide.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on original locations, including the remains of the Berlin Wall, the Führerbunker, and other historically charged sites. The guide combines storytelling with sightseeing, making heavy history accessible and engaging. Review insights highlight the knowledgeable guides and well-maintained equipment, which enhance the overall experience. However, note that the tour does not include hotel pickup or refreshments, so planning accordingly is recommended.

Key Points

• 3-hour guided bike tour exploring Berlin’s history of the Berlin Wall and Third Reich
• Affordable price of $34.72 with all necessary equipment provided
• Visit key sites including the Berlin Wall memorial, Gunter Litfin Memorial, Holocaust memorials, and the Fuhrerbunker
• Small group format with individual guides, ensuring safety and personalized attention
• Suitable for school groups, with one free teacher per group, and most participants can join

Starting Point: Poststraße 11 – The Central Hub of Berlin Tours

The tour begins at Poststraße 11, a location serving as the main meeting and ending point for all bike tours and rentals. This central spot makes it easy to find, and it’s where the bike check and initial introduction take place. The convenience of starting here means travelers can easily access the tour without extra transfers or complicated logistics, setting a relaxed tone for the experience.

Exploring Berlin’s Old Town: Nikolaiviertel and Its Battle-Scarred Past

The first stop on the tour is Nikolaiviertel, often considered the “real” old town of Berlin. Despite its historical charm, the guide explains how the area’s architecture and streets were heavily impacted by war and bombings. This context helps visitors understand how Berlin’s ancient core was transformed and rebuilt over the years, setting the stage for the city’s more recent history.

Civil Courage at Stiftung Neue Synagoge Berlin

Next, the tour takes a brief pause at the Stiftung Neue Synagoge Berlin – Centrum Judaicum. Here, a poignant story unfolds about civil courage, highlighting a police officer who saved this historic building during the night of broken glass. This stop underscores themes of heroism amid darkness and offers a touching reminder of resistance during turbulent times.

Commemorating Deportation Victims at Koppenplatz

At Koppenplatz, the group visits a Holocaust memorial built during the GDR era. The stark design contrasts with more recent memorials, provoking reflection on Berlin’s complex relationship with its past. The site memorializes victims of deportation and serves as a reminder of the city’s darkest moments.

Experiencing the Berlin Wall’s Impact at the Memorial

The Memorial of the Berlin Wall features three locations where the Wall remains visible, allowing visitors to grasp its disruptive force. The guide emphasizes what the Wall meant for Berlin, sharing stories of escape attempts and ghost stations—abandoned subway stations once used to bypass the Wall. This stop is essential for understanding Berlin’s division and resilience.

Mauerpark: From Walled City to Cultural Oasis

Mauerpark, now famous for its Sunday flea market, symbolizes Berlin’s transformation from a city tortured by the Wall to a hub of free expression. The guide highlights how the park reflects urban renewal and social change, making it a lively contrast to its grim past.

The Humboldthain Flak Tower: Nazi Architecture and Panoramas

The Humboldthain Flak Tower once served as a massive Nazi fortress and air-raid shelter. Today, it offers spectacular panoramic views of Berlin and insights into Nazi architecture. The guide explains its dual role as a military structure and a symbol of wartime Berlin.

Remembering Günter Litfin at the Memorial

The Gunter Litfin Memorial preserves an original watchtower from the Berlin Wall era. It commemorates Günter Litfin, the first person shot at the Wall. The site provides a tangible connection to individual stories of escape and tragedy.

History at Invalidenfriedhof Cemetery

Close to former Checkpoints and a canal, Invalidenfriedhof is a historic burial ground for Prussian military heroes. The tour highlights escape stories and the cemetery’s role as a site of remembrance, set amid Berlin’s war-torn landscape.

Overlooking the Hauptstadt: Spreebogenpark

From Spreebogenpark, visitors enjoy a panoramic view of Berlin’s government district. The guide discusses urban planning and architectural plans by Hitler’s architect, adding context to Berlin’s political landscape and its historical development.

The Reichstag Building and Democratic Roots

While the tour does not include an inside visit, the Reichstag Building gets a dedicated outside overview. The guide explains Hitler’s rise to power and Germany’s democratic history, helping visitors connect the building’s history to Berlin’s political evolution.

Memorials to Victims of Nazi Persecution

The tour stops at two significant memorials: Memorial to the Sinti and Roma Victims and the Memorial to Murdered Jews of Europe. The latter, as the largest genocide memorial in the world, commands attention and respect, emphasizing the importance of remembrance.

The Führerbunker: Hitler’s Last Refuge

At the Führerbunker, the guide explains Hitler’s final weeks and suicide, noting that today only a parking lot marks the site. The explanation provides necessary historical context without requiring interior access.

Checkpoint Charlie: Cold War Icon

The tour culminates at Checkpoint Charlie, the most famous Cold War border crossing. The guide narrates stories of East-West tensions and spy exchanges, making it a fitting conclusion for understanding Berlin’s division.

Practical Details: Group Size, Equipment, and Booking

This private tour accommodates groups of at least 10 participants, ensuring smaller, safer groups with their own guide. The bicycle equipment is well maintained, with helmets available and rain gear provided. Confirmation is immediate unless booked within 3 days, in which case it’s confirmed within 48 hours. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Why Choose This Tour?

This bike tour stands out for its focus on original sites related to Germany’s recent dictatorships and urban history. The knowledgeable guides and well-maintained bikes contribute to a smooth, engaging experience. It’s especially suited for school groups and history enthusiasts eager to explore Berlin’s contemporary past with clarity and depth.

Final Thoughts on the Berlin Wall & Third Reich Bike Tour

At $34.72, this tour offers great value for a rundown of Berlin’s history. The 3-hour guided ride covers many important sites, from memorials to historically charged locations, making it ideal for those who prefer active exploration. The small group setting and dedicated guides ensure personalized storytelling.

While it doesn’t include interior visits or refreshments, the emphasis on original sites and informative narration make it a meaningful experience. The well-maintained equipment and professional guides are highly praised, and the free cancellation policy adds flexibility.

This tour offers a thought-provoking, accessible way to understand Berlin’s recent history, especially suited for educational groups and history buffs seeking a depth of context through a bike ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the data does not specify age restrictions, the 3-hour bike ride with historical stops suggests it’s best suited for older children and teens comfortable on a bike.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets are available on request to ensure safety during the ride.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance of the scheduled start, allowing flexibility in planning.

Does this tour include inside visits of the sites?
No, the tour focuses on outdoor sightseeing and external explanations; interior visits are not included.