The population of Berlin grew by a whole Frankfurt an der Oder in a year. City of berlin, germany

It is Germany that largely determines the life of European countries, being a leader in the economic and social spheres. Among the countries of the European Union, it rightfully occupies a leading position. Germany is respected, and the opinion of German politicians is authoritative throughout the world. The country owes such prosperity to its people. And not only to those people who were in power and made fateful decisions, but also to ordinary people. Leadership is explained by the mental differences and character of the Germans. This material is about the historical path that the inhabitants of the capital have overcome - the population of Berlin.

Foundation of the city

The historical center of today's capital of Germany is located in the opening of the river Spree. It is impossible to say exactly when Berlin appeared. The population that first settled on these lands formed camps sixty thousand years ago. At that time, this area was completely covered with glaciers. According to historians and archaeologists, the climate of then Germany was no different from natural conditions in modern Greenland. Due to the coming ice age only reindeer could live in this area.

After global cooling subsided, the outlines of the Spree River began to emerge in the valley. People began to lead a sedentary lifestyle. They built solid housing, and their main activity was cultivating land and raising livestock. In the sixth century BC, the Germans took control of this territory. It is believed that it was from them that modern Germans.

In 720 there was a change in the ethnic composition of the city known today as Berlin. The population was the tribes of the Slavs. However, they were the masters of these lands for a short time. The German princes who came pushed the Slavs to the southeast - today's territories of Poland and Ukraine. Having won a victory over Slavic tribes, King Henry I and Emperor Otto the Great formed two bishoprics in the lands where Berlin is located today, which were called Havelburg and Brandenburg.

The last settlement during the fighting fell under the rule of Margrave Albrecht. It was thanks to Albrecht and his successors that the population of Berlin increased significantly. It was replenished by attracted artisans, merchants and peasants.

Official founding of Berlin

It is generally accepted that Berlin was founded on October 28, 1237. Its population lived in two settlements. One - Berlin itself - was located at the crossing of the Spree River. The second component in the form of Cologne, spread out on the second bank, appeared a little later. Only when the two parts of the modern city were united did a settlement form.

Officially, the "birthday" of Berlin is the date of the first written mention of the settlement. But in the documented record, the city of Cologne is indicated. The name of the modern German capital first appeared in the sources seven years later.

The population of Berlin at that time grew markedly due to the fact that customs duties were abolished in the united city. From that moment on, Cologne and Berlin organized a common administration. During that period, territorial units were founded, which in time will become the districts of the modern capital of Germany. These are Köpenick, Spandau, Dahlem, Lankwitz, Lichterfelde, Zehlendorf, Tempelhof, Mariendorf.

Origin of the city's name

Where did the name "Berlin" come from? The population of these lands was distinguished by its diversity and composition. At different stages of history, the territories were under the control of completely different nationalities. Therefore, it is impossible to determine exactly who owns the idea of this name, but a couple of versions can be put forward. According to one of them, the word "Berlin" has Slavic roots. It is believed that many words with an accent on the suffix -in have this origin. In translation, the name means swampy area.

True, modern Germans believe that it was their ancestors who became the founders of the name. The population explains this by the fact that the symbol of the city is a forest animal - a bear, and in translation this word sounds just like the root of "Berlin" - "ber". But the Slavs also declare that in a certain dialect the word "bear" is translated identically.

The period of the Electors in the history of Berlin

The beginning of the 15th century was marked by the coming to power of the Hohenzollern dynasty. It all started with Elector Frederick I, who became the founder of the Margraviate of Brandenburg, and ended only at the beginning of the 20th century. For five centuries, representatives of this family were in power as margraves, Prussian kings, and German Kaisers.

Not the entire population of Berlin supported the new rulers. Often the inhabitants staged riots. But most often the result was only the emergence of more and more restrictions, the tightening of the regime and the deprivation of economic and political privileges. For example, in the middle of the 15th century, Berliners raised a popular uprising against the construction of the castle of Frederick II the Iron. But the power was stronger. The confrontation resulted in the fact that three years after the riot, the city ceased to bear the title of a merchant. Berlin was given the status of the residence of the Brandenburg margraves.

Demographic leaps

The seventeenth century in the history of today's German capital can be characterized as a period of extremes. The population of the city of Berlin at that time either noticeably decreased or, conversely, increased. The city suffered particular losses during the Thirty Years' War, which wiped out almost half of the population. About a third locality was razed to the ground.

But the change of leadership also led to the stabilization of the demographic situation. This was facilitated by the policy of Friedrich Wilhelm, which was aimed at increasing migration flows. He believed that one of the main conditions for attracting people is religious tolerance. Thanks to such actions, visitors settled in several settlements, which later became the suburbs of Berlin. Today these are such administrative units as Friedrichswerder, Dorotheenstadt, Friedrichstadt.

An additional influx of people was provided by the charitable act of Friedrich Wilhelm, who kindly agreed to give shelter to five thousand Jewish families who had previously lived in Austria. With his edict of religious tolerance, he invited about fifteen thousand French Huguenots. A third of them became residents of Berlin. This led to the fact that by the beginning of the eighteenth century, a third of the population were foreigners. In addition to the French, the inhabitants of Berlin were Bohemians, Poles and Salzburgers.

royal capital

The onset of the eighteenth century stirred up the population of the city. Berlin became the Prussian capital when the margraves were replaced by kings. From that moment on, the administrative units that were suburbs of the settlement officially became part of Berlin. True, even before that, the totality of such settlements as Cologne, Friedrichswerder, Dorotheenstadt and Friedrichstadt were considered, albeit unofficially, but parts of the capital.

The middle of the century was distinguished by the next arrival of the Slavs to the territory of the future Germany. This time, the Russian corps, led by Count Chernyshev, set foot on German lands. As a result of the Seven Years' War, the city authorities gave the winners the keys to the capital. But the period of Russian rule was very short. After staying in Berlin for four days, the count decided to withdraw the corps. He came to this conclusion after the news of the approach of enemy troops.

The era of kings was marked by another major defeat of the Prussian army, which led to a coup in political system states. Due to the fact that Napoleon took over the German troops in October 1806, a number of reforms were carried out. The result of this process was a breakthrough in the economy and education. The city changed hands. Berlin either fell under the rule of the French, or was again controlled by the troops of Count Chernyshev. In the middle of the nineteenth century, the territory of Berlin was expanded by adding such suburbs as Wedding, Moabit, Tempelhof and Schöneberg.

Nineteenth century in the history of the city

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, a railway was laid in Prussia, the terminal stations of which were Berlin and Potsdam. This event, like similar ones in many other regions, led to an increase in the number of residents. How many people were in Berlin at that time? There were half a million people in the city. The increase in the number of townspeople contributed to the industrial boom, but in the middle of the century, uprisings stirred up the people.

Then the inhabitants were seized with the idea of overthrowing the royal power. The government quickly put down the rebellion, but riots still took place at regular intervals. After 23 years, Prussia won the war with France, and again Berlin received the status of the capital, only this time German Empire. Only Chancellor Otto von Bismarck succeeded in uniting the country. At that time, the population growth in Berlin was very noticeable: three hundred thousand people.

After the proclamation of the German Empire and until the beginning of the twentieth century, the number of townspeople reached two million people. And if we take into account all the administrative units that were suburbs, then another seven hundred thousand people can be safely added to this number. For a more convenient and organized management of such a huge capital, it was decided to divide the city into twenty districts. In the first twenty years of the new century, the number of Berliners increased to three and a half million.

The outbreak of the First World War led to a complete collapse. Riots began in the capital, which the then ruler Wilhelm II, who soon abdicated, could not stand. Economic and social status Berlin left much to be desired. This was evident in the deterioration in the quality of life of respectable middle-class families, because it was they who set the general level.

With the beginning of the era of the Weimar Republic, the whole country was mired in financial problems. Soon there was a slight rise, but it was not possible to achieve a powerful breakthrough - the world crisis of 1929 slowed down the development.

The era of fascism in Germany

Problems in the economic sector led to a deterioration in the life of the entire population. Mass unemployment forced to take to the streets with protests local residents. A struggle began between representatives of the communists and the Nazis. This was put to an end by Adolf Hitler who came to power. It was he who initiated the era of fascism.

For the inhabitants of the city, his arrival was marked by a demographic collapse, because, in his opinion, the nation should be “clean”. This meant the end of Berlin as a multinational center. On Kristallnacht, an order was given to destroy all institutions belonging to Jews. At the beginning of the war, all representatives of this people who lived in the capital were sent to concentration camps. Berlin became the place where questions of world politics were now decided.

During the Second World War, most of the capital was destroyed by bombing by British and American aircraft. At the time of the capitulation, the population of Berlin (1945), according to various sources, ranged from one and a half to three and a half million inhabitants.

The events of the Yalta Conference confirmed the division of the German capital between the allies. The settlement was divided into four parts. And in the middle of the same year, the Allied commandant's office exercised control over the city.

The split of the city after the end of the war

Once the former allies after the end of the war could not divide the zone of influence. This led to the formation of an economic blockade, which was fought by an air bridge. The formation of two republics - German Democratic and Federal - led to the emergence of two capitals. From now until 1989, when the Berlin Wall collapsed, the city was split into two parts.

The entire eastern part of the settlement remained under the rule Soviet Union. There and then there were popular uprisings against the new government. But no changes occurred, all unrest was suppressed.

The western part of the capital was under the control of the Americans, British and French. It was believed that the population of West Berlin should be incredibly happy that, unlike their counterparts in the eastern part of the city, they can be content with a good level of social protection, democracy and a high quality of life. Berlin, which was under the rule of the USSR, could not even dream of such a thing. The capital of Germany was called the "showcase of the West." But after a while, Bonn became the administrative center of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The ongoing strife between the former allies led to the construction of a barrier between parts of the city - this is how the Berlin Wall appeared. The crossing of people across the border was tightly controlled and tracked with the help of checkpoints. It was noteworthy that, despite the complete alienation of the two components of the city, many urban projects were focused on the entire territory of Berlin.

The situation became less tense after the quadripartite agreement in 1971. Then economic ties were established between the two republics. This led to the lifting of the transport blockade and the restoration of diplomatic relations between the various authorities. The Berlin Wall came down in 1989. The Soviet Union succumbed to the influence of the inhabitants of the GDR and decided to stop interfering in the life of the republic. A year later, the split was overcome by the reunification of the FRG and the GDR. The Bundestag settled in Berlin, and this testified to the assignment to the latter of the status of the capital of the united state.

Modern Values

The population of Berlin in 2016 was 3,326,002 inhabitants. Taking into account the suburbs, the population of the agglomeration reaches 4,416,123 people. By gender, one can note the predominance of the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity. According to the age criterion, the population belongs to the middle category, since the generalized figure is 41.3 years.

Surprising is the fact that, despite the high population density of Berlin, most of its inhabitants are lonely. Only fifty percent of Berliners prefer to live in families. Of these, many do not cohabit with their spouses. But the people of the capital are of little concern, since, in their opinion, the family is not the highest value. The Germans are distinguished by their industriousness, so a career comes to the fore for them. To save more, pragmatic citizens rent housing and pay public Utilities by hanging out with strangers. In society, this is not considered something wrong and is not condemned.

Ethnic composition of Berlin

Despite numerous negative historical events concerning foreigners, the population of Berlin in 2016 is very multiethnic. This can be confirmed by the fact that one sixth of the capital's residents are from other countries. The ethnic composition is represented by more than 180 nationalities.

The largest diaspora is Turkish. In terms of the number of immigrants from Turkey, Berlin ranks second after their immediate homeland. The capital residents are about 120 thousand representatives of this people. As a rule, the place of residence of Turkish citizens is Kreuzberg, a third of the citizens of which are Turkish guest workers and their families.

The Russian diaspora is also fairly well represented. For the most part, former Russian citizens settle in areas such as Marzahn and Hellersdorf. These are quarters built up with social high-rise buildings. There, Russians make up more than a third of total number residents. The population of Berlin in 2016 also includes a separate specific category of Russians - these are the heirs of the first wave of emigration. The area they inhabit is located in the western part of the capital. These are areas such as Charlottenburg and Wilmersdorf.

Modern city life

The population of Berlin in 2016 in relation to religion is quite neutral. Many residents of the capital admit that they do not profess any faith. There are more than half of these people in the city. Evangelical Christians are the most numerous among representatives of religious communities, they make up a quarter of Berliners. Only ten percent consider themselves Catholics, and only a small proportion (mostly immigrants) are Islamists. There are four Orthodox parishes on the territory of the capital.

A significant part of the citizens (see the population of Berlin for 2016) is the older age category. Pensioners in the capital live quite comfortably. The state has created all the necessary conditions for them in the form of care at home or in a special institution. Senior citizens are provided with a full range of services. Elderly Berliners love to relax, being regulars at local cafes.

The population of Berlin in 2017 is still distinguished by its large number and diversity, and not only national, but also social. The entire metropolitan beau monde, which considers itself to be among the creative elite, lives in the respective elite areas of Mitte and Prenzlauer Berge. Artists, designers and sculptors found their refuge here. Spandau is considered to be the industrial center of Berlin. Representative offices of the largest industrial giants such as Siemens, Osram and BMW are located here.

The population of Berlin increased by 60,500 in 2016, which is almost the same as the population of Frankfurt an der Oder. The population of the German capital as of December 31, 2016 is 3 million 671 thousand people. This was announced on Friday, February 24, by the Statistical Office of Berlin and Brandenburg on its official website. On average, in recent years, the population of Berlin has been growing by 50,000 people a year.

Context

Given that out of 60.5 thousand new residents of Berlin, 55.7 thousand are citizens of other states, it turns out that in 2016 there were 11 new Berliners - foreigners for one new resident of Berlin - a German. The statistical office explains the increase in the population of Berlin by the popularity of the city among foreigners and the registration of refugees who arrived in 2015.

The number of foreigners among the inhabitants of Berlin is 18.4 percent, and if holders of German passports of foreign origin are taken into account, this figure will increase to 31.4 percent. Among foreigners in Berlin, most of all are Turks (97,700), Poles (55,800) and Syrians (28,600). If we take into account the holders of German passports, then in Berlin there are most immigrants from Turkey (176,700), Poland (107,800) and Russia (53,800).

See also:

Bus line 100 leaves from the Bahnhof ZOO station. And just around the corner, the first attraction awaits - the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Gedächtniskirche). This Protestant temple was erected in 1891-1895 in honor of the first emperor of the German Empire. It was badly damaged during World War II. The surviving part has become a memorial of destruction and creation.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

In the same part of the city is the Berlin Zoological Garden - the oldest in Germany. It was opened in 1844. One of the largest German zoos ranks first in the world in terms of the number of animal species represented. From an architectural point of view special attention here deserve the Elephant Gate (Elefantentor) - a copy of the original gate from 1899, destroyed during the war.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

Berlin's KaDeWe (Trade House of the West) is Europe's largest department store. Its gastronomic department, which sells 34,000 types of products, enjoys special fame. This multi-storey store appeared on the Kurfürstendamm boulevard in 1907. Now every day there are more than 50 thousand customers.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

Further, the bus route runs through the Greater Tiergarten park, in the center of which, at the intersection of several highways, there is a square Big Star founded at the end of the 17th century. In the center of the square in 1873, in memory of the Prussian military successes, the Victory Column (Siegessaule) was erected. The sculpture of the goddess Victoria was nicknamed "Golden Elsa" (Goldelse) by the inhabitants of the German capital.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

In the northern part of the Tiergarten park is the Bellevue Palace (Schloss Bellevue) - the official residence of the Federal President of Germany. This early classicist palace was built on the banks of the River Spree in 1786 for a Prussian prince. Badly damaged by fire during World War II, it was rebuilt in 1959 and served as the residence of the German presidents in West Berlin.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

Sharp-tongued residents of the German capital called this building in the Berlin district of Tiergarten "pregnant oyster" ("Schwangere Auster"). The Congress Center, which now houses the House of Cultures of the World (Haus der Kulturen der Welt), was built in 1957-1958 in the tradition of the new materiality style as part of the international building exhibition Interbau.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

The Reichstag building was erected in 1884-1894. Today it is the seat of the German Parliament. The new dome of the Reichstag, created during the reconstruction of the building after the reunification of Germany, designed by British architect Norman Foster, is visited daily by up to 8 thousand people.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

From the Reichstag, a stone's throw from the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor), decorated with Quadriga - the chariot of the goddess of Victory. The gate was erected in 1789-1791 in the style of classicism. Having conquered Berlin, Napoleon ordered Quadriga to be transported to Paris, but after the victory over the French, it was returned to its place.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

Line 100 buses get to Unter den Linden boulevard by making a small detour, bypassing Pariser Platz. On this square are the Adlon Hotel, the French and US embassies. The name of the boulevard was given by linden trees. The first trees were planted here in the middle of the 17th century by order of Elector Friedrich Wilhelm I. The length of the street to the Palace Bridge does not exceed one and a half kilometers.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

The boulevard Unter den Linden, which for a long time was a kind of visiting card of the Prussian capital, is rich in sights of this period. Among them is the monument to Frederick the Great. It is one of the most famous equestrian monuments of the 19th century and is considered the most important work of the outstanding German classicist sculptor Christian Daniel Rauch.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

From a great king to an outstanding scientist. On Unter den Linden is the main building of the University of Berlin, founded on the initiative of Wilhelm von Humboldt, whose name it now bears (Humboldt-Universität). The building was erected in 1748-1766 for Prince Heinrich of Prussia. The palace was donated to the university in 1810. Among its graduates are almost thirty Nobel laureates.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

Opposite the university is the Bebelplatz square, which received the name of August Bebel after the war. In 1933, it became the site of a burning of 20,000 books organized by the National Socialists. In the center, or rather - underground, there is a memorial, reminiscent of this barbaric action. In the space under the glass plate, empty white shelves are installed - an underground library of burnt books.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

The Cathedral of St. Hedwig (Sankt-Hedwigs-Kathedrale), built in 1747-1773 in the image of the Roman Pantheon, overlooks Bebel Square. It was the first Catholic church built in Protestant Prussia after the Reformation. The church was dedicated to a Catholic nun - the patroness of Silesia and Brandenburg. It is the main temple of the Berlin Archbishopric.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

In the same part of Unter den Linden, in the former royal guardhouse Neue Wache, there is the main German memorial dedicated to the victims of wars and tyranny. The building was built at the beginning of the 18th century as a guardhouse for the protection of the palace. On the Day of National Sorrow, celebrated in November, the first persons of the state lay wreaths at the sculpture of Käthe Kollwitz "Mother with dead son".

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

The Zeughaus is the oldest building on the Unter den Linden boulevard and one of the most beautiful. It was laid down as an arsenal in 1695. Built in the Baroque era. It was destroyed and rebuilt twice: after the occupation of Berlin by Napoleon's troops and after World War II. The building now houses the German Historical Museum.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

We leave Unter den Linden. The bus travels past the Crown Princes' Palace (Kronprinzenpalais) and the Old Commandant's Office (Alte Kommandantur). The late classicist palace is now used for exhibitions. The building of the commandant's office was almost completely destroyed during World War II and later demolished. The restoration was completed in 2003.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

Further on its route, the 100th Berlin bus passes through the stone Palace Bridge (Schloßbrücke), built across the Spree River in 1821-1824 according to the project of the outstanding German architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Monumental sculptures, conceived by the architect to decorate the bridge, were installed on it after his death. They depict ancient gods and heroes.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

In this place, many bus passengers make a stop. If not, then you should definitely come back here later. On the left side, immediately after the bridge, is the Museum Island. The façade of the Altes Museum overlooks the Lustgarten park. The building was built in 1825-1830 according to the design of Schinkel in the neoclassical style. Now it houses a collection of ancient works of art.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

To the right of the Old Museum is the Berlin Cathedral(Berliner Dom). It was built on Museum Island in 1894-1905. It is the largest and most important evangelical church in Germany. Its creators used in their project the architectural elements of the Italian Renaissance and the Baroque era. About 700 thousand tourists visit the cathedral every year.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

Forum of Marx and Engels (Marx-Engels-Forum). This monument in the eastern part of the city reminds of the socialist past. The sculptural ensemble was created in the 1980s. After the reunification of Germany, it was proposed to remove it, but they still left it, moving it a little due to the construction of the metro.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

If one can argue about the stone Marx and Engels, then there is no dispute about the fountain of Neptune (Neptunbrunnen). It is considered one of the most beautiful in the city. He owes his appearance in front of the Red Town Hall to Karl Friedrich Schinkel. The sculptor Reinhold Begas, a representative of the Berlin neo-baroque trend, realized his idea. The fountain was solemnly opened in 1891.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

Not far from the Red Town Hall on Karl Liebknecht Street is the oldest functioning church in Berlin - the medieval church of St. Mary (St. Marienkirche). The first written mention of this monument of architecture, built in the brick Gothic style, dates back to the end of the 13th century. As a result of destruction and reconstruction later in appearance The church also included elements of the Baroque and Neo-Gothic.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

St. Mary's Church is located next to the TV tower on Alexanderplatz (Berliner Fernsehturm) - the tallest building in Germany and the fourth tallest in Europe (368 meters). It was put into operation in 1969. The characteristic silhouette of the tower has long been one of the architectural symbols of Berlin. The number of visitors exceeds one million people annually. Climbing to a height of 210 meters takes only 40 seconds.

In Berlin - on the 100th bus

Alexanderplatz is the final stop. The "World Clock" (Weltzeituhr) is widely known here, near which residents and guests of Berlin like to meet. The clock was installed here during the GDR during the general reconstruction of the square in 1969. On the way back, if there is a need to return to the Bahnhof ZOO, experts recommend taking route 200.

24 Jan

Berlin - Berlin

In this article you will learn:

Berlin is the main city of Germany, which is its capital.

It is the second largest city in the European Union in terms of population.

This is a very interesting city, known for its difficult and long history. Until that time, the features of medieval buildings have been preserved in it. Squares and cathedrals, theaters and museums, including other attractions of the city are very popular among tourists.

Description

Berlin is an extremely fast-paced center, it is one of the most famous and interesting places in the European Union. It is incredibly diverse: parks and the latest buildings, parties, various eateries and expensive restaurants, a lot of young people and employees.

Today it is a metropolis with a population of approximately 3.4 million people., as well as the economic center of the European Union. At the same time, Berlin remains the most comfortable and beautiful corner of Europe.

The area of the capital is about 890 kilometers squared. Tegel airports, as well as Schönefeld, bus stations, including railway stations, operate in the capital. The largest transport system makes it effortless to get to every corner of the city - for visiting guests, tourists, trams and buses, as well as the metro, work almost around the clock.

Modern Berlin

History

The modern architectural state of the capital is largely determined by the difficult history of Berlin, because during its entire existence it has changed dramatically. The results of the ongoing military events, where Berlin played one of the noticeable and significant roles, were significantly imprinted on its appearance.

On the site of today's capital, there were originally Berlin and Cologne, which served as points of trade routes. Cologne was mentioned as early as 1237, and this year is taken as the time of its foundation. And after 70 years, these territories united, turning into one. Each of these territories at the same time had self-government.

By 1432, these two self-governing territories actually became one, but at the official level the final unification was carried out only in 1709.

Thirty Years' War

During the years of the Thirty Years' War, which took place in 1618-1648, it was incredibly badly destroyed, the population was significantly reduced - too many died in the war.

In 1701, the Elector of Brandenburg was crowned king of Prussia, and Berlin became the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia. Friedrich II made a significant contribution to the development of the capital. As a result, in the 18th century Berlin became one of the main centers of the European Enlightenment.

1871 - Berlin became the capital of the German Empire, in 1919-1933 the capital of the Weimar Republic, and directly in 1933 - the capital of Germany.

After the World War of 1945, the capital was divided into four parts, which subsequently led to the formation of two ideologically opposite countries, the GDR and the FRG.

In 1961, the famous Berlin Wall was erected, which was demolished in 1989. Country and city reunited.

Berlin Wall

Climate

The capital is located in the temperate climate zone. Precipitation averages 582 mm. The average temperature for the year is -9 °C.

Most warm months July and August are called, their average temperature is 18.6 and 17.8 ° C, February and January are recognized as the coldest with -0.4 and -0.7 ° C. Most more precipitation should be expected in July - about 71 mm, the least - in March (about 31 mm).

More than 40% of the city's territory is covered with various green spaces, more than 400 thousand trees have been planted along the streets. The city has a large number of small open spaces, including vast urban park areas, which are nicknamed "islands of cold", they form a very useful climate for citizens and visitors.

Attractions

You can talk about Berlin for a long time, and also endlessly sing of its sights, but it is much better to see everything with your own eyes.

But if you already went to Berlin, then start your tour with - the main symbol of the city, which has for so many centuries personified the reunification of the West and the East.

Above the gate rises the famous statue of the goddess of Victory on a chariot with four horses. Imagine how the famous Napoleon liked this symbol of the city, that on his orders they were forced to demolish it and move it to Paris.

But it took a long time before this statue could be returned to original place.

Brandenburg Gate

One of the memorable places in the city is the Berlin Wall. It is considered the most famous building in Berlin, the memory of which continues to live from year to year.

Curious about where the famous Berlin Wall lives? But you will hardly be able to see all of it, but it is quite possible to see some fragments, and even take pictures near them.

Berlin Wall

The Reichstag is one of the organs of the central government in the medieval Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation witnessed a turbulent German history. But no matter what history the country has preserved for us, tourists can get to this place through the western gate, then it remains to go up to the dome by the elevator.

From the panoramic view, you will have an amazing panorama of Berlin. And from this point you can see the city and enjoy an extensive overview.

Reichstag

And you can walk along the Unter den Linden Boulevard. This place for a walk has become the most famous and huge street in Berlin. The entire collection of the best buildings in the urban area is concentrated on it - the German State Opera, the Russian Embassy, the building of the former guardhouse.

Boulevard Unter den Linden

Potsdamer Platz combines the whole history of Berlin. Once it was a wasteland, but after the fall of the Berlin Wall, it turned into a beautiful city center. On the square are located: casinos, hotels, shopping centers, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and theaters. In 2010, its own boulevard of stars was opened there.

Potsdamer Platz

Among other attractions, such famous architectural buildings as the TV tower, Charlottenburg Palace and the memorial church should be noted.

Charlottenburg Palace

Berlin is not in vain called one of the cultural capitals of the world - the city has a huge number of monuments, theaters, concert halls and museums. The city hosts the largest music festivals, for example, the jazz festival "Jazzfest".

Theaters

The most famous and popular theaters among residents and visitors include the Volksbühne, the Berliner Ensemble, and the Theater of the West.

In addition, the city has three opera houses: Comic Opera, Deutsche Oper, Opera Unter den Linden.

Festivals

In February, takes place annually, which is considered the largest public festival.

Berlin is a place where large festivals are quite often held, which are very popular among citizens and visiting tourists.

Holidays, all kinds of parades and processions that are organized in the open air, are very exciting. These are carnivals of cultures, all kinds of carnival processions, various festivals and the like.

Museums

It is very difficult to list all the sights of Berlin, because there are over 200 museums on its territory.

But among them there are champions - museums that are most often visited by tourists. And they are: Pergamon Museum, Old National Gallery, Egyptian Museum, Security Service Museum, M Museum of Natural History, Bauhaus Archive, Grunewald Palaceand the grandest museum of eroticism in the world. Be sure to take a look at all the beauty presented.

Bauhaus Museum-Archive

Grunewald Palace

Erotic Museum

Symbols and landmarks

Home calling card The Germans themselves call Berlin the Brandenburg Gate, which is often referred to as the Gate of Peace.

An equally significant landmark for tourists will be the TV tower in the Mitte district, which is present on postcards with views of Berlin.

TV Tower and Bode Museum

Excursions

We decided to arrange a walk around Berlin, experienced guides or just people who live in the center of Germany will help you. With the help of the Tripster service, you can choose the tour you are interested in and enjoy the beauties of the city.

Berlin is one of the most "living" cities in Europe, which sunk into the soul of many tourists. This city has a very large number of clubs, many new styles, trends and subcultures. The shopping here is very good and the quality of service is buzzing all over Europe. Berlin is famous for its cultural heritage, there are many galleries and museums.

Berlin has a very large number of cultural entertainment. Let's see how to save money on them.

When walking around Berlin, you must have a hotel map or a copy of your passport with you.
Concert tickets are best booked on eBay. Many people who, for some reason, cannot do this, sell them on private listings for next to nothing.
For frequent trips around Berlin, you need to purchase a Berlin - Potsdam Welcome Card. It will allow you to save on public transport and with it there is a discount for visiting museums and theaters. Buses run even at night, they are marked with the letter N. It is worth taking a 24-hour travel card so as not to use expensive taxi services.
Settling in Berlin, despite the fact that it is the capital of the country, can be cheap. To do this, you need to use the German services Airbnb, Studenten-wg.de and Wg-gesucht.de. It often happens that students rent out their housing when they are not at home. These dates usually fall on holidays. The period of their absence can even be delayed up to a month.
With an ISIC International Student Card, you will have many discounts on entry to most attractions, galleries and museums. On Mondays all cultural institutions are closed, best time Tours will be Tuesday and Wednesday.
Shops are everywhere in Berlin, you can find them everywhere as souvenir shops and fashion boutiques. Most accept payment credit card so you don't have to carry a lot of money with you. There are also many cafes with free Wi-Fi access.
The inhabitants of this city are very scrupulous, they will never allow themselves to be late for a meeting.
Refer to to a stranger on the street, you can use the phrase "Herr Doctor". It is the word "doctor" in Germany that has a broad meaning and applies to many types of professions.
Cheap supermarket chains in Berlin are Lidl, Aldi, Kaufland, Netto. Also visiting them, you can find a lot of promotions and sales.
Most young Berliners speak English, so tourists shouldn't have any problems. Proven when you contact the locals on German they will be more willing to answer you.
When visiting cafes or bars, you should greet everyone at the entrance using the phrase “Mahlzeit”, which means “bon appetit”. In the center of Berlin, food is expensive, but you can go to eat in any supermarket.
All attractions in a German city are within the same radius. You can explore them on foot or rent a bike.

Where to stay in Berlin

We decided to go to the capital of Germany and do not know which hotel to choose. We will show you the best options, close to the city center.

Hotel	stardom	A discount	Price per night, from	Select dates
Hotel Alexander Plaza	★★★★		8 027 5 438
Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Hackescher Markt	★★★★		6 603 5 891
Hotel Nikolai Residence	★★★

Berlin is a modern metropolis, the economic and cultural center of the EU, a city of contrasts. It is dynamic and versatile. The collections of galleries and museums of the city are beyond praise. Berlin clubs organize the most fashionable parties, where new movements, styles, subcultures are born. And shopping in Berlin is excellent, all goods are of high quality at reasonable prices.

Berlin (Berlin), photo Tobias Nordhausen

Berlin (Berlin) is the capital of the medieval Brandenburg Margraviate, the Kingdom of Prussia, the powerful German Empire, the socialist GDR and modern united Germany. The second metropolis of the European Union in terms of the number of inhabitants, a multinational city that marks the victory of mankind over fascism. Berlin is the heart of the Brandenburg land; historical, cultural, scientific, industrial and economic center of world importance. It is called the "City of Bridges". More of them were built here than in Venice - about 1700 large and small engineering structures.

5 things to do in Berlin

Take the Reichstag and look at Berlin from its dome.
Take a selfie against the backdrop of the Berlin Wall with the legendary kiss between Brezhnev and Honecker.
Eat the most delicious doner kebab (shawarma) for lunch and drink beer.
See the bust of the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti in the Pergamon Museum.
Stay up all night and dance in the club.

When is the best time to go to Berlin

Berlin is located in the eastern part of the country - where the Spree and Havel flows merge. Modern areas are built on the moraine heights of Teltow and Barnim, the historical center is located in a lowland between two hills.

The climate here is moderate: between maritime and continental. Summers are warm, around +20°C. Winter is moderately cold, on average +1– +2°C, but frosts down to -25°C also occur. The rainiest months are June-July, the driest month is March.

Berlin guide

Sights of Berlin

chocolate house

Fassbender&Rausch chocolate house, photo A_and_K

A unique, largest chocolate house in the world, the Schokoladenhaus Fassbender&Rausch store, has been opened in Berlin. The center of attraction for all lovers of sweets is located in the French Quarter near Gendarmerie Square (Gendarmenmarkt).

Address: Charlottenstraße 60, 10117 Berlin.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10:00 - 20:00; Sun 11:00 – 20:00.
Website: www.rausch.de

Here we have listed only the smallest part of the sights of Berlin. But if you are visiting the German capital for the first time, then they will be your top travel destinations.

Palaces and castles

Museums, exhibitions and galleries

Architecture and monuments

Squares and streets

Gardens and parks

Theaters and entertainment

Temples and cathedrals

A bit of history

In the XII century, on the territory of the Margraviate of Brandenburg, on the banks of the Spree and the island of Spreeinsel, the settlements of Altberlin and Cologne appeared. In 1237–44 they became independent cities. In 1307, the two cities actually merged, but the official unification took place only in 1709.

In 1417, Berlin was declared the capital of the Margraviate/Electorate of Brandenburg. From the beginning of the 18th century until the second half of the 19th century, it was the capital of Prussia. After the Great Unification into the German Empire, Berlin was its capital until 1918; until 1933 - the capital of the Weimar Republic, until 1945 - Nazi Germany (Third Reich).

After the defeat of the Nazi army in World War II, Berlin was divided into four occupation sectors, which were under the control of the victorious countries. In 1949, 2 German states appeared: the FRG in the western zone and the GDR in the east. Berlin was also divided into 2 parts. The Berlin Wall, which divided the city, the country and many families for a long time, was erected in 1961 and demolished in 1989. East and West territories of Berlin reunited, external control was abolished, a new period began in the life and history of the city.

Entertainment

Walking through the city at night, photo by Theodor Sirbuletu

The city is transformed every night, its magnificence can be appreciated if you go for a walk around the city at night, and in warm weather along the Spree by boat to see the magnificent Berlin buildings and bridges from the water, from a new angle.

Night clubs

In a nightclub in Berlin, photo puroberlin

The night lights are on. The doors of numerous clubs in Berlin are opening.

The respectable establishment 40 Seconds at Potsdamer Straße, 58 has several halls, two dance floors on terraces with views of the city.

The techno club Berghain hosts incendiary non-stop parties from Friday to Monday, and the Panorama Bar is open on the second floor. Address: Am Wriezener Bahnhof.

Puro Sky Lounge is located on the 20th floor of the Europacenter building - from there, from a dizzying height, a magnificent circular panorama of the night capital opens. This club has luxurious conceptual interiors, various music, theme parties. Address: Tauentzienstraße 9-12.

The glamorous Mio is located in the basement of the Berlin TV tower. It has stylish interiors and a huge terrace overlooking the historic center. Address: Panoramastraße 1A.

Casino lovers can visit the gambling house Spielbank Berlin on Potsdamer Platz. IN entertainment complex there are four halls with modern slot machines, roulette, blackjack, classic card games. Address: Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 1.

Holidays

Christmas in Berlin, photo bz_foto

New Year's holidays in Berlin are noisy, with home feasts, street festivities, fireworks.

On the first of May, Berliners celebrate the Maifeiertag. An old pagan tradition has now become an official holiday. The main symbol of the holiday is the May tree decorated in a special way. On the eve of the evening, street events “Dance in May” begin, they turn into Walpurgis Night - noisy fun reigns on the streets of the capital. In the morning the trade union association DGB organizes a May Day demonstration.

The third Sunday in October is the harvest festival, Kirmes. A straw effigy with an indispensable bottle of schnapps is considered a symbol of autumn folk festivals - it is burned in the square.

Berliners' favorite holiday is Christmas. It was from Germany that the custom of decorating a Christmas tree came. Celebrations last a week, until the New Year.

Events

Festival of Light, photo by Frank

In February, the Berlinale opens - the famous Berlin film festival dedicated to intellectual cinema, with the main prize "Golden Bear".

At the end of May, a colorful Carnival of Cultures takes place with costume processions and scenic outdoor venues.

Museum Night falls on the last Sunday in August. Almost all museums and galleries of the city offer cultural and entertainment programs. This international project today it takes place all over the world, and it started in Berlin, since 1997.

In October, the enchanting Festival of Light is held in the capital of Germany. All the main attractions are illuminated, spectacular light shows are projected onto the walls of buildings. The holiday lasts two weeks, ends with the night mass marathon City Light Run.

shopping

Shops in Berlin can turn even the most pragmatic people into shopaholics.

Shop opening hours

Shops are usually open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00. On Sunday they rest, except for some, for example, at railway stations.

Sales

Traditionally winter sale(Winterschlussverkauf) starts on the last Monday of January, and summer (Sommerschlussverkauf) starts on the last Monday of July. They last approximately 2 weeks. But many shops in the winter begin to reduce prices before Christmas. Discounts in Berlin shopping centers are announced by Reduziert, Sale or % signs.

The shops

KaDeWe department store, photo by Markus Ammann

The capital's shopping routes run along Kurfuerstendamm (Ku'damm for short) and Friedrichstrasse. Ku'damm is the abode of luxury: Gucci, Chanel, Sonia Rykiel, Max Mara, Jil Sander. On Friedrichstrasse and Unter den Linden you will find expensive Escada, Herm'es, Hugo Boss and Herend porcelain boutiques.

Friedrichstrasse is interesting shopping centers Quartier 205, Quartier 206 and Quartier 207, which houses the Gallery Lafayette (Galleries Lafayette). Departmentstore Quartier 206 on the second floor features the latest collections from top brands Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Manolo Bahnik, Miu Miu, Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Victoria Beckham, Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Etro . With the arrival of a new collection, discounted items go to the Last Season store below.

On Tauentzienstrasse, this is a continuation of Ku'damm, there are shops of democratic brands (Zara, H&M). There are also large department stores here: Peek & Cloppenburg (Tauentzienstraße, 19), Europa Center (Tauentzienstraße, 9-12), Wertheim (Kurfürstendamm, 231).

Near the metro station Wittenbergplatz, there is a department store Kaufhaus des Westens, abbreviated Ka-De-We (Tauentzienstraße, 21-24). The 8-storey KaDeWe is the second largest department store in Europe.

Inexpensive clothes can be found on Wilmersdorferstrasse. Most of the range is discounted.

Two hundred branded trade enterprises are gathered under the roof of the Alexa shopping center at Grunerstraße 20. Here you can find quite democratic brands.

The Arkada shopping center on Potsdamer Platz (Potsdamer Platz Arkaden) sells fashion, cosmetics and other beauty products, electronics, and gadgets. Address: Alte Potsdamer Strasse, 7.

European clothing is presented in the die mitte shopping center on Alexanderplatz.

Trade brands in Galeria Kaufhaus on Alexanderplatz are focused on the average income. Here you can buy high-quality shoes and clothes, bijouterie and jewelry, leather goods and various accessories.

The impressive range of Ritter Sport chocolates in the 1,000 m² Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt at Französische Straße 24 is also worth checking out.

outlets

Inexpensive shopping is offered by capital outlets:
Marc Cain Factory (Oudenarder Straße, 16),
PrivaFashion-Club Outlet Berlin (Altonaer Straße, 59),
Zalando Outlet Store Berlin (Köpenicker Straße, 20),
Designer Outlet Berlin (Alter Spandauer Weg 1, 14641 Wustermark).

Flea markets

There are several flea markets in Berlin. Here are a few.

The largest Hallentroedelmarkt Treptow is located on the site of a former factory. Opening hours: on weekends from 10:00 to 16:00. Address: Eichenstraße 4.

Berliner Kunst- und Nostalgiemarkt is located next to Friedrichstrasse. There are many tourists here, so the prices are too high. Opening hours: on weekends from 11:00 to 17:00.

Kunst-und Trödelmarkt is the oldest flea market in Berlin, located in the Tiergarten park. Among other things, there are decent breakups with records and CDs. At Trödelmarkt you can find a real treasure for next to nothing. Collectors usually go here. Opening hours: on weekends from 10:00 to 17:00. Address: Straße des 17. Juni (at the end of the street).

Locals go to Trödelmarkt on Arkonaplatz. It's not crowded and the prices are lower. They sell household items, inexpensive vintage clothes and vinyl records. Opening hours: Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00. Address: Arkonaplatz 1.

Flohmarkt am Mauerpark is still a young market, so there are few tourists here. Opening hours: Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00. Address: Bernauerstrasse 63-64.

Food and restaurants

In a Berlin restaurant, photo by Constanze Hallensleben

The Alpenstück Restaurant & Bakery at Gartenstrasse 9 prepares National dishes, make real sausages, serve fresh pastries, excellent beer, German and Austrian wines.

Schneeweiß at Simplonstrasse 16 is considered inexpensive. Schnitzels and lamb meat, entrecote with vegetables, pork with dumplings are served here.

Reinhard's offers European and Russian cuisine and is famous for its fast service. Addresses: Poststraße, 28; Kurfurstendamm, 27; Koenigsallee, 56; Am Hamburger Bahnhof, 4.

Authentic German food can be ordered at the Maxwell restaurant (address: Gleimstraße 23). The restaurant's menu is divided into meat, fish and vegetarian sections.

Traditional German schnitzels or goulash with dumplings, Sacher cake and classic apple strudel will be served at the Einstein Concept Cafe on Pod Lime Street (address: Unter den Linden 42).

Local beer bars prepare klops chops and Kotelett chops with German potato salad, an exotic hakepeter appetizer made from raw minced meat on bread; served white beer with fruit syrup. Must try pork knuckle Icebein - here it is cooked in a special way, brewed in beer. Try the Berlin Eintopf, a thick vegetable soup with assorted smoked meats. Berliner donuts with powdered sugar and fruit marmalade filling are considered a cult metropolitan dessert.

Berlin tram, photo by bashirRANA

Getting around Berlin is quite convenient by public transport. The city has a subway that was built before the war. Ground transportation will take you anywhere in Berlin. You need to think about tickets in advance. For tourists, a 24-hour ticket is most suitable. It will allow you to travel around the city during the day for any distance. …

Berlin(German: Berlin) - the capital of Germany, the most Big city Germany, both in terms of population and area. After London, Berlin is the second most populated and the fifth largest city in the European Union.

Berlin is one of 16 states in the Federal Republic of Germany. The city is located on the banks of the rivers Spree (the "nickname" of Berlin "Spree-Athen" - "Athens on the Spree" is associated with this) and Havel in the center of the federal state of Brandenburg, of which it is not a part (since 1920).

Around 1200, on the site of modern Berlin, there were two trading settlements - Cologne and Berlin. Exact date their receipt of city rights is unknown. The city rights of Cologne are first mentioned in 1237, the city rights of Berlin in 1244. In 1307, the cities united and formed a common city council. In 1400, the population of the united Berlin was 8,000 people. The historical name "Cologne" is reflected in the name of the Berlin district "Neuköln".

Berlin was the capital of Prussia and after the creation of the German Empire became its capital.

After the Second World War, in accordance with the decisions of the Yalta Conference, Berlin, although it was in the territory of the Soviet zone of occupation of Germany, was divided by the four victorious powers into occupation sectors. Later, the three sectors of occupation of the allies were transformed into West Berlin, which received the status of a special public education, but certainly closely associated with Germany. Movement between the sectors of Berlin remained free for a long time, and in order to prevent the outflow of the population to the western sectors, the government of the GDR decided to build the Berlin Wall, which surrounded West Berlin on August 13, 1961. The Berlin Wall, which has become one of the main symbols cold war, lasted until 1989. After the reunification of Germany in 1990, the reunified Berlin became its capital. By 1994, the Bundestag, the presidential administration and the federal chancellor had moved there from Bonn.

Today Berlin is one of the most important industrial, scientific and cultural centers.

Geography

Berlin is located in the east of Germany, 70 kilometers from the border with Poland. Berlin has land rights and is located entirely within the federal state of Brandenburg.

The historic center of Berlin is located in a lowland, in the floodplain of the river Spree, between two moraine heights (hills) called Barnim and Teltow. A significant part of the modern city is also located on these hills: most of the districts of Reinickendorf and Pankow are located on Barnim, and the districts of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Tempelhof-Schöneberg and Neukölln for the most part located on the Teltow hill.

Climate

The city is in a temperate climate zone. The average annual temperature is +9.2 °C. Most warm months- these are June, July and August with an average daily temperature from +16.6 to +18.4 ° C, and the coldest are December, January and February with an average daily temperature from -0.5 to +1.8 ° C.

History

emergence

The city of Berlin arose from the twin city of Berlin - Cologne. Cologne was located on an island in the river Spree, and Berlin opposite it, on the east bank. Cologne was first mentioned in 1237 (28.10), Berlin in 1244 (26.01). In 1307, both cities were united and built a common town hall.

The name "Berlin" (like others with the accent -in - Schwerin, Stettin) has Slavic origin and goes back to the Polabian berl-/birl- "swamp".

Medieval market town

In 1415, Elector Frederick I founded the Margraviate of Brandenburg and ruled there until 1440. From that time on, members of the Hohenzollern dynasty ruled in Berlin until 1918, first as margraves of Brandenburg, then as kings of Prussia, and finally as German emperors (kaisers). Urban residents did not always welcome the change in power. For example, in 1448, city unrest is mentioned against the construction of a castle by Elector Frederick II of Iron. However, this protest was not successful, and the population, in turn, was deprived of many economic and political freedoms. In 1451, Berlin was proclaimed the seat of the Brandenburg margraves and electors and lost its status as a free trading city.

The Thirty Years' War (between 1618 and 1648) had a strong impact on the city: a third of the houses were destroyed, the city lost half of the inhabitants. Friedrich Wilhelm, known as the Grand Elector of Brandenburg, took over from his father in 1640. His policies were characterized by the promotion of immigration and a high degree religious tolerance. Already in the second year of his reign, he founded the suburbs of Friedrichswerder, Dorotheenstadt and Friedrichstadt.

In 1671 Friedrich Wilhelm gave asylum to 50 Jewish families from Austria. By the Potsdam Edict of 1685, he invited the French Huguenots to Brandenburg. More than 15,000 Frenchmen arrived, of which 6,000 settled in Berlin. Around 1700, already 20 percent of the inhabitants of Berlin were French, and the cultural influence of France was enormous. Also in the city there were already many immigrants from Bohemia, Poland and Salzburg.

royal capital

In 1701, as a result of the coronation of Frederick I, Berlin acquired the status of the capital of Prussia.

In 1709, the unification of the cities of Berlin, Cologne, Friedrichswerder, Dorotheenstadt and Friedrichstadt followed. But in fact, these suburbs have long been considered part of Berlin.

On October 9, 1760, during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), Berlin capitulated to the Russian corps under the command of General Count Z. G. Chernyshev. 4,500 soldiers were taken prisoner. As trophies, the Russians got 143 guns, 18,000 rifles and pistols, and almost 2 million thalers of indemnity. The symbolic keys to Berlin, handed over by the city authorities to the Russian general, are now kept in the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg. After four days stay in Berlin, having received news of the approach of large enemy forces to the city, Chernyshev led his corps to winter quarters.

October 14, 1806 in the battle with the Napoleonic troops at Jena and Auerstedt, Prussia suffered a crushing defeat. This led to the beginning of reforms that became decisive in the further development of the Prussian state. The "Prussian reforms" gave a powerful impetus to the economy and education. In November 1806 French troops entered Berlin. On November 21(9), 1806 in Berlin, Napoleon announced a continental blockade of England. In February 1813, Russian troops occupied Berlin for the second time, pursuing the remnants of Napoleon's army.

By 1861, Berlin had acquired new suburbs such as Wedding, Moabit, Tempelhof, Schöneberg.

Imperial capital

In 1871, Berlin was proclaimed the capital of the newly formed German Empire.

After the end of the First World War in 1918, the German Republic was proclaimed in Berlin. In 1920, the Greater Berlin Foundation Act followed, bringing together many towns, estates and counties around Berlin. After that, the population of Berlin exceeded 4 million people.

Capital of the Third Reich

After the National Socialists came to power in 1933, Berlin became the capital of the Third Reich. In 1936, the World Summer Olympic Games were held in Berlin, which were used by the Nazis for propaganda purposes. Under the leadership of A. Speer, a master plan for the development of Berlin was developed as the future role of the capital of the "Thousand Year Reich". But these plans were destroyed by World War II.

From division to unity

During the war and after it, most of Berlin was destroyed as a result of numerous bombings and street fighting in 1945. After the capture of the city by the Red Army and the complete and unconditional surrender of Germany, Berlin, like all of Germany, was divided into 4 sectors under foreign control. The sectors of the Western Allies (USA, Great Britain and France) were formed in the western part of the city, and the sector of the Soviet Union - in the east.

The confrontation between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union led in 1948-1949 to the economic blockade of West Berlin, to overcome which the Western Allies organized the so-called "air bridge" to supply the city. This confrontation also led to the formation of two German states in the occupied territories: first, the FRG in the western zone, and then the GDR in the east - both in 1949.

In 1953, a mass anti-government uprising took place in East Berlin, suppressed with the help of the Soviet occupation troops.

While the FRG established a new capital in the city of Bonn, the GDR placed its capital in East Berlin. The conflict between East and West on the territory of Berlin resulted in the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, erected on the initiative of the socialist GDR. Passage of citizens from one territory to another was allowed only through border checkpoints.

In 1971, the Quadripartite Agreement on West Berlin was signed, which regulated the legal status of the divided city.

After 1949, in the initial period of the division of the city into two (Western and Eastern) parts, a remarkable feature of all regional projects During the development of the city, architects (both in the West and in the East) almost completely ignored this political reality. Neighboring parts of the territory of the urban area were considered during this period as objects for the implementation of architectural projects that were uniform in design. For example, the “Plan for the Use of the Territory of West Berlin”, which was repeatedly developed in the period 1965-1978 in terms of developing a demographic hypothesis and proposals for the development transport infrastructure covered the entire territory of Greater Berlin. And only in the new edition of this plan developed in 1984, its design solutions were strictly focused on the problems of developing the western part of the city and practically did not touch on any problems of developing its eastern part or the entire urban area as a whole.

A similar trend can be traced in the history of the development of the master plan for East Berlin. As in this plan itself, which began to be compiled back in 1949, so in the adjoining “Plan for the Spatial Organization of the Territory of Greater Berlin” (beginning of development in 1955), in the process of analyzing and solving all planning problems, it was about a single urban area . For its entire territory, as well as for the zone of direct gravity of Berlin allocated within it (within a radius of 30 km), a single, long-term concept of the functional use of the territory was developed, providing for the possibility of settling here at least 4 million people. In accordance with this concept, a sharp increase in the level of intensity of use of residential and industrial areas was envisaged, while maintaining large undeveloped spaces intended for agricultural and recreational use.

Large-scale measures were also envisaged for the reconstruction of the road network that had developed in the territory of this region: the completion of the construction of the ring road, its connection with the help of high-speed highways with the quadrangle of the tangential transport “bypass” of the central part of the city, the creation of a system of representative streets connecting the centers of urban areas with the citywide zone center. The Kurfürstendamm area was treated as a single business center city (a kind of "City"), however, without clear indications of the specific functions it performs.

The Berlin Wall fell only in 1989 under pressure from the population of the GDR, and this happened against the backdrop of a general weakening of the Soviet Union. On October 3, 1990, the GDR joins the zone of application of the Basic Law of the FRG. Germany has become united country. In 1991, the Bundestag decided to move to Berlin and thus summed up the discussion about the location of the German government. On September 1, 1999, the German government and parliament began work already in Berlin.

Embassies of 147 states are located in Berlin.

Population

Population of Berlin
1650 - 6 500
1750 - 90 000
1800 - 172 000
1850 - 420 000
1900 - 1 890 000
1950 - 3 340 000
1987 - 3 250 000
1997 - 3 425 000
2007 - 3 370 000
2009 - 3 431 420

The Berlin metropolitan area is home to 3,950,887 people (as of January 1, 2005) on an area of 5,370 square kilometers. The population density in the region reaches 736 inhabitants per square kilometer, while in the suburbs the population density is about 123 inhabitants per square kilometer.

The average age of a Berliner in 2004 was 41.7 years.

In December 2004, about 450,900 foreign residents from 185 countries lived in Berlin. This is 14% of the population. Of these, 36,000 are citizens of Poland, about 119,000 citizens of Turkey. Berlin, after Turkey, has the largest community of ethnic Turks in Europe.

According to the statistics office (2005), about 60% of the inhabitants of Berlin are not members of any religious community, 22% are Evangelical Christians, 9% are Catholics and 6% are Muslims.

There are slightly more women than men. More than 50% of Berliners live without a family.

Culture and attractions

Berlin parks

In the west and southeast of the city there are extensive forest areas. Almost every street in the city is decorated with trees, one can say that Berlin is the greenest metropolis in Germany. Berlin has more than 2,500 public gardens, parks and recreational areas. Their total area is about 5500 hectares. Parks, forests, rivers, lakes and canals occupy about 30 percent of the city's area.

In the center of the city is the Tiergarten park. It is the oldest and largest (210 hectares) parkland in Berlin for over 500 years. In the past, the Tiergarten was a piece of forest in front of the gates of the city, which the nobility of the city used for horseback riding and hunting. Gradually, the city grew around the park. Today, the park stretches from the Berlin Zoo station to the Brandenburg Gate and is located in close proximity to government buildings and the parliament building.

At the intersection of the East-West Axis and 17 June Streets, there is the Berlin Victory Column, 69 meters high, built in 1864-1873 and crowned with an 8-meter figure of the goddess Victoria, to the statue of which 285 steps lead. From their height, a magnificent panorama of Berlin opens up.

Along with the Tiergarten, Treptow Park is a major park in Berlin. It was created in 1876-1882. the first Berlin director of garden construction, Johann Heinrich Gustav Meyer. In 1896, an exhibition of handicrafts was held in Treptow Park.

Among the park plantings, the Berlin Botanical Garden stands out in particular. It is located in the southeast of the city and is very popular among Berliners as a holiday destination.

In addition, there are 2 zoos in Berlin: the Berlin Zoological Garden and the Friedrichsfelde Zoo. Founded in 1844, the Berlin Zoo is the oldest zoo in Germany, and its collection is the most extensive in terms of the number of animal species represented (14,000 animals and 1,500 species). The second zoo was founded during the GDR in 1954 and is the largest zoo in Europe, covering 160 hectares.

Attractions

Berlin Zoo (German: Berliner Zoo);
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (German: Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche);
Potsdamer Platz (German: Potsdamer Platz, Potsdamer Platz);
Reichstag (German: Reichstag);
Brandenburg Gate (German: Brandenburger Tor, Brandenburger Tor);
Unter den Linden (German: Unter den Linden);
Alexanderplatz (German: Alexanderplatz);
Berlin Cathedral (German: Berliner Dom, Berliner Dom);
Office of the Federal Chancellor of Germany (German: Bundeskanzleramt, Bundeskanzleramt);
"Red Town Hall" (German: Rotes Rathaus, Rotes Rathaus);
Memorial to the victims of the Holocaust in Berlin (German: Holocaust-Mahnmal);
Victory Column (German: Siegessäule, Siegeszeule);
Charlottenburg Castle (German: Schloss Charlottenburg, Schloss Charlottenburg);
Concert Hall Berliner Schauspielhaus (German: Berliner Schauspielhaus);
Kaufhaus des Westens, the world famous department store;
Berlin Olympic Stadium (German: Olympiastadion Berlin);
Spandau Fortress (German: Zitadelle Spandau);
Bellevue Castle (Schloss Bellevue);
Zur letzten Instanz.

Honorary citizens of the city

Robert Koch;
Konrad Adenauer;
Willy Brandt;
Anna Zegers;
Mikhail Gorbachev;
Helmut Kohl;
Ronald Reagan;
Marlene Dietrich;
Johannes Rau;
Egorov, Mikhail Alekseevich;
Berzarin Nikolay Erastovich.

Museums

Pergamon Museum;
the Bode Museum;
Egyptian Museum and papyri collection;
Old Museum;
Old National Gallery;
New National Gallery;
Art Gallery;
Museums of Dahlem (Ethnological Museum, Indian Art Museum, etc.);
Jewish Museum;
German Historical Museum;
Russian-German Museum;
German Technical Museum;
Museum of Natural History;
Cinema Museum;
Sugar Museum;
German Technical Museum;
Ethnological Museum.
Checkpoint Charlie Museum.

Every Thursday from 16.00 to 20.00 - free admission to state museums.

Theaters

Berlin Mitte district at night
Schaubühne;
Volksbühne;
Deutsches Theatre;
Berlin Ensemble;
Theater des Westens;
Theater on Potsdamer Platz;
Berlin Theater. Gorky;
Renaissance Theater;
Friedrich Stadt Palace;
Berlin Drama Theatre.

Opera houses

German opera;
State Opera on Unter den Linden (Staatsoper Unter den Linden);
Komishe Oper.

Festivals

love parade
Transmediale

Infrastructure

There are several airports in Berlin: Schönefeld, Tegel, Tempelhof, Berlin-Brandenburg.

Higher education

There are 4 large universities and 17 higher schools in Berlin. Universities of Berlin:
Humboldt University of Berlin;
Free University of Berlin in the Dahlem district;
Technical University of Berlin in the Charlottenburg district;
Berlin University of the Arts since November 2001

The total number of Berlin students is about 140,000.