• Berlin Friedrichstrasse Station - The starting point for the Cold War tour is Friedrichstrasse Train Station, a historic site central to Berlin’s division. Here, an expert guide will provide an overview of the captivating three-hour tour, highlighting the key locations and stories to be explored. Participants will then embark on a unique journey aboard the “ghost train” — an underground route that once linked East and West Berlin during the Cold War. This experience will offer a deeper insight into the city’s dramatic history, the tension of the divided years, and the personal narratives that shaped Berlin’s past.
• Admiralspalast Berlin - Visit the site where the East German Political Party (SED) was established in 1946.
• Palace of Tears - The Tränenpalast, or “Palace of Tears,” is a poignant location in Berlin, situated at Friedrichstrasse Station. This former border crossing was the emotional center of the city’s division during the Cold War, where East and West Berliners had to say tearful farewells as they were separated by the Berlin Wall. Officially known as the “Palace of Tears,” it became a symbol of the heartache caused by the division of families and loved ones.

Today, the Tränenpalast hosts a museum that narrates the emotional and physical impact the Wall had on Berliners’ lives, featuring exhibits about escape attempts, the harsh separation between East and West, and the reunification that followed. As part of the walking tour, visitors will explore this deeply moving site and reflect on the personal stories of loss, longing, and resilience that defined this dramatic chapter of Berlin’s history.

• Bernauer Straße - Take a ghost train ride to Nordbahnhof. Discover what occurred in a divided city with the underground, which historically ran from East to West.
• Memorial of the Berlin Wall - The Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial is one of the most significant and moving sites in Berlin for understanding the city’s division during the Cold War. Located along the former border between East and West Berlin, this memorial preserves a stretch of the Berlin Wall and the surrounding “Death Strip” where many escape attempts were tragically thwarted. The memorial includes an open-air exhibition, a preserved section of the Wall, a watchtower, and the Chapel of Reconciliation, offering a vivid glimpse into the harsh realities of life under the Wall. As part of the walking tour, participants will learn about the courage and sacrifices of those who tried to escape, the impact of the Wall on Berliners’ lives, and the eventual reunification that marked a new chapter for the city and the world.
• Chapel of Reconciliation - The Church of Reconciliation (Kirche der Versöhnung) in Berlin is a powerful symbol of the city’s history and resilience. Located in the former no-man’s land of the Berlin Wall, this small but significant church was originally built in the 1960s and stood as a beacon of hope during the Cold War. It was severely damaged during the construction of the Wall but was left standing as a symbol of peace and reconciliation. Today, the church serves as a poignant reminder of the division Berlin once experienced and the ongoing journey toward unity. On this walking tour, visitors will explore this historic site and hear the story of its remarkable survival, reflecting on the themes of healing and overcoming adversity.

• Local Expert Guide

• Berlin Transport AB Zone ticket
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Gratuities
• Food and drinks

Embark on an expertly led walking tour of Berlin and immerse yourself in the heart of the Cold War era. Witness the Berlin Wall and the striking remnants of the military standoff between the Western and communist worlds. With a knowledgeable guide, discover hidden parts of the infamous Death Strip, stand next to a preserved guard tower, and explore the enigmatic underground ‘Ghost Stations’.

Stand above the locations of escape tunnels and listen to the captivating stories of those who risked everything to build them. Uncover tales of espionage and the intense confrontations between the CIA and KGB in this geopolitical hotspot. Learn about the influential leaders and key events that kept the world on the brink of nuclear war for decades.

The guide will vividly depict what daily life was like for Berlin’s residents during nearly 45 years of division and tension, and illuminate the far-reaching impacts that continue to influence our world today.

• Please bring a Berlin Transport AB Zone ticket
• As a good amount of walking is involved, comfortable shoes are recommended

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.