Checkpoint Charlie: Cold War to Champagne

The most famous border crossing of the Cold War. On November 9, 1989, US soldiers just waved everyone through. Today, the museum documents the escapes and the celebrations that followed.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Visit the Mauermuseum History · Price: moderate

   Enter the Mauermuseum at Checkpoint Charlie (€17.50, Friedrichstraße 43-45). See the escape vehicles - cars with hidden compartments, hot air balloons, even a mini submarine. Over 5,000 people successfully escaped; 140 died trying. On November 9, 1989, the guards simply opened the gates.

   Backup: If museum is too crowded, the outdoor exhibits and replica guardhouse are free.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Stand at the Crossing History · Free

   Stand at the replica guardhouse in the middle of Friedrichstraße. For 28 years, this was the line between two worlds. Americans controlled this side. Soviet and American tanks faced each other here in October 1961. U.S. soldiers just waved everyone through on November 9, 1989.

   Backup: Photos with the "soldiers" cost €3-5 (they're actors, but authentic uniforms).

   Log Memory
3. 3 Drink at Kurfürstendamm Wine · Price: moderate · Optional

   Take the U6 to Kurfürstendamm (10 min). The celebration lasted for days in West Berlin's main shopping street. Find a bar or restaurant and order Sekt or champagne. The Café Kranzler terrace is historic.

   Backup: If Ku'damm is too touristy, the bars around Savignyplatz (one stop further) are more local.

   Log Memory