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FTRC.BLOG / Unexpected Berlin: History, Street Art & Schnitzel

Unexpected Berlin: History, Street Art & Schnitzel

This page serves as your guide to Berlin, a city that is always reinventing itself. I have explored its intriguing history and vibrant neighborhoods and discovered some hidden gems that you won’t find in a typical guidebook.

We’ll explore beyond the iconic Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Building to discover quirky museums, street art, and remnants of the Berlin Wall. Have you ever heard of the Stasi Museum? It’s a chilling reminder of Berlin’s divided past. We’ll also explore the Museum in der Kulturbrauerei, where you can learn about the surprisingly vibrant heavy metal scene in East Germany.

Of course, every trip to Berlin is complete with indulging in delicious food. I’ll share my favorite spots to find the biggest schnitzel in the city and, maybe, the best burgers Berlin has to offer.

So, come along with me and experience the unique energy of Berlin. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or just looking for an adventure, this page will inspire you to explore this captivating city.

In the heart of Berlin, at the edge of where Tempelhof and Neukölln meet, a colossal iron relic stands as a stark reminder of the city's turbulent past. Known as the Vaubeka Crane, this industrial titan once symbolized resilience during a crisis.

From Industrial Workhorse to Historic Landmark: The Vaubeka Crane Story

The Vaubeka Crane towers over the Teltow Canal, a crucial waterway for transporting goods into Berlin. It was built in 1935 for the United Berlin Coal Dealers by Vereinigte Berliner Kohlenhandels (VAUBEKA). Its task during the airlift was monumental—to quickly unload precious coal flown in from nearby Tempelhof Airport…

Imagine the awe-inspiring sight of the colossal blue gates of Babylon or strolling through the magnificent arches of a bustling Roman marketplace. These aren't scenes from a movie; they're everyday possibilities at the incredible Pergamon Museum in Berlin. But there's one big catch… The entire museum won't reopen fully until at least 2037.

The Pergamon Museum: A Berlin Must-See…But Plan Ahead

Imagine the awe-inspiring sight of the colossal blue gates of Babylon or strolling through the magnificent arches of a bustling Roman marketplace. These aren't scenes from a movie; they're everyday possibilities at the incredible Pergamon Museum in Berlin. But there's one big catch… The entire museum won't reopen fully…

Schöneberg has a story to tell. It dates back to 1264, a tiny village that rose from the ashes after a devastating fire in the 1700s. Industry boomed, grand mansions appeared, and the neighborhood became vital to the city after becoming part of Greater Berlin.

My Guide To Schöneberg: Exploring Berlin’s Most Eclectic District

Welcome to my guide to Schöneberg, a vibrant district in Berlin that offers a unique blend of culture, diversity, and, of course, history. From the bustling Motzstrasse and Viktoria-Luise-Platz catering to the LGBTQ+ community to the iconic KaDeWe, also known as Kaufhaus des Westens, drawing upscale shoppers, Schöneber…

The bustling district around Potsdamer Platz is home to Marlene-Dietrich-Platz, a modern square paying homage to her lasting impact. After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification, Berlin immortalized Dietrich here, in what was once 'no man's land' between East and West.

Marlene Dietrich Berlin: Exploring the Berlin Legacy of an Enigma

Exploring Marlene Dietrich's Berlin is a journey through the life of a unique artist and a woman who stood firm in her convictions. Each spot tells a part of her extraordinary story, from her birthplace to the iconic Marlene-Dietrich-Platz, the Boulevard of Stars, and her final resting place in Friedenau.

If you manage to walk into the abandoned Flugplatz Rangsdorf, you will never suspect what the place used to be and how much history happened there. It was here that Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg landed after trying to kill Hitler back in 1944 and this is why we took our cameras to explore this abandoned airport ten kilometers south of Berlin city limits.

Forgotten Skies: Abandoned Airports in Berlin’s Historic Landscape

Embarking on a journey through time, uncovering the hidden gems of Berlin's lost places and urban exploration is a refreshing experience. Our passion for discovering the stories behind forgotten sites led us to explore the remnants of the city's aviation history.

When Beth Harmon went to Paris in 1967, some outside shots are used to transport the audience from the US straight into Europe. One of the shots was easy to recognize for us since it showed a piece of the Museum Island, in the heart of Berlin.

From the Screen to the Streets: A Tour of Berlin’s Netflix Filming Locations

Embark on a cinematic adventure through Berlin's captivating streets with our guide to iconic Netflix filming locations. Uncover the city's hidden gems as we reveal the backdrop of your favorite Netflix shows. Explore Berlin like never before – from the screen to the streets, discover the magic of 'Berlin Netflix Filmi…

The Tragic End of Rosa Luxemburg: A Berlin Memorial in the Tiergarten

The Tragic End of Rosa Luxemburg: A Berlin Memorial in the Tiergarten

In January 1919, Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, critical figures in the German socialist movement, were killed by the government after a failed revolution post-World War I.  Here, I will explore one of Berlin's memorials for Luxemburg, located at the Landwehr Canal in the Tiergarten, where her body was discovered…

Many cities claim fame for their art scenes, but only a few come with their killer soundtrack, right? Berlin has its own rhythm, from Lou Reed to Iggy Pop, Atari Teenage Riot to Depeche Mode. And for those lucky ones who lived here in the late ’70s, the spirit of David Bowie still hangs in the Berlin air like glitter in a rockstar’s hair.

Soundtrack of the City: David Bowie’s Berlin Odyssey

Today, I’m taking you through David Bowie’s Berlin. Buckle up as we dive into Bowie’s world – his house, studio, favorite bars, and everything you need to soak up the Bowie vibes. And guess what? We did our homework and got addresses, maps, and even some excellent photos to guide you through what used to… R…

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