history

Heavier, harder, louder, faster was the motto for heavy metal fans in the 1980s, not just in the West but also behind the Iron Curtain. The Museum in der Kulturbrauerei Berlin is hosting a charming exhibition, "Heavy Metal in the GDR," that dives into the passionate and surprisingly resilient heavy metal scene in East Germany.

Behind the Iron Curtain: The Untold Story of Heavy Metal in the GDR

Berlin (category)
6 min read
29/06/202416/07/2024

However, the story doesn't end there. In July 2015, Murnau's final resting place in Stahnsdorf South-Western Cemetery was desecrated in an unusual set of circumstances. His skull was stolen, and although wax residue found at the scene hinted at a possible occult motive, the perpetrators and their intentions remain shrouded in mystery. This macabre incident has cast a shadow over the legacy of one of cinema's most visionary figures, leaving an enduring question mark alongside his undeniable contributions to the art form. His skull has not been recovered since.

The Ghost of F.W. Murnau in Berlin: Unearthing His Secrets in the German Capital

Berlin (category)
7 min read
19/06/202424/03/2025

Athens is more than just a city break; it's a captivating journey through time, an exhilarating feast for the senses, and an inviting playground for the curious. From ancient ruins that tell enchanting tales of gods and heroes to vibrant neighborhoods pulsing with modern life, Athens continues to amaze and inspire.

Athens Unleashed: 10 Places That’ll Make You Ditch the Guidebook

Athens (category)
11 min read
14/06/202415/06/2024

The Berlin Wall wasn't simply a physical border. The video here paints a vivid picture of how this seemingly impenetrable structure went through the heart of Berlin. Families were separated overnight, friends couldn't visit each other freely, and the Berlin Wall's construction led to a devastating housing crisis in West Berlin. You can still see some of these problems in the city today.

The Berlin Wall in Video in 1981: A Must-See for History Buffs in Berlin

Berlin (category)
3 min read
04/06/202410/04/2026

Whenever people think about Paris, the City of Lights summons images of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and romantic strolls along the Seine. But beyond these iconic landmarks lies a treasure trove of unexpected delights for the curious traveler.

Unusual Things to Do in Paris: A Quirky Guide to the City of Light

Paris (category)
7 min read
30/05/202419/05/2024

Animal lovers and literary enthusiasts, listen up! Have you ever heard of Hodge the Cat? If you have, be aware that he wasn't just any cat. This pampered kitty was the beloved pet of Samuel Johnson, the famous writer who created the first English dictionary.

Hodge the Cat: London’s Feline Literary Icon & Where to Find Him

London (category)
4 min read
25/05/202410/06/2024

Heidelberg, a city famed for its romantic castle and prestigious university, is also home to a treasure trove of lesser-known attractions waiting to be discovered. This article is focused on these things to do in Heidelberg.

Heidelberg’s Hidden Treasures: 6 Enchanting Places to Uncover the City’s Rich History

Heidelberg (category)
7 min read
20/05/202410/06/2024

If you love movies and find yourself in Berlin, a trip to the Deutsche Kinemathek, also known as the Berlin Cinema Museum, is an absolute must. Discover the magic of German film and television history at this extraordinary museum in Potsdamer Platz.

Berlin Cinema Museum: A Celebration of German Film & Television

Berlin (category)
5 min read
10/05/202410/05/2024

Under the romantic streets of Paris lies a world of darkness filled with the skeletal remains of millions of people. The Paris Catacombs hold a strange appeal, drawing those fascinated by the macabre and off-the-beaten-path history.

The Paris Catacombs: Descend into Darkness in the City of Lights

Paris (category)
5 min read
05/05/202408/05/2024

Sternburg is a super popular beer in Germany, especially on the east side of the country. It's flavorful, affordable, and a big part of Leipzig's culture. You can often find it in Berlin spätis for prices that, nowadays, range from 0,80€ to 1,50€ in fancier places. It's easily one of my favorite beers, and I was really happy to be able to visit the brewery for my birthday.

Sternburg Brewery Tour: Your Leipzig Beer Adventure

Leipzig (category)
5 min read
20/04/202422/04/2024

In the aftermath of World War II, Berlin became a city split in two—a concrete sign of the ideological divide between East and West. This short video, Life in POSTWAR BERLIN before the WALL, which I found on the BBC Archive YouTube page, explores the stark differences in the quality of life between East and West Berlin and the invisible boundary between them.

Berlin’s Divided Heart: Stories of Resilience and Resistance

Berlin (category)
4 min read
15/04/202426/04/2024

In the city of Leipzig stands a monument so imposing that it could have been plucked straight from the pages of a J. R. R. Tolkien novel. The Monument to the Battle of the Nations is a haunting and awe-inspiring testament to one of Europe's bloodiest conflicts.

Leipzig’s Colossal Tribute: The Monument to the Battle of the Nations

Leipzig (category)
5 min read
10/04/202423/04/2024

London may be a bustling city, but tucked away in its many neighborhoods are green spaces perfect for relaxing. One such special place is Shepherdess Walk Park in Hoxton. It’s ordinary enough until you find a mysterious passageway… Follow it, and you’ll stumble upon a dazzling surprise – the Shepherdess Walk Mosaics!

Discover Shepherdess Walk Park: London’s Hidden Mosaic Masterpiece

London (category)
5 min read
05/04/202423/04/2024

Think momentarily about a lone figure gazing over a vast, foggy mountain landscape. I can imagine what passed through your mind, and I bet it references a painting. That's the iconic image in Caspar David Friedrich's famous painting, "Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog."

Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog: See the Painting That Inspired a Thousand Adventures

Hamburg (category)
5 min read
25/03/202423/04/2024

If you think the Netherlands is totally flat, think again! This country actually has a surprising peak called the Vaalserberg. The Vaalserberg is 322.4 meters above sea level in the country's southeast corner. That makes it the highest point in the Netherlands. At least if you only consider the European part of the country.

Climbing the Highest Mountain in the Netherlands: Your Guide to the Vaalserberg

Netherlands (category)
5 min read
20/03/202425/05/2026

Are you a history buff who’s always been fascinated by the ancient Roman Empire? If you’re tired of the crowds at the Colosseum, why not take a trip to Ostia Antica?

A Visit to Ostia Antica with a Dubble Bubblegum Film: Step Back in Time at Rome’s Ancient Port City

Italy (category), Photography (category)
6 min read
15/03/202430/04/2025

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

Berlin (category)
6 min read
11/03/202423/04/2024

Visiting London’s Covid Memorial Wall: A Reflection on Loss and Remembrance

London (category)
5 min read
06/03/202429/08/2024

It’s a testament to the layers of history that make Rome a city where the past and present coexist, even within the walls of a McDonald’s. And you can visit it for free while you pass the Termini station on your way elsewhere. Just follow the map below.

History with a Side of Fries: The Roman Wall at McDonald’s

Italy (category), Rome (category)
4 min read
25/02/202427/02/2024

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

Berlin (category), Urbex (category)
6 min read
10/02/202402/12/2025

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

Berlin (category)
8 min read
05/02/202413/03/2024