second world war

Berlin is a city rich in history, with its vibrant present often built on the remnants of a complex and, at times, troubling past. While iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag attract millions of visitors, there are quieter sites that hold equally profound stories. One such site is the memorial dedicated to the former Columbia-Haus, situated on Columbiadamm near the expansive grounds of the former Tempelhof Airport.

Echoes of Terror: Visiting the Memorial to Berlin’s Columbia-Haus

Berlin
9 min read
07/04/202510/04/2025

Located in the western outskirts of Berlin, the Berlin-Grunewald station was used to deport Jews to ghettos and extermination camps in the east. Today, where all of this happened, there is the Platform 17 Memorial inaugurated in January 1998 to commemorate the deportation done by Deutsche Reichsbahn during the years of Nazi Germany.

A Journey Through Time: Discovering Five Essential Jewish Historical Sites in Berlin

Berlin
5 min read
28/03/202528/03/2025

Located in the vibrant district of Moabit is the Levetzowstraße Deportation Memorial, a poignant reminder of one of the darkest chapters in the city's history. This memorial marks the site of the former Levetzowstraße Synagogue, which tragically changed from a place of worship to a transit camp for deportation during the Nazi regime.

Moabit’s Memorial: A Stark Reminder of Berlin’s Deportations

Berlin
5 min read
18/03/202531/03/2025

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
4 min read
15/04/202426/04/2024

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

Berlin, Urbex
5 min read
30/03/202423/04/2024

The Seelow Heights Memorial is a solemn tribute to the ferocious Battle of Berlin during the Second World War, where more than one million men clashed at the opening phase. Perched some 90 kilometers east of the city, this historic site played a pivotal role in shaping the war's course. As the Soviet forces clashed with the Nazi defenders, the Seelow Heights became a formidable obstacle.

Exploring the Seelow Heights Memorial: The Battle for the ‘Gates of Berlin’

Germany
5 min read
19/06/202319/12/2023

We have been living in Berlin for years now, and these battle scars we see everywhere caught us by surprise during our first months in town. Especially because the battles in and around Berlin happened over seventy years ago. Because of these scars and bullet holes, we always watch for the remains of the extraordinary fighting that occurred during April and May of 1945 in Berlin.

Echoes of History: Discovering WWII Battle Damage in Berlin

Berlin
17 min read
04/06/202302/03/2025

Discover the National Socialism Documentation Center in Köln, Germany. As the largest regional memorial site dedicated to the victims of the Nazi regime, it offers a remarkable journey through Cologne's history during the Nazi era. You will immerse yourself in its exhibitions, witness the preserved Gestapo prison, and gain invaluable insights into this significant European history chapter.

Exploring the National Socialism Documentation Center in Köln

Germany, Köln
6 min read
30/05/202319/12/2023

Berlin is a city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural diversity. But one piece of design that often goes overlooked is the street lighting created by Albert Speer, Hitler's favorite architect. If you're looking to experience some of the city's lesser-known design pieces, you won't want to miss the Albert Speer street lights.

Albert Speer Street Lights Still Stand in Berlin

Berlin
3 min read
14/02/202321/07/2024

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