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Where It All Began: Berlin’s Queer & Trans History Tour

25 Reviews 4.96 out of 5 stars Based on 25 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
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100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
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from $81.41 per person

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On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.
3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

️‍ Discover over 100 years of queer and trans history on this immersive walking tour of Berlin, the birthplace of the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement.

Long before Stonewall, Berlin was home to the world’s first queer activists, pioneering trans identities, and a thriving lesbian and gay nightlife scene. From early LGBTQIA+ rights movements to queer resistance under the Nazis, from underground cabarets to legendary clubs like Berghain, this tour uncovers the hidden history that shaped queer culture worldwide.

Led by a queer activist, social scientist, and certified sex educator, this one-of-a-kind guided experience brings history to life through 200+ historical photos, rare audio clips, videos, personal quotes, and interactive quiz questions. Plus, Augmented Reality (AR) Mixies allow you to take selfies with historic queer figures!

Perfect for: LGBTQIA+ travelers, history buffs, Berlin locals, and allies looking for an unforgettable experience.

What's Included

  • ✔ Mixies: Take fun, personalized photos with Augmented Reality elements for lasting memories
  • ✔ 200+ rare historical photos, videos, and archival materials
  • ✔ Insider tips on Berlin’s modern queer nightlife and events
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Else-Lasker-Schüler-Straße
10783 Berlin, Germany

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Nollendorfplatz
10777 Berlin, Germany

What To Expect

Karl-Heinrich-Ulrichs-Straße 1

️‍ The "World's First Gay Man"Our tour begins at Karl-Heinrich-Ulrichs-Straße 1, named after the man often called the world’s first gay rights activist. Karl Heinrich Ulrichs was one of the earliest people to publicly advocate for the decriminalization of homosexuality, defining queer identities long before the word “homosexual” even existed. His ideas laid the foundation for modern LGBTQIA+ movements worldwide.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Nollendorfplatz

️ The Persecution of LGBTQIA+ in Nazi GermanyAt Nollendorfplatz, the heart of Berlin’s LGBTQIA+ history, we uncover the stories of Adolf Brand and right-wing gay activists, the complex role of Ernst Röhm and openly gay Nazis, and how Hitler’s stance on homosexuality led to mass persecution. We also explore The Night of the Long Knives, when Röhm and many other queer individuals within the Nazi party were executed. This stop sheds light on LGBTQIA+ persecution in Nazi concentration camps, where people were forced to wear the pink triangle, and the resilience of those who resisted oppression.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Schwerinstraße 13

⚢ Lesbian Life, Music & ResistanceThis stop focuses on lesbian life in 1920s Berlin, a thriving yet often overlooked part of queer history. We visit the site of Toppkeller, a famous lesbian bar, and explore how spaces like these provided community and safety for queer women. We also discuss the cultural impact of Claire Waldoff, a lesbian cabaret singer whose songs became anthems of defiance, and Josephine Baker, the bisexual performer who became a sex symbol for all genders.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Nollendorfstraße 17

Christopher Isherwood & The Queer Inspiration for CabaretAt this location, we explore the homosexual department of the Berlin police force, a surprising yet significant aspect of LGBTQIA+ history. This stop also highlights gay male life in 1920s Berlin, featuring the story of Christopher Isherwood, whose writings about his experiences in Berlin inspired the famous Cabaret musical and film. We also discuss his relationship with Heinz Neddermeyer and their escape from Nazi Germany as queer refugees.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Magnus-Apotheke

The World's First LGBTQIA+ Rights MovementMagnus Hirschfeld’s groundbreaking work in LGBTQIA+ activism is at the center of this stop. We discover his Institute for Sexual Science, as well as the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee, the world’s first organization dedicated to queer rights and gender studies. We explore his theories on sexual intermediaries, the concept of Berlin’s third gender, and the world’s first gender-affirming surgeries performed on Dora Richter, Lili Elbe, and Karl M. Baer. We also discuss the fight against Paragraph 175, which criminalized homosexuality, and the destruction of the Institute by the Nazis, a devastating loss for queer history.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Denns BioMarkt

Drag & Queer Nightlife (Former Site of Eldorado)This location was once home to Eldorado, one of Berlin’s most famous drag bars of the 1920s. Eldorado was a hotspot for gender-nonconforming people, queer performers, and even high-profile Nazis like Ernst Röhm, who paradoxically frequented the club while being part of a regime that later persecuted LGBTQIA+ people.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Prinz Eisenherz

Post-War Queer Activism & A Trans IconAt this stop, we discuss post-war LGBTQIA+ activism in Berlin. We explore Homosexuelle Aktion West-Berlin, one of the first queer rights organizations after WWII, and the founding of SchwuZ, one of Berlin’s most iconic queer clubs. We also highlight the life of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a trans woman who preserved Berlin’s queer history and created safe spaces for the community in East Berlin.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Connection

The Trans Community & Queer Club RevolutionThis stop highlights West Berlin’s trans community in the 1970s and 1980s, exploring the impact of Chez Romy Haag, a legendary trans-led nightclub that revolutionized Berlin’s nightlife. This club was a space where gender-diverse people could exist freely, setting the stage for the city’s vibrant queer club culture today.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Internationale Stele GEGEN DAS VERGESSEN

️ The Aids Crisis & Divided BerlinHere, we examine the Aids crisis in Berlin, how it affected the divided city, and how the queer community organized to fight for survival. We discuss the activism of Rita Süssmuth, one of the few politicians advocating for Aids awareness, and how the Berlin Wall was metaphorically called the "condom of the GDR", highlighting the stark differences in how East and West Berlin handled the crisis.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Metropol

Queer Nightlife, Pride & The Fight Against GentrificationOur final stop takes us into the world of queer nightlife and activism today. We explore the Metropol club, its role in the early gay community and techno scene, and its connection to today’s world-famous Berghain and Lab.Oratory. We also discuss SO36’s legendary queer nights, Folsom Europe (Europe’s biggest fetish festival), Kreuzberg Pride, the Dyke March, and the ongoing fight for an affordable city led by the radical Tuntenhaus squat.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Where It All Began: Berlin’s Queer & Trans History Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-101484P3

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Reviews

4.96
25 reviews

Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 25 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
24
4 stars
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2 stars
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On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Where It All Began: Berlin’s Queer & Trans History Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • ✔ Mixies: Take fun, personalized photos with Augmented Reality elements for lasting memories.
  • ✔ 200+ rare historical photos, videos, and archival materials.
  • ✔ Insider tips on Berlin’s modern queer nightlife and events.
  • ✔ Augmented Reality (AR) elements to bring history to life.
  • ✔ Guided walking tour led by a queer activist & gender scholar.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 18..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Where It All Began: Berlin’s Queer & Trans History Tour is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Where It All Began: Berlin’s Queer & Trans History Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • ✔ Mixies: Take fun, personalized photos with Augmented Reality elements for lasting memories
  • ✔ 200+ rare historical photos, videos, and archival materials
  • ✔ Insider tips on Berlin’s modern queer nightlife and events
  • ✔ Augmented Reality (AR) elements to bring history to life
  • ✔ Guided walking tour led by a queer activist & gender scholar
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

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100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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