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Cold War Berlin: Espionage, Berlin Wall, and a Divided City

822 Reviews 4.92 out of 5 stars Based on 822 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 99% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Berlin, Germany

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3 hours (approx.)
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Instant confirmation

Overview

Join this expertly guided walking tour of Berlin and step into the heart of the Cold War conflict that defined an era. Witness firsthand the powerful remnants of the military standoff between the Western and communist worlds. With your knowledgeable guide, explore the Berlin Wall and hidden sections of the deadly Death Strip, stand beside a preserved guard tower, and delve into the mysterious underground 'Ghost Stations'.

Stand above the sites of escape tunnels and hear the gripping tales of those who risked everything to create them. Uncover stories of espionage and the intense face-offs between the CIA and KGB in this geopolitical flashpoint. Learn about the influential leaders and pivotal events that kept the world teetering on the edge of nuclear war for decades.

Your guide will bring to life what daily existence was like for Berlin’s residents during nearly 45 years of division and tension, and shed light on the far-reaching consequences that continue to shape our world today.

What's Included

  • Local Expert Guide
  • Berlin Transport AB Zone ticket
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Reichstagufer
101Berlin, Germany

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

End point

Brunnenstraße
10115 Berlin, Germany

The tour concludes at a strategic location surrounded by a multitude of transportation options, offering you seamless and convenient choices for your onward journey.

What To Expect

Berlin Friedrichstrasse Station

The meeting point for your Cold War tour is at Friedrichstrasse Train Station, a historic location at the heart of Berlin’s division. Here, your expert guide will give you an overview of the fascinating three-hour journey ahead, outlining the key sites and stories you'll explore. From there, you'll embark on a unique experience aboard the "ghost train" — an underground route that once connected East and West Berlin during the Cold War. This will set the stage for a deeper understanding of the city's dramatic history, the tension of the divided years, and the personal stories that shaped Berlin's past.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Admiralspalast Berlin

See the location where the East German Political Party (SED) was founded in 1946
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Palace of Tears

The Place of Tears (Tränenpalast) is a poignant site in Berlin, located at Friedrichstrasse Station. This former border crossing was the emotional heart of the city's division during the Cold War, where East and West Berliners were forced to say tearful goodbyes as they were separated by the Berlin Wall. Officially known as the "Palace of Tears," it became a symbol of the heartache caused by the division of families and loved ones.Today, the Tränenpalast houses a museum that tells the story of the emotional and physical toll the Wall took on the lives of Berliners, featuring exhibits about escape attempts, the harsh separation between East and West, and the reunification that followed. As part of your walking tour, you’ll visit this deeply moving site and reflect on the personal stories of loss, longing, and resilience that marked this dramatic chapter of Berlin's history.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bernauer Straße (Pass By)

Take a ghost train ride up to Nordbahnhof. Learn about what happened in a divided city with the underground which went historically from East to West.
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Memorial of the Berlin Wall

The Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial is one of the most significant and moving sites in Berlin for understanding the city's division during the Cold War. Located along the former border between East and West Berlin, this memorial preserves a stretch of the Berlin Wall and the surrounding "Death Strip" where many attempted escapes were tragically thwarted. The memorial includes an open-air exhibition, a preserved section of the Wall, a watchtower, and the Chapel of Reconciliation, offering a vivid glimpse into the harsh realities of life under the Wall. As part of your walking tour, you'll learn about the courage and sacrifices of those who tried to escape, the impact of the Wall on the lives of Berliners, and the eventual reunification that marked a new chapter for the city and the world.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Chapel of Reconciliation

The Church of Reconciliation (Kirche der Versöhnung) in Berlin is a powerful symbol of the city’s history and resilience. Located in the former no-man’s land of the Berlin Wall, this small but significant church was originally built in the 1960s and stood as a beacon of hope during the Cold War. It was severely damaged during the construction of the Wall but was left standing as a symbol of peace and reconciliation. Today, the church serves as a poignant reminder of the division Berlin once experienced and the ongoing journey toward unity. On this walking tour, you’ll visit this historic site and hear the story of its remarkable survival, reflecting on the themes of healing and overcoming adversity.
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10 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
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Please bring a Berlin Transport AB Zone ticket

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Cold War Berlin: Espionage, Berlin Wall, and a Divided City?

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). 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-5560COLDWAR

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Reviews

4.92
822 reviews

Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 822 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
770
4 stars
43
3 stars
5
2 stars
2
1 star
2

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Local Expert Guide
  • Berlin Transport AB Zone ticket
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • 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
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Please bring a Berlin Transport AB Zone ticket
  • As a good amount of walking is involved, comfortable shoes are recommended
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

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).

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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