Berlin Wall Memorial

Overview

The Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Straße is the central memorial site of German division. It preserves the last piece of the Wall with the full depth of its fortification system — the "death strip" between inner and outer walls.

Highlights

• Documentation Center: A free exhibition with photographs, films, and audio recordings of escape attempts.
• Viewing platform: Elevated terrace overlooking the preserved death strip.
• Chapel of Reconciliation: A modern rammed-earth chapel built on the site of a church demolished by the GDR in 1985.

History

Bernauer Straße became world-famous in August 1961 when residents jumped from their apartment windows into the French sector below. The memorial, opened in stages from 1998 to 2014, spans 1.4 km along the former border.

Visitor Tips

• Start at the visitor center: The free exhibition provides essential context before walking the outdoor trail.
• Full walk: The open-air exhibition stretches 1.4 km — allow time for the complete route.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.