The Road from Prague to Berlin

The day started with an early morning drive from the historic streets of Prague to the bustling metropolis of Berlin. But before we could even think about exploring, we were faced with a small yet crucial task—getting the infamous green environmental badge that allows vehicles to enter Berlin’s city centre. Navigating German bureaucracy was no easy feat, especially when you learn, much to your dismay, that you can’t just pop into a government office and buy it on the day. Without the original V5C vehicle documents in hand, our options were limited. Fortunately, we discovered an online service to order the badge, which would be sent directly to us—crisis averted, but not without a few sighs of frustration.

Next came the challenge of finding a hotel that could accommodate our rather tall vehicle, affectionately known as Bandit. At 2.1 metres high, Bandit was too tall for the standard 2-metre car parks most hotels offered. After phoning around, we finally struck gold—or so we thought—when The Hilton assured us they had a 2.3-metre clearance. The reality? A high but extremely tight entrance that led us, with a comical twist, not to the car park but the hotel’s repair garage. D'oh indeed! The actual car park turned out to be the dreaded 2 metres, but thankfully, the hotel staff were gracious enough to let us park Bandit outside, amongst the line of posh cars—Bandit was in good company.

Checking into The Hilton was a breeze, and our room was everything we could have hoped for—comfortable, stylish, and with a view that reminded us we were now in the heart of Berlin.

Evening Stroll and a Taste of Berlin

After settling in, we took a leisurely walk and found ourselves at Lutter & Wegner am Gendarmenmarkt, a restaurant recommended by the hotel concierge. The food was rich and delicious, embodying the hearty flavours German cuisine is known for. With satisfied bellies, we decided to walk off the meal, and as we strolled, Dana shared memories of her visit to Berlin back in 1985.

Dana’s recollections were vivid—she spoke of leaving for Berlin at 3 am with her mum and brother, all dressed in old clothes they planned to discard once they bought new ones in the city. Back then, the border crossing into East Germany was a tense experience. The checks were rigorous, and families weren’t allowed to travel together, for fear they might defect to the West. Dana recalled how her mum had sewn money into the hems of their clothes, a precautionary measure that allowed them to buy new garments in Berlin.

A particularly poignant memory was Dana’s first burger, eaten at the TV tower—a luxury she savoured slowly, stretching the experience for as long as possible. From the top of the tower, she and her brother could see the distant lights of West Berlin, including a fairground. They were left wondering what life was like on the other side of the wall—a glimpse into a world that seemed almost magical from where they stood.

Exploring Berlin—History, Culture, and Currywurst

16th August

Friday began with a plan: to see Berlin from all angles. We decided on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, the best way to cover the city’s vast history in a short time. But first, breakfast. We made a stop at Coffee Fellows, indulging in a slice of Bienenstich, or “Bee Sting Cake”—a divine creation of sweet yeast dough filled with creamy custard, topped with a caramelised almond crust. Paired with some banana bread, it was the perfect start to our day.

Our first major stop was Checkpoint Charlie, the most famous crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. For those unfamiliar, this was where, in October 1961, tensions nearly boiled over into outright conflict. The East German border guards, challenging the rights of the Allied forces, led to a dramatic standoff between US and Soviet tanks, with the world holding its breath. For 16 tense hours, the tanks stood face to face, but fortunately, diplomacy won out, and both sides withdrew without a shot being fired. The standoff was a potent reminder of how close the Cold War came to turning hot.

We hopped back on the bus and headed to Alexanderplatz, a major hub of activity in Berlin and a place Dana remembered from her childhood. The area has changed much since 1985, yet the tall white TV tower remains a constant, its presence a reminder of East Berlin’s past. Built in the late 1960s by the German Democratic Republic (GDR) to show off the power and modernity of socialism, the tower stands at 368 metres, making it the tallest structure in Germany. We booked an evening visit to the top, planning to catch the sunset over Berlin.

The bus tour continued along the route of the Berlin Wall, with remnants still visible—most notably at the East Side Gallery. This open-air gallery is a tribute to freedom, where 118 artists from around the world have transformed a section of the wall into a vibrant canvas celebrating its fall.

After a quick break for some authentic currywurst at Curry INN—a dish that lived up to its reputation—we were ready for our next stop: the DDR Museum. Here, we immersed ourselves in the daily life of East Germany, experiencing first-hand the challenges and peculiarities of life behind the Iron Curtain.

Our final destination was the iconic Brandenburg Gate. This neoclassical monument has seen Berlin’s history unfold—once a symbol of division during the Berlin Wall era, it now stands as a powerful emblem of unity and peace. Surrounding the gate are the embassies of the four Allied powers—USA, France, UK, and Russia—whose influence shaped Berlin in the post-war era.

An Evening at the TV Tower

As the day wound down, we made our way to the TV tower for our 7:30 pm slot. After a quick pass through airport-style security, we ascended over 200 metres to the observation deck. The 360-degree views of Berlin were breathtaking, with the city’s landmarks laid out beneath us like a sprawling tapestry. Unfortunately, the clouds rolled in just as the sun was setting, obscuring what we had hoped would be a spectacular sight. Nevertheless, we enjoyed a drink at the bar, watching as Berlin’s lights began to twinkle in the dusk.

Berlin had left a strong impression on us. It’s a city where history is palpable, where every corner tells a story. And though our time here was short, we left with a deeper understanding of its past and a keen appreciation for its vibrant present. It’s a place that beckons you to return, to delve even deeper into its rich tapestry of culture and history.