Berlin's Strangest and Most Unusual Public Viewpoints
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Berlin’s Strangest and Most Unusual Public Viewpoints

Berlin: a city that’s known for its history, art, underground culture, and a nightlife that just won’t quit. But did you know that it also boasts some of the strangest and most unusual public viewpoints? That’s right! Berlin is teeming with oddball spots that offer a unique perspective of the city. So, grab your vintage camera, put on your thrift-store coat and prepare to discover some of Berlin’s most peculiar outlooks. And once you’re done, don’t worry, we’ve got more!

First on our list is the Berliner Unterwelten (Berlin Underworlds) tour. This subterranean adventure takes you deep beneath the streets of the city, into a labyrinth of bunkers and tunnels that were once used as air raid shelters during World War II. Here, you’ll get an eerie, yet fascinating look at Berlin’s past, while enjoying a truly unique perspective of the city from below. Spooky, huh?

Next, let’s head to the top of the Teufelsberg (Devil’s Mountain). This artificial hill was constructed during the Cold War using rubble from the bombed-out buildings of WWII. What makes this spot truly unusual is the abandoned NSA listening station perched at the top. Covered in graffiti and surrounded by rumors of espionage, the Teufelsberg offers a bizarre, post-apocalyptic vibe that you won’t find anywhere else in Berlin. Not to mention, the view from the top is absolutely stunning!

Continuing with our offbeat journey, we arrive at the quirky Molecule Man sculpture. This 100-foot tall aluminum artwork is located in the middle of the Spree River and consists of three gigantic human figures seemingly locked in a molecular embrace. To get the best view of this strange sight, hop on a boat tour or stroll along the riverbank. Don’t forget to snap a picture for the ‘gram!

Now, let’s step back in time to the 1960s at the iconic Plattenbau buildings of East Berlin. These prefabricated concrete structures were once symbols of socialist architecture, but today they stand as unique relics of the city’s divided past. For a truly unusual perspective, head to the top of one of these buildings and soak in the panoramic views of Berlin’s sprawling cityscape. Talk about a blast from the past!

Ready for a bit of whimsy? Next, we’ll visit the stunning Bierpinsel (Beer Brush) tower. This quirky, tree-like structure was originally designed as a restaurant and bar during the 1970s, but today it stands abandoned and covered in colorful street art. Located in the Steglitz neighborhood, the Bierpinsel is a must-see for anyone craving a truly offbeat Berlin experience. Just imagine the stories this building could tell!

For those who prefer a more immersive experience, the Spreepark is the perfect destination. This abandoned amusement park has become an urban playground for adventurers, artists, and photographers. With its rusting ferris wheel, decaying roller coaster, and overgrown dinosaur sculptures, the Spreepark offers a haunting, yet oddly beautiful view of Berlin’s forgotten past. Just be careful not to get caught trespassing!

Have you ever wanted to experience Berlin from the perspective of a bird? Well, now you can at the soaring Siegessäule (Victory Column). This massive monument, topped with a golden statue of Victoria, offers some of the most breathtaking views in the city. But the real fun begins as you climb the narrow spiral staircase to the observation deck – it’s not for the faint of heart! Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with an unparalleled view of Berlin that’s well worth the effort.

Now, let’s take a stroll through the enchanting Tiergarten park, where you’ll discover an unexpected treasure: the Soviet War Memorial. This imposing monument, featuring a massive statue of a Soviet soldier, offers an unusual view of Berlin’s history, as well as a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the soldier – it’s not every day you get to hang out with a piece of history!

If you’re looking for a truly unique perspective of Berlin’s skyline, the Flakturm Humboldthain is the place to be. This former anti-aircraft tower was constructed during WWII and now stands as a stark reminder of the city’s turbulent past. Climb to the top and take in the panoramic views, or explore the adjacent bunker on a guided tour. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!

We’ve reached the end of our list, but don’t worry, there’s still more to explore! Berlin is a city filled with hidden gems and unusual viewpoints, so grab your bike, lace up your boots, and get out there to discover all the weird and wonderful sights this city has to offer. And as they say in Berlin, “Allet jut?” – Everything’s good!

Helpful Q&A:

Q: What are some of the strangest and most unusual public viewpoints in Berlin?

A: Berlin is a city filled with history, art, and unique architecture, so it’s no surprise that it offers some truly strange and unusual public viewpoints. Some of these include the Teufelsberg, an abandoned Cold War-era listening station that offers panoramic views of the city; the Viktoriapark, which features a picturesque waterfall and a monument on top of a hill; and the Bierpinsel, a quirky tower resembling a tree house in the Steglitz neighborhood. Other noteworthy viewpoints are the Flakturm Humboldthain, a WWII anti-aircraft tower turned urban garden and climbing wall, and the Klunkerkranich, a rooftop bar and cultural space atop a parking garage in Neukölln.

Q: Are these viewpoints easily accessible by public transport?

A: Yes, most of these unusual viewpoints are easily accessible by public transport. Berlin has an extensive network of buses, trams, U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (overground) trains that can take you to these locations quite conveniently. For instance, the Teufelsberg can be reached by taking the S-Bahn to Grunewald station and then walking or cycling through the Grunewald forest. Viktoriapark is a short walk from the U-Bahn station Platz der Luftbrücke, while Bierpinsel is right next to the Schloßstraße U-Bahn station. The Flakturm Humboldthain is near the S-Bahn station Gesundbrunnen, and Klunkerkranich can be accessed from the Rathaus Neukölln U-Bahn station.

Q: Are there any entrance fees to access these viewpoints?

A: Most of these unusual viewpoints are free to access, with some exceptions. For example, the Teufelsberg listening station typically charges a small entrance fee of around €8 for a self-guided tour, although the surrounding grounds can be explored for free. The Flakturm Humboldthain offers guided tours for a fee, but you can also walk around the park and see the exterior of the tower at no cost. The Klunkerkranich rooftop bar has a small entrance fee of €3-5, depending on the time of day, but it’s well worth it for the extraordinary view and atmosphere.

Q: What is the best time of day to visit these viewpoints for the best views and experience?

A: The ideal time to visit these viewpoints can vary depending on the specific location and atmosphere you’re seeking. Generally, early morning and late afternoon or evening are the best times to enjoy beautiful views with soft, warm lighting. However, some viewpoints, like the Klunkerkranich rooftop bar, might be more enjoyable in the evening when the space comes alive with music, events, and a lively crowd. On the other hand, a place like Viktoriapark can be quite serene and peaceful in the early morning, making it a perfect spot for a quiet stroll or a morning jog.

Q: Are there any guided tours available for these unusual viewpoints in Berlin?

A: While some of these unusual viewpoints, like the Teufelsberg and Flakturm Humboldthain, offer guided tours for a fee, others are more suitable for self-guided exploration. Additionally, several tour operators in Berlin offer themed tours that may include stops at some of these unique viewpoints, like street art tours, historical tours, or alternative Berlin tours. You can also find plenty of resources online or in guidebooks to help you plan your own self-guided tour of these strange and unusual public viewpoints.

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