Since 2008, Matti has been leading private tours of Berlin for travelers from around the world. Over the years, his tours have often been recommended by guests, fellow guides, and travel professionals as some of the most thoughtful and personal private guiding experiences in the city. As founder and lead guide of Tours of Berlin, Matti remains personally involved in shaping every tour and selecting the guides he works with.
About Matti – Founder & Lead Guide of Tours of Berlin
Private Tours of Berlin with Over 15 Years of Guiding Experience
Hi, I’m Matti, founder and lead guide of Tours of Berlin. Since 2008, I’ve been leading private tours of Berlin and am often recommended as one of the city’s best options for travelers looking for a truly personal experience.
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I’m a second-generation Berlin tour guide, following in my mother’s footsteps as she navigated East Berlin in the 1980s. Thankfully, times have changed—and I no longer have to scan my tour groups for KGB or Stasi spies. Born in 1988, I grew up alongside a city reinventing itself after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and I’ve been fascinated by Berlin’s history, contradictions, and stories ever since.
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I gave my first tour at the age of 20, and I’ve been guiding private tours in Berlin professionally since 2008. Over the years, I’ve led thousands of visitors—from first-time travelers and families to journalists, academics, and repeat guests—through Berlin’s streets, helping them understand not just what happened here, but why it matters.
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Along the way, I studied History and English, earned a Master’s Degree in European Studies, lived in New York, and worked with some of the top tour operators in Berlin. When the world hit pause in 2020, I founded Tours of Berlin to offer something different: bespoke, private Berlin tours led by one of the city’s most experienced guides.
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When I’m not guiding, you might hear me on 100,6 FluxFM, performing with my comedy trio A Spoonful of Deutschland, or spending time with my wife (also a former Berlin guide) and our son.
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Guiding isn’t just my profession—it’s my calling. Whether you’re looking for the best private tour of Berlin, a family-friendly experience, or a deeply historical walk tailored entirely to you, I’ll make sure your time in Berlin is unforgettable.​
My Hand-Selected Team of Berlin’s Top Guides
When I’m unavailable, I work with a small, hand-selected group of Berlin’s most experienced guides — colleagues I’ve known and trusted for years to deliver tours at the same high standard.
„Anika was great. She entertained questions we had, and it was exciting to get an insider's perspective. She had an engaging style we enjoyed. We will think about some of her points for a while. In fact we were invigorated by her discussions. We got to see a lot of things we would not have seen otherwise. If you want an insider's take on Berlin, Anika is your tour guide.“
Anika
Anika is one of the outstanding guides I regularly work with at Tours of Berlin, known for her passionate, deeply informed tours that bring the city’s rich and complex history to life. Originally from Germany’s Ruhr area, she moved to Berlin in 2012 after studying in Sheffield and has been guiding since 2016. We met while working for one of the city’s leading tour operators—just one of many top-tier companies that trust her talent and expertise. From Prussian palaces to Cold War intrigue, she covers it all with clarity and enthusiasm. What truly sets her apart is her insider knowledge of Berlin’s street art and alternative scenes—communities she’s been part of since her teens. Anika’s tours are immersive, personal, and unforgettable—offering a rare, authentic look into the heart of Berlin.
"Our tour guide Benjamin was fantastic. He provided us with, not only the history of Berlin, but fascinating tid-bits about the personal lives of various relevant historical figures which kept the tour exciting. If we had more time in Berlin, or when I come back, I would definitely book a tour with this guide, again! Thank you for a wonderfully interesting tour!"
Benjamin
Benjamin is one of the Berlin-based guides I regularly work with at Tours of Berlin, bringing deep roots in the city and a rare international perspective to his tours. He was first drawn here in 2007 and returned regularly before making it his permanent home. Originally from the U.S. and Israel, he brings a rare combination of international perspective and local insight, shaped by years of guiding diplomats, teaching philosophy and culture, and exploring Berlin’s layered history. A passionate historian and member of the Jewish community, Benjamin offers thoughtful, in-depth tours that connect the city's complex past with its vibrant present — especially its rich Jewish heritage and the evolving German-Jewish story.
" We were able to experience Carlos as an expert, funny and extremely friendly guide. We saw the city with new eyes, discovered gems on the side of the road that would otherwise have been carelessly passed by and were well entertained with amusing anecdotes, small purrs and all sorts of amazing references to the here and now. Definitely recommend"
Carlos
One of the guides I work with at Tours of Berlin is Carlos, whose strong connection to Berlin and German history goes far beyond his (admittedly exotic) half–Costa Rican name. With family roots in what became East Germany, relatives who settled in West Berlin in the 1950s, and a childhood in Bonn while his father worked for the West German government, history has always been part of his life. Carlos studied history in England at Lancaster, Oxford, and York, completed a PhD, and now also works as a history teacher at an international school in Berlin. In addition to his Berlin tours he spends summers leading educational trips across Germany and Central Europe with Rick Steves.
„Jamie was our guide. He is the BEST guide we’ve ever had. An archaeologist, he is passionate about history and brought history to life for us. Jamie captured all our attention, adults and kids alike, including an eleven year old, with all the historical accounts and interesting facts. He had a wealth of historical knowledge and was able to answer the many questions we directed at him.“
Jamie
Jamie is one of the most academically accomplished guides I work with at Tours of Berlin. After moving to Berlin in 1999, he built a reputation as a highly respected historical guide with a rare archaeological background. He hails from the Isle of Wight and is trained as an archaeologist with degrees in history and archaeology from London. Jamie has lectured at Durham and Humboldt Universities and spent over fifteen years directing excavations across Europe — from Roman Britain to Pompeii. His work as a field archaeologist in Berlin uncovered key insights into the city's medieval past, grounding his tours in firsthand knowledge and academic depth. With this rare combination of scholarly expertise and local experience, it’s no surprise he’s been one of Berlin’s top guides since 2004.
„Martin is impressively knowledgeable, an excellent public speaker, fun, clear, has a wicked sense of humor that kept us all engaged and interested for the entire tour.
We can't thank him enough for making us discover and love Berlin.“
Martin
Martin is one of the guides I collaborate with at Tours of Berlin, instantly recognizable by his beard and his wealth of stories shaped by East German roots. Raised just outside Berlin in Oranienburg, he spent 11 years working as a guide and receptionist at the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp memorial, gaining profound firsthand knowledge of one of the region’s most important historical sites. He studied English and Social Sciences at Humboldt University and has been sharing Berlin’s history with visitors since 2015. As a father of two young daughters, Martin brings the same dedication and patience to his tours as he does to parenting—making his storytelling both engaging and deeply personal.
„Nickolai is a true gem. From being open in sharing his own storied past with to being immensely knowledgable about the vast history of Berlin, Nickolai was for us the true star of our entire three-day trip to Berlin. We all felt his perspective was well-founded, well-researched, and well-explained. More than all of that though, it was his contagious passion and clear excitement for the city's history that truly made our four hours with him memorable, enjoyable, and something we were all instantly eager to recommend to our friends and family.“
Nickolai
Nickolai is one of the most experienced guides I collaborate with at Tours of Berlin, bringing a truly global background to his storytelling. He describes his heritage perfectly: Bulgarian roots, an American mind, a body settled in Germany, and a heart in Israel. Growing up between Bulgaria and the US, he studied Directing and Theatrical Production in Chicago before moving to Bonn and finally Berlin in 2006. With with extensive experience as a Berlin tour guide, including working closely with me early on in my guiding career, Nickolai brings a unique blend of cultural insight and storytelling flair. A true global citizen, he has traveled to over 75 countries, enriching his tours with a broad, worldly perspective.
„Ryan is a 12 on a scale of 10! He is an incredibly knowledgable, competent and experienced guide in Berlin. But he is a lot more than that. He has deep insight into the history, politics, culture and humanity that have evolved in Berlin over the last century. And he is a great communicator while also being a fun and engaging companion during his tours. We could not have been happier with our time with Ryan.“
Ryan
Ryan is one of the highly experienced guides I collaborate with at Tours of Berlin, bringing deep historical knowledge and an engaging style to every tour. He comes from Scotland—and yes, his unmistakable Scottish accent is part of his charm. After studying Modern History and Literature in Glasgow, he moved to Berlin in 2008 and began guiding tours just a year later. Since then, he’s become one of the city’s most sought-after guides, known for his deep knowledge and engaging style. Ryan also shares his expertise beyond tours through his popular educational video series, „Berlin Reguided“, making Berlin’s history accessible to a wide audience. With over a decade of local experience, Ryan offers both authenticity and passion to every tour he leads.
"Hands down the best tour I’ve ever taken. Tina was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the city of Berlin and its history. She was warm, charismatic and engaging, sensitive to our group’s needs and flexible when it came to working in bathroom and coffee breaks when needed. We haven’t stopped talking about how great our experience with Tina was since. I can’t recommend Tina’s tours highly enough and would give her 100 stars if possible."
Tina
Tina is one of the guides I work with at Tours of Berlin, known for her warm, engaging style and her ability to adapt tours seamlessly to her guests’ needs. Since discovering Berlin during an immersive history trip in 2017, she quickly embraced the city’s energy and diversity, choosing to make it her home. Fluent in German and an active member of the Berlin Guides Association, Tina combines her background in psychology with a keen curiosity for Berlin’s politics, architecture, arts, and unique local stories. Her energetic and engaging guiding style brings the city’s past and present vividly to life, offering visitors a rich and authentic exploration beyond the usual landmarks.
"Anja was our tour guide. She was great! So enthusiastic and encouraged questions and knew so much history! Would recommend this tour!"
Anja
Meet Anja, born near Magdeburg in the former GDR. Since 2014, she has called Berlin home. With a background in prehistory and anthropology from the University of Hamburg, she has been a museum guide since 2005, sharing stories of ancient Romans and Germanic tribes across various museums. In 2014, she settled in Berlin and transitioned into city guiding. She currently works with Original Berlin Walks, Insider Tours, and the Museum in Berlin-Karlshorst. Berlin holds a special place in her heart as one of the most wonderful cities in the world. She takes great joy in showcasing its fascinating past to visitors, whether it's the highlights, Berlin under National Socialism, or Berlin during the Cold War.
"Claas was our guide and he was excellent. 4 hours with a family of 7, 2 adults, 2 grandparents, and 3 children must’ve seemed daunting, but he was so positive, upbeat, patient, and informative. We were able to see everything we wanted to see and then some more. He was a wealth of knowledge, and we loved learning from him. Exactly what we were looking for."
Claas
One of the guides I work with at Tours of Berlin is Claas, whom I’ve known since we collaborated on a tour guide segment for a major Berlin radio station. Claas, widely known as "Stadtführer Claas," has been sharing daily Berlin stories and anecdotes for Berliner Rundfunk 91.4 since 2016, bringing the city’s history and quirks to life for locals. His deep love for Berlin started in childhood, growing up in Kreuzberg near the Wall and spending weekends along the Havel. Over the years, his experience—from taxi driving across West Berlin to traveling internationally—has made him a storyteller with unparalleled knowledge and passion for the city.
„Dennis is extremely knowledgeable, very personable and a delightful person. Our six hours flew by and he was happy to accommodate our individual needs. He answered all our questions (some very difficult!) with both clarity and detail. A really nice guy, too.“
Dennis
Dennis is one of those rare true Berliners and the Berlin Story Teller - born and raised in the former American sector of West Berlin, with the city in his blood and stories to match. He’s been a professional guide since 2007, and I’ve known him since those early days, when we were both just starting out — and studying History together at the University of Potsdam (he also holds a degree in German Literature). Dennis is a natural storyteller with a deep love for Berlin and a gift for bringing its past to life. We also share a friendly rivalry over who’s visited more UNESCO World Heritage Sites… though if you ask him who’s ahead, don’t expect a straight answer.
"Jochen was an excellent guide with an impressive depth and breadth of knowledge about Berlin and Germany more widely - including history, art and architecture, politics and German culture. He also has great personal and local familiarity with the city and gave us excellent restaurant tips. Jochen paced the walk very well. He was responsive to our interests and questions throughout. We’d thoroughly recommend Jochen to future visitors."
Jochen
Jochen is a Berlin-based food journalist and historian originally from Hamburg, who fell for the city’s layered charm as a student and never looked back. With a background in Art History and Philosophy from Berlin and Rome, and a journalism degree from the Hamburg Journalism School, he combines academic insight with a storyteller’s flair. He writes regularly for food and history magazines and has spent years exploring Berlin’s past — from its Prussian foundations to Cold War complexities. A seasoned guide with deep local knowledge, Jochen leads tours across Berlin and Potsdam, with a special passion for his home turf in Prenzlauer Berg, where he brings the district’s hidden histories vividly to life.
"Natalie gave such a great architecture and history tour of Berlin. As architects we were keen to explore various types of architecture. Natalie took the time to plan a bespoke tour itinerary for us which was great. She is a wealth of knowledge, all delivered in an enjoyable and friendly manner. Highly recommend."
Natalie
Natalie is a Berlin-based architect-turned-guide who has made the city her home since discovering its rich history and vibrant architecture on an extended visit. With a background in architecture and urban design, she offers unique tours that reveal how Berlin’s complex past is literally written in its buildings. Passionate about making history accessible and engaging, Natalie specializes in tailored private tours—including family-friendly explorations, Sachsenhausen memorial visits, and Potsdam excursions—that bring the city’s stories to life through the lens of design and culture. Her deep local knowledge and commitment to personalized experiences ensure every guest sees Berlin from a fresh, inspiring perspective.
„You must request Phillipa (aka Pip) because she was incredible! We have traveled to many cities and taken many tours, but Pip was by far the best guide we have had. She perfectly weaved the dark history of the city in with the modern city of Berlin, and brought humor and fun to the entire thing.“
Pip
Pip is a passionate Berlin expert who has called the city home since 2013. Originally from Merseyside near Liverpool, she brings over a decade of guiding experience combined with an academic background in History and Gender History from Liverpool and Edinburgh. Deeply embedded in Berlin’s cultural scene, Pip works as a programme coordinator for international students and shines on the city’s comedy improv stages as part of an award-winning group. She also co-hosts a popular podcast dedicated to Berlin’s history, sharing the city’s stories with both locals and visitors alike. Pip’s long-term residence and active involvement in Berlin’s cultural and educational life make her an authentic and insightful guide for anyone wanting to explore the city beyond the usual surface.
"It was an unforgettable experience, largely thanks to our phenomenal guide, Tiago. From the moment we met, Tiago made us feel incredibly welcome and at home. His warm personality and genuine enthusiasm set the perfect tone for the tour."
Tiago
Tiago has made Berlin his home for over a decade, turning what was supposed to be a brief stay into a lifelong passion. With a sharp eye for history and culture, he’s become an expert not only in Berlin’s rich past but also in the fascinating stories of nearby Potsdam. As a multilingual guide fluent in Portuguese, English, and German, Tiago leads personalized tours that seamlessly blend history, local food culture, and hidden gems. Beyond guiding, he’s deeply embedded in the city’s vibrant community as a successful entrepreneur and wine bar owner in Kreuzberg. Guests consistently praise his detailed knowledge, friendly approach, and ability to tailor each experience to their interests — making Tiago a trusted source for exploring Berlin and Potsdam beyond the usual sights.