If you’ve spent any time in Berlin, you’ve likely heard the joke: “David Hasselhoff brought down the Berlin Wall.” It’s one of those myths that’s so absurd, so kitschy, and so deeply German that it almost feels true. And like many Berlin stories, it contains just enough fact, chaos, and cultural memory to keep it alive. So what is  the deal with Hasselhoff and Berlin? Why do so many people still connect the star of Baywatch  and Knight Rider  with one of the most important ge

If you’re wondering why German Christmas  feels so magical—or planning to travel to Germany during the festive season—you’re in for a treat. From Christmas Eve gift-giving  to the charming St. Nicholas Day  and the world-famous Christmas tree tradition , Germany has shaped many of the holiday customs we celebrate around the world. Let’s take a closer look. And don’t miss the chance to join me on a magical Berlin tour during the Christmas season! Be sure to also check out my c

As one of Berlin’s leading private tour guides , I meet many travelers staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin — a property that has long set the standard for five-star hospitality at Potsdamer Platz. Whether guests are in town for business, a special occasion, or just a few days of sightseeing, this hotel often comes up in conversations as a favorite for its polished elegance, personal service, and sense of calm in the middle of the city’s buzz. This review brings together my o

By Matti — Berlin Tour Guide & WWII History Specialist Are you traveling to Berlin and fascinated by World War II history? I’ve guided visitors from all over the world for more than 15 years, and as a partner of the National WWII Museum in New Orleans , I’ve designed what I believe is the most complete and easy-to-follow WWII itinerary in Berlin  — no matter how long you’re staying. Whether you have one day or five , this itinerary gives you the perfect mix of guided tours ,

As a WWII historian and Berlin tour guide , I’ve spent my career walking in the footsteps of the war that shaped the modern world. I also collaborate with the National WWII Museum in New Orleans , which organizes expert-led tours across Europe. I meet countless travelers who are deeply interested in WWII history — but aren’t sure where to start. If that’s you, this guide is for you. I know firsthand which places are truly worth visiting and which are more touristy stops. From

As a private tour guide in Berlin — and as someone who grew up in East Germany — I get this question constantly:“Are there still differences between East and West Berlin?” My short answer: Yes and no. At least, not in the way people expect. See where the Cold War still leaves its mark — join my Cold War Walking Tour of Berlin! On the Streets: The Subtle Architectural Story Many first-time visitors assume they can spot the old East by its gray concrete blocks or socialist arch

Berlin has always been more than a backdrop to history — it’s a magnet for genius, scandal, and reinvention. From Beethoven’s stormy improvisations before the Prussian court to Munch’s controversial exhibition that shook the city’s art world, from Tchaikovsky’s encounters with the Berlin Philharmonic to Michael Jackson waving from the Adlon balcony — the German capital has quietly shaped, and been shaped by, some of the world’s most iconic artists and dreamers. These are thei

When I’m not guiding visitors around Berlin, I work as a radio journalist  — and for the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Wall, I...

Berlin has always been a city of newcomers. From Huguenots in the 17th century to today’s international students and tech workers, the...

The question “Did Hitler have children?”  continues to intrigue guests on my WW2 and Third Reich walking tours of Berlin . Adolf Hitler...

The Truth Behind the “Berlin Ghetto” Myth Many visitors search for where the Jewish ghetto in Berlin was . The surprising answer: there...

Few artifacts capture the world’s imagination like the 3,300-year-old Bust of Nefertiti. Crafted around 1353 BCE in the workshop of the...

The BMW Berlin Marathon  isn’t just another race – it’s one of the world’s great running events, part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors alongside Boston, New York, London, Chicago, and Tokyo. Every September, more than 45,000 runners from over 150 countries take to Berlin’s streets. Whether you’re running or cheering, here’s everything you need to know. Join me on a private guided tour of Berlin , and check out my lists of recommended hotels , restaurants and this guide to

Planning a day trip to Potsdam from Berlin? You're in for a treat— Potsdam is one of the most beautiful and historically rich cities ...

Hey thriller authors—Dan Brown, James Rollins, Steve Berry:  You’ve scoured Vatican archives, cracked codes in Washington D.C., and...

Berlin may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking of World War I tourism—unlike Verdun, Ypres, or the Somme, it saw no battlefronts, bombings, or trench warfare. Yet, as the capital of the German Empire during the war, Berlin was the political nerve center of a collapsing monarchy and the stage for the country’s shift into republicanism. The remnants of that era are scattered and subtle, but for those who look closely, Berlin offers a compelling mosaic of site

Planning a trip and wanting to see the best Christmas markets in Germany? I got you. As a private guide in Berlin and avid traveler, I’ve...

Why Haven’t These Incredible Berlin Stories Been Turned Into Movies Yet? Future Directors, Listen Up: These Berlin Stories Deserve the...

Learn more about stories like this by booking a Sachsenhausen memorial tour with me. In the summer of 1936, as the world’s eyes turned to Berlin for the Olympic Games, a new Nazi concentration camp was being built just north of the capital: Sachsenhausen . Among the athletes competing that year was Włodzimierz Długoszewski , a talented Polish rower, sports journalist, and public intellectual. He proudly captained the Polish rowing team to Olympic bronze . What he couldn’t kno

Berlin's skyline is a living chronicle of architectural evolution, reflecting the city's rich history and its embrace of innovation. From the stately edifices of Prussian architects like Karl Friedrich Schinkel and Andreas Schlüter, who infused the city with neoclassical and baroque elegance, to the revolutionary designs of Bauhaus pioneers such as Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Berlin showcases a tapestry of styles. Post-World War II reconstruction invited a gl