Why Didn’t More Jews Escape Nazi Germany? One of the most common and heartbreaking questions about the Holocaust is: Why didn’t more Jews leave Germany before the worst happened?  The answer is complex and tragic, involving restrictive immigration policies worldwide, high costs and legal barriers, and deep emotional ties. The story of the MS St. Louis —a ship carrying over 900 Jewish refugees turned away by Cuba, the United States, and Canada in 1939—highlights these challeng

If you’ve ever wandered through the leafy paths of Alexandrowka , the historic Russian colony in Potsdam , you may have noticed something...

Berlin isn’t just about history and hipster cafés — it’s also full of spectacular viewpoints offering sweeping panoramas across the city. From iconic towers and historic domes to secret rooftops and natural hills, here are the best places to get a bird’s eye view of the German capital. 1. Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm) Located at Alexanderplatz, the Fernsehturm is Berlin’s tallest structure at 368 meters. Built in the 1960s by the GDR, the observation deck at 203 meters offers

The Ultimate Guide to Fairytale German Places Near Berlin If you're in Berlin and dreaming of fairytale villages , quaint medieval towns , and streets lined with crooked timber houses , you're not alone. Berlin may be a cultural powerhouse, but when it comes to the classic charm of storybook Germany —with its half-timbered facades, cobblestone alleys, and hilltop castles—you might feel like you’re in the wrong part of the country. The south, particularly Bavaria and the Black

As a private guide in Berlin and Potsdam , I’m often asked — especially during summer walks through Sanssouci’s royal gardens — "Why does the grass look so long and wild? Isn’t this supposed to be a historic park?" It’s a great question — and the answer lies in how cities like Berlin and Potsdam are adapting to climate change  and working to protect biodiversity . 1. Climate Change: Hotter, Drier Summers The Berlin-Brandenburg region is getting noticeably drier . Over the pa

The Day Berlin Got Ghosted by the Pope (Because of a Murdered Priest) Yes, you read that right: Berlin once made the Pope so mad that he...

The Weimar Republic era (1918–1933) was one of the most artistically rich and technically innovative periods in world cinema. While the Academy Awards (Oscars) began in 1929, many of the greatest films and filmmakers had already made their mark on global film history—particularly in Germany. So what if the Oscars had started a decade earlier? There's a compelling case that Weimar-era German cinema would have dominated the awards , with visionary directors, groundbreaking cine

As a private tour guide in Berlin , I spend my days picking up guests from all corners of the city—five-star classics, trendy boutique hotels, and everything in between. One hotel that consistently impresses both me and my guests? Hotel Luc, Autograph Collection . Nestled in the historic heart of Berlin, directly on the elegant Gendarmenmarkt , Hotel Luc blends modern luxury with a wink to Prussian heritage. I’ve had the pleasure of dropping off and picking up countless guest

The Hohenzollern dynasty shaped the rise of Prussia and the German Empire. This guide takes you through the lives, legacies, and burial places of each major Hohenzollern ruler—from The Great Elector, who laid the foundation of Prussian power, to Crown Prince Wilhelm, the last heir to the German throne. The Great Elector – Friedrich Wilhelm (1620–1688) Known as the architect of Prussia’s military and administrative strength, Friedrich Wilhelm modernized his territories and lai

Berlin isn’t just a city—it’s a feeling. A place where history, rebellion, freedom, and creativity collide. Over the decades, artists from all corners of the world have been inspired by its gritty charm, turbulent past, and electric energy. Whether it’s a hymn to its spirit, a tale from its streets, or an anthem that could only come from Berlin, music has always been a powerful mirror of the city’s identity. From classical roots to punk defiance, from Cold War reflections to

On my private tours of Berlin , we talk a lot about the Holocaust and World War II . Like many others, I deeply respect Germany’s efforts in facing its Nazi past. The country has built memorials, integrated Holocaust education into its curriculum, and committed itself to remembrance in ways that set an international example. But when people praise Germany for this, I like to remind them: Germany still has much to learn from itself . One glaring omission in Germany’s process o

Walking through Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz today, nestled in Berlin's Mitte district, you might not realize at first glance that this small,...

May 8th, 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe , a pivotal moment in Berlin’s history and a turning point for the world. This year, Berlin commemorates this milestone with a special public holiday on May 8th  – a one-off day of remembrance and reflection. Bundesarchiv, B 145 Bild-P054320 / Weinrother, Carl / CC-BY-SA 3.0 As the war came to a close in spring 1945, Berlin was the final battleground . The Battle of Seelow Heights  in April 1945 was

When you think of Mark Twain, images of the Mississippi River, mischievous boys, and sharp-witted American humor likely come to mind. But for a brief, fascinating period, Twain found himself far from his familiar American landscapes—he was living in Berlin, the so-called "Chicago of Europe." From October 1891 to March 1892, Twain and his family resided in the German capital, escaping financial woes and seeking relief for his wife’s health concerns. What he found was a city th

Berlin is one of the coolest cities in Europe, offering a mix of history, culture, and modern vibes – perfect for exploring with teenagers. If you're traveling with teens and want to avoid the dreaded “I'm bored” , here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Berlin with teenagers. 1. Explore Berlin’s History – Fun, Not Boring! History doesn't have to be dull! With the right guide , Berlin’s fascinating past can be brought to life for teens. Book a family-friendly w

The Real Anastasia Romanov Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanov was the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, the last emperor of Russia. Born in 1901, Anastasia grew up in a life of luxury amidst her close-knit family until the Russian Revolution of 1917 turned their world upside down. The Romanovs were imprisoned and eventually executed by Bolsheviks in July 1918 in Yekaterinburg. For years, rumors persisted that one or more members of the royal family might have survived the exec

A Culinary Tour Through Berlin: Must-Try Local Dishes Berlin is not just known for its history, culture, and vibrant nightlife — it’s also a city brimming with unique, mouth-watering food. Whether you're a fan of hearty comfort foods or seeking something new, Berlin’s local cuisine has something to offer every type of food lover. From street food to traditional German fare, here’s a guide to the most iconic dishes you absolutely must try when in Berlin. Check out my recommend

When we think of iconic cities, towering skylines like New York’s or Shanghai’s often come to mind. But Berlin, despite its prominence as Germany’s capital, is notably low-rise. Its flat skyline reflects not just historical decisions but also cultural, economic, and geographical factors. The Legacy of the Traufhöhe At the heart of Berlin's low-rise character lies the Traufhöhe , a historical regulation limiting the height of buildings to approximately 22 meters (72 feet). Thi

Bill Skarsgård has a knack for embodying iconic horror figures, and his portrayal of Count Orlok in Robert Eggers' Nosferatu  remake is no exception. However, while modern audiences eagerly anticipate the 2024 adaptation, today we delve into the haunting legacy of the original Nosferatu  from 1922—a film deeply tied to Berlin and German cinema history. Join me on my Weimar Berlin Tour to learn more about the 1920s! Public Domain The Birth of a Horror Icon Nosferatu: Eine Symp

As a tour guide in Berlin , I’m often asked, “Are these cobblestone streets original?” It’s a natural question—Berlin’s cobblestones, with their timeless, weathered character, can appear ancient. Visitors often wonder if they date back to a time before World War II. The truth is, while many of Berlin's cobbled streets do trace their origins to the 19th century, the technique for laying them has evolved, and Berlin still uses many of these traditional methods today. These intr