Berlin, Germany's capital, is unique in its mix of medieval and modern buildings. The Germans take great pride in their city, taking a familiar look at what surprises visitors, but they're always happy to advise where to go and what to see.
Don't let the small number of facts about Berlin put you off because it's a city full of surprises, with more and more to come at every turn.
Fact 1: Significant
In 1989, the 160-kilometre-long Berlin Wall was demolished, dividing the city into Western and Eastern sections. Fragments of the wall remain, and guided tours commemorate the gruesome legacy and the tragedy associated with it. If you're lucky, you might even take a pebble from the wall as a souvenir and a memento of your trip to this historic site.
Fact 2: Record-breaking
If you ask any traveller where the most bridges in European cities are, most will think of Venice. It turns out that this is not the case. Berlin has surpassed the 'city on water' regarding the number of crossings over bodies of water. Depending on the definition (water bridges, road bridges, etc.) one can count between 969 to 2100 bridges, many of which are monuments of architecture. Bridges are known to be the best places for a date, so go for it in Berlin!
Fact 3: Practical
Berlin has more than 180 kilometres of waterways so you can plan a trip around the city by boat or boat. Make sure you rent a slow boat with a guide driver, and you'll have a colourful journey to remember. We recommend you bring anti-seasickness pills just in case, but this is more of a precaution for those sensitive to aquatic adventures.
Fact 4: The highest point
No matter where you are in Berlin, one of the city's landmarks, the 368-metre-high TV Tower, is visible from everywhere. It is the tallest and most important building in Germany and has an impressive view; it also prevents tourists from getting lost in the metropolis and keeps their bearings in sight.
Fact 5. There is never too much culture
The locals say, humorously, that there are more museums in Berlin than there are days in a year when it rains. Indeed, Germany's capital boasts a record number of museums (including those for children), no less than 175 of them! Each of the museums tells a fascinating story and one of them even houses Napoleon's hat, which fell off his head during the Battle of Waterloo.
Fact 5. Capital of the dog lovers
Berlin is one of the most pet-friendly cities in Germany. In 2011 and in 2012, the city was voted Germany's most dog-friendly city. There are more than 200.000 dogs in Berlin. There are 114,968 registered dogs (yes, you need to register your dog in Germany and pay taxes) and counting also the unregistered dogs, the estimations would go above 200.000 dogs.
Fact 7. Zoo leader
Berlin's zoo leads the world in the number of animals. Today, there are around 1,500 animal species, with a total number of over 17,000 inhabitants. Due to the city's division in the past, Berlin had two zoos, which still operate in different locations today.
Fact 8. The largest department store in continental Europe
Berlin is home to Kaufhaus des Westens — or KaDeWe — the largest department store in continental Europe. It has 60,000 square metres of floor space, with shops spread over six floors, the equivalent of eight football fields. It has 64 escalators, 26 lifts and around 34,000 items for sale. About 50,000 people visit this unique shop, built in 1907, daily.
Fact 9. A city of streets with the same name
In Berlin, it is very easy to find the house and the owner, as the owner's name is often written on the signs instead of the numbering. Another specificity that every tourist visiting Berlin should be aware of: there are so many streets in this city with the same name!
For example, Berlin has nine Lindenstrasse, eight Kastanienallee, seven Hauptstrasse, seven Rosenstrasse, four Breitestrasse, three Friedrichstrasse, three Kaiserstrasse, six Bismarkstrasse and three Blumenstrasse. It is therefore advisable to double-check on the map in advance which street your hotel is located on.
Fact 10: Berlin is ahead of the rest of the world
Berlin can take a round of applause because it was here that the first traffic light was installed, and Berlin's transport system is truly astonishing in size. Although information about its exact length varies, it is known to be so long that it circles the planet 8.7 times a day. It's a transport system surpassing even megacities like Paris and London.
Welcome to Germany, to hospitable Berlin, where your world will never be the same again. We've got many exciting things to do, but in the meantime, learn a little about the children's and family activities in this beautiful city.
