13-23 deg C, another mostly overcast day, but when the sun did shine, it was quite warm
Walk G: 10km; total: 385km
Walk W: 6km; total: 346km
After breakfast we bought a 24hr transport ticket each to visit places that we hadn’t visited before. It also gave us the opportunity to revisit those sights that we wanted to take another look at. First stop was near the Zoo to see Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, or what’s left of it. Next to it is the New Church that is ultramodern and from the outside looks quite ugly. You get the feeling that in honour of the original old, and beautiful church something more fitting needs to be built. However, maybe an octagonal structure made of concrete and blue glass, is the way to go for a Protestant church. There was an orchestra rehearsing so we sat for a few minutes and listened.
We then wandered the local streets before hopping on another bus and headed to Charlottenburg Palace that is open every other day except Mondays. Never mind, we wandered around the outside for a few photos then moved on.
Next was the Victory Column in the Tiergarten, erected to commemorate victory in the ‘Unification Wars’. It was the first national monument to be erected in the newly formed Prussian empire. It is really tall at 67m and has a dazzling sculpture of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, on top. She alone is 8.3m tall.
Riechstag was next to see if we could get any better pictures; got a few, but the sun hid behind a cloud not long after we arrived. We did have our passports with us, just in case we could get in for a visit, but alas all the times lots were taken for today. Back in the bus to Alexander Platz for Wendy to see the Berlin TV Tower, a 368m tall tower, opened in 1969 (just happens to be the year of her birth) with a viewing gallery at 203m and a revolving restaurant at 207m. We didn’t go up as the dark clouds were rolling in again, so we decided to jump on the next bus and head for home. The next bus was 12 minutes away and fortunately, the stop was beside Dunkin’ Donuts that had large outdoor umbrellas ready and waiting for unsuspecting travelers. Finally made it onto the bus in light drizzle and got off about 75m from our front door.
After a rest, we had our last afternoon drink in the bar before dining. Greg then went for a post dinner underground ride to wherever he could get to. He didn’t get too far before he decided that his intended destination was a tad too far so returned home.
We have both really enjoyed Berlin, Wendy rating it number 2 after Prague, and Greg says it is number 3 for him after Prague and Dresden. We could happily spend another week here but there is new territory out there that we haven’t seen before. Besides, Greg is also missing his bike, and the open road.
And move on we must. We will cycle over four days to get to Hamburg. The weather is not looking so great for the next four days, so stay tuned for further adventures.
A couple of different looking buildings near KW Church
A thread of ‘gold’ (brass) with no explanation at the Church
This might be the Mercedes Benz building
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
New Church
The rather damaged ceiling of the old church
Globe water fountain, with a friendly alligator
Berlin, the sculpture
Random mural
Charlottenburg Palace
A peak through the window of the entrance hall
The Victory Column
Reichstag
Berlin TV Tower
St Marien Church
Red brick Gothic church for Protestant services and home to the Dance of Death fresco, painted in 1485 (Google it if you’re interested, didn’t look very exciting so have not included it)
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