Another prominent landmark anywhere in Berlin is the Holocaust Memorial, designed for remembrance, examination, and education about the Holocaust, it is officially known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. It touches German citizens, especially the youth of today – a generation that would have never known the horrors of such conflicts otherwise – and helps them understand the relevance and history of one of the most tragic events in modern history. For visitors who expect to be more emotionally imbued and educated while traversing this great memorial in the German capital, you’ve stepped into the right article.
This guide aims to cover nearly all that you will require beforehand and during your visit: reaching the memorial from the airport, essential sights of interest, and suggestions for plans and actions.
How to Get to the Holocaust Memorial from Berlin Airport
Berlin Airports are divided into three as of now (December 2020): Berlin Brandenburg Airport or to two others that played a role in the construction of the Brandenburg Airport Berlin or TXL and Shore Aerodrome, which has been recently withdrawn. On this note, people cooperate towards the goal of reaching Berlin – as it is the destination for most travelers.
Here’s how to get there:
By Taxi: What may be the easiest and quickest way of getting to the Holocaust Memorial is by taking a taxi. In normal conditions, the journey lasts between 30 and 40 minutes. It will cost you about €40-€50 for the trip. Berlin Airport Taxi is the reliable and affordable option for your transfer to Holocaust Memorial.
By Public Transport: There is an efficient and cheap public transport system in Berlin, making it easy to get to the Holocaust Memorial. From Berlin Brandenburg airport (BER) take the S9 S-Bahn (S-Bahn is a Berlin suburb train) in the direction of Pankow. Get off at the Friedrichstraße station (should take about 30 minutes ride).
From there it is a five-minute walk to the Holocaust Memorial. Take any of the Friedrich Street turn right to Unter den Linden and keep walking towards the Brandenburg Gate. The memorial is a short distance away, located on Cora-Berliner-Straße.
Alternatively, a bus may be taken from the airport. The TXL bus will take you first to the Zoologischer Garten station and from there you can take a U-Bahn (underground train) line or walk towards your destination.
Pre-purchase tickets for the public transport system for about 3.80 Euros for about one trip from the airport to downtown and these are located in vending machines positioned strategically at the airports.
Private Transfer Service: For those who are looking for greater comfort or traveling in groups, you may want to think about getting a private transfer or car hire service from the airport. You can be taken directly to the Holocaust Memorial by Private Transfers such as Minibus Hire Berlin with no trouble at all. It’s suitable if privacy and comfort are what you are looking for.
For the Holocaust Memorial Visit
The holocaust memorial is a very touching area and therefore the visitors are asked to remember the millions of Jews and others who still lost their lives during the Holocaust. Peter Eisenman was the architect who designed the memorial, which was completed and opened to the public in 2005 and consists of 2711 concrete slabs (stelae) of varying heights laid out in a grid over a large area.
As one moves through overlapping concrete slabs and the ground slopes with some sections, that are over 15 feet high, the entire structure feels as though it is engulfing you. It is a very open-ended design and also very experiential and allows the visitor to consider what the space means to them.
Key Features of the Holocaust Memorial:
The stelae: The ensemble of these sculptured pillars is the most notable aspect of the memorial. The stelae vary in size and shape, adding to a disorientating experience as one strides across the field. Depending on the position of the participant, some may feel in a constricted place, while others may feel in a great place. However, this sense of seclusion is discomforting and sought after because it is highly representative of the loss, chaos, and sorrow that the Holocaust epitomized.
The information center: Below the memorial, there is one such facility that provides more background as well as displays about the Holocaust. The facility is accessible to the public 7 days a week and has several interactive displays that focus on personal accounts of genocide committed photographs, and documents related to the Holocaust. It is almost impossible to use this center if you wish to understand better the intentions behind the construction of the memorial.
Separate rooms and divisions of the center include a history of the Holocaust in the order it happened and even testimonies from survivors. People can explore the museum independently with self-guided tours, and if needed, there are audio guide tours in a variety of languages. Focus on spending at minimum an hour in this facility, especially if one wishes to research the large collection of testimonials and exhibits.
Reflection and Remembrance: The purpose of this memorial is to deepen the pain as well as the feeling of solitude of an individual and therefore, it is an area for personal contemplation. It is neither a forum for boisterous exchanges nor frivolity. The loss of life and the horrors of hatred, bigotry, and racism is what this memorial seeks to engage the visitors in.
The Architecture: The memorial's design - the placement of the slabs in an apparently haphazard and orthogonal arrangement - has attracted attention in architectural circles for quite a while. Some find it exasperating but others enjoy the whole emptiness and how the design concept of the place invites the visitors to come and think.
Tips for Visiting the Holocaust Memorial
Respect the Space: There are no loud voices or laughter heard at the Holocaust Memorial as it is a place of mourning. Visitors must behave themselves and ensure that they do not make excessive noise and remain aware of their surroundings.
Timing Your Visit: The memorial is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, hence it can be visited at any time. Nevertheless, if you wish to avoid crowds, you may want to go in the early hours of the day or later in the evening.
Weather Considerations: Since the Holocaust Memorial is situated outdoors, it is wise to dress depending on the season and climate. If the weather is too warm, water and caps are necessary while if it is cold, vests may be worn. If one requires some covering, the information center is located indoors.
Guided Tours: Although visitors may tour the memorial site without the need for a guide, guided tours are provided, which give the visitors aid in understanding the historical significance of the memorial. The tours can be pre-booked or once at the information center, one can pick a guidebook on the site.
Combine with Nearby Attractions: The Holocaust Memorial has the advantage of being located in an important part of German Berlin which also has great sites of attractions like the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Parliament, and the Tiergarten Park. Once one is through with the memorial, it is worthwhile to stroll around these places as they are quite popular in their own right.
Conclusion
The very presence of the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin makes the city a unique one in world geography. It serves and reminds all communities around the world not to portray hatred that drove humans to one of their darkest moments. There should be tolerance and acceptance, which should be present in every community across the world.
The commitment of the memorial integrates it seamlessly into the infrastructure of the city, making it easy to combine with a variety of other pursuits, including a visit to Berlin bölmer Berlin Brandenburg Airport or any other of the city locations. The massive area of stelae as well as the information center are recommended to get acquainted with and the memory of the site should also be regarded. Essential sight for everyone interested in historical Berlin and the legacy of the Holocaust as a whole.
