Friedrichstrasse Berlin

Audio Guide Friedrichstrasse

 

Friedrichstrasse is one of the most important streets in Berlin, stretching for 3.5 kilometres through the districts of Mitte and Kreuzberg. The street was named in honour of Friedrich III, elected in 1688, who ruled here until 1713. Today it is not only a symbol of history, but also a popular shopping and entertainment destination.

The street has a rich historical past. It was severely destroyed during World War II, but was rebuilt after the war and became one of the key arteries of East Berlin, bearing witness to the city's times of division during the Cold War. It was a popular place for spying and crossing the border between East and West Berlin.

One of the main attractions on Friedrichstrasse is the Charlie checkpoint. This is a former border crossing where the American and Soviet military controlled traffic between the two halves of the divided city. Today it houses a museum that tells the story of life in divided Berlin and escape attempts.

The street features a variety of architectural styles, ranging from classicism to modern buildings. This makes walking down the street even more interesting for architecture enthusiasts.

The street is known for its many shops, theatres and restaurants. World brand shops, places for a delicious lunch and numerous cultural events can be found here.

Today, Friedrichstrasse continues to be the centre of life and culture in Berlin, attracting tourists and locals alike with its wealth of history and variety of recreational opportunities.