Germany Trip, Berlin

Today starts my short trip around Germany with visiting several cities in different parts of the country. The first stop is in Berlin, the city which keeps surprising me. And at this time I am planning to see something new.

As usual, I travel from Prague by train. Because there are no direct flights. Maybe they calculated somehow that it is not profitable to organize flights, or maybe they care about climate etc.

The ride was smooth, and I am on the main railway station. I exited some new way and discovered the new views, including the modern glassy architecture and the Spree river.

But my real intention was seeing the building of Reichstag, where now the federal parliament of Germany (Bundestag) sits. Bundestag represents the German people, passes federal laws and oversees the federal government.

Well the building is famous for its glass dome, which is open to the public for viewing the plenary chamber and panoramic views of Berlin. Somehow, the glass dome symbolizes transparency and accessibility of government.

Very close to the Reichstag, only in 400 metres, it is located the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor).

Selfie from the other side of the Brandenburg Gate may look even better than from the front. 

I had another hour before I could check-in to the hotel. So, I decided to walk through the Tiergarten, the large central park of Berlin with small lakes, ponds, canals and monuments scattered throughout.

In the middle of Tiergarten, at a large roundabout where several avenues meet, I saw the prominent monument called The Victory Column. With the height of 67 meters it was built between 1863-1873 to commemorate Prussia’s military victories in the wars against Denmark (1864), Austria (1866) and France (1870–1871).

At the top of the columns stands "Goldelse", a 8.3-meter-tall gilded statue of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. She holds a laurel wreath in one hand and a Prussian flag in the other.

Visitors can climb the spiral staircase (with 285 steps) inside of the column to reach the viewing platform

Finally, I am at the hotel Premier Inn. Outside it looks simple, but the interiors and rooms are clean and modern. I have chosen this hotel, because of its great location and affordable prices.

My dinner was at Frittenwerk. So badly I wanted to try the currywurst, and they had it on the menu. Honestly, I was very disappointed, because the taste was not the same as I remembered it from the previous trip.

Next time I will not experiment with such places as Frittenwerk. I will go straightly to the kiosk like this, even if it is raining or winding.

Later I have had several beers in local bars. And once I have had recommendation from one girl to try the famous German beer Pilsner Urquell. She was really surprised to know from me that Pilsner Urquell is originated from Czechia.