The Dutch Flame

Berlin had been on my travel list for years. A city with an edgy vibe, rich in history, culture, and creativity. Last weekend it finally happened: a city trip to the German capital, with the highlight being a concert by none other than Bruce Springsteen in the iconic Olympic Stadium.

Bruce Springsteen at the Olympic Stadium

Berlin’s Olympic Stadium is a remarkable place. Built on Hitler’s orders for the 1936 Olympic Games, the stadium carries a weighty history. That’s what made it so impressive to see Bruce Springsteen perform live there. Between songs, Bruce delivered a five-minute speech about the current political situation in America. In the context of a venue where history was made decades ago, it left a profound impression. Music as a unifying force and a call for hope and change — it perfectly matched the evening’s atmosphere.

Sightseeing Through Green Berlin

The next morning, we set out to explore the city. We started with a walk through the beautiful Tiergarten park, heading toward the famous Siegessäule — the Victory Column in the middle of a large roundabout. The view from the top is well worth the climb, offering sweeping sights over the park and the city beyond.

We continued through the park toward the Haus der Kulturen der Welt and past the Bundeskanzleramt, the office of the German Chancellor. Berlin breathes history, and you can feel it on every street corner.

Before arriving at the Holocaust Memorial, we stopped at the impressive Brandenburg Gate. This iconic monument, once a symbol of division during the Cold War, now stands as a symbol of a reunited Berlin. It’s a lively spot where tourists, street performers, and locals come together.

Remembrance and History

A longer stop followed at the Holocaust Memorial, a poignant site in the heart of the city. After our visit, we were both silent for a while, overwhelmed by the impact of what we had seen and heard. The concrete blocks and the accompanying underground museum bring the history of the persecution of the Jews to life in a deeply moving way. It’s a place that leaves you speechless and one that everyone visiting Berlin should experience.

Next, we made our way to Checkpoint Charlie, the most famous former border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Although the site is quite touristy now, it’s still moving to stand where the boundary between freedom and oppression once stood.

East Side Gallery and street food

From there, we headed to the East Side Gallery — the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, now transformed into an open-air gallery with vibrant murals. A remarkable spot where art and history meet.

We ended the day at Markthalle Neun (IX), where a street food festival happened to be taking place. From Asian dumplings to Spanish tapas and Berlin currywurst, we tasted a bit of everything. The lively atmosphere, the scents, and the flavors made it the perfect ending to an eventful day.

Day Trip to Charlottenburg

On our final day, we made a trip to Schloss Charlottenburg, a beautiful Baroque palace with sprawling gardens. To truly take in everything, you could easily spend a full day here. We wandered through the lavishly decorated rooms and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the palace gardens.

A City That Stays With You

Berlin is gritty, historic, and vibrantly alive all at once. It’s a city where past and present blend seamlessly, where surprises await you around every corner, and where music, art, and history come together. It also feels remarkably safe and welcoming. Of all the city trips we’ve taken so far, this was by far one of the most impressive experiences. We’ll definitely be back.