Berlin's Unusual Sights: Five You May Not Have Heard of Yet

I've previously written about how to see Berlin in just a weekend, and some strange sights to see in Paris (as well as how to visit Paris in a weekend), but never unusual sights to see in Berlin . I was fortunate enough to be a short-term resident of Berlin thanks to a dear friend, so I've gotten to spend some time living and breathing a lot of what the city has to offer. Berlin is an interesting city because there is so much history and there are so many interesting sights to see, but there are also some more "hidden" sights and an intriguing and different nightlife scene.

Pfaueninsel (in English, " Peacock Island "), is located near Potsdam (another great place to see outside of the city of Berlin ). The island has an interesting history, starting with being a rabbit breeding ground, then a glass foundry in the 1600s. In the 1700s, the island was "rediscovered" by Frederick William II, who built a castle, and Frederick William III made the island in to a model farm. Visit the Island to enjoy nature as it was intended. To get there, take the S-Bahn (S7) toward Potsdam .

Probably not at the top of every visitor's list is a visit to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. Built by the Nazis and primarily used from 1936 to 1945, this concentration camp may be lesser known, but was just as horrific as some of the other better known camps. Now a museum, visitors can see many of the original buildings that were on the site and take a few moments to reflect on the 30,000 men, women, and children who died here. As recently as 1990, new discoveries have been made on the grounds, including a number of mass graves (which have a dedicated separate museum). To get there: take the S-Bahn (S1) line north to Oranienburg, and the Camp is about a 20 minute walk from the station.

One of the things Berlin is known for is its interesting culture. Unlike what most people probably consider to be "German" (think accordions, weiner schnitzel and lederhosen), Berlin's nightlife is cutting-edge, and can be a bit noir. For a tame night on the town, venture to Alexanderplatz after dark. Check out the angsty teenagers before you go in to the movie theater to check out one of the latest films. If you are child-free and a bit more adventurous, try one of the many bars in the area, or if you are very comfortable with yourself (and those around you), try one of Berlin 's clubs. One of the most famous is the KitKat Club (get there: U-Bahn Heinrich Heine Str.), which is far more docile than "Insomnia" (Alt Tempelhof 17 - 19). Again, many clubs in and around Berlin are meant for adults ONLY; do some research to know what you're getting in to before you go.

Hitler's Bunker may be hidden, but it still exists! My friend Erin will laugh at suggesting this one, mostly because I could never remember exactly where it was. Now paved over with an apartment complex and a playground on top, Hitler's bunker is barely marked, but everyone I know who has ever read the sign on the premises gets a strange feeling from being there. Located ideally for the tourist, the bunker is very close to the British Embassy, the Jewish Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and several other attractions near Voßstraße 1 (10117 Berlin). When you're in the area, look for the sign with the title and description.

Markets are seasonal and everywhere in Berlin (as are the festivals). Check prominent areas like Potsdamer Platz and Alexanderplatz for weekend markets. There are multiple flea markets in the area as well, including the Flohmarkt am Mauerpark (Sundays). Another great place to check for outdoor markets is Kreuzberg (near Checkpoint Charlie), an area where Turks like to gather and live. One of my favorite reoccurring markets was one in Kreuzberg that had really incredible and affordable Greek food served from a cart. Keep your eyes and ears open and chances are, you'll stumble on a market of some kind during your trip.

Resources:

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Germany/Land_Berlin/Pfaueninsel-28689/TravelGuide-Pfaueninsel.html

http://www.stiftung-bg.de/gums/en/index.htm

http://www.gonomad.com/features/0703/berlin-nightlife.html

http://www.den-uijl.nl/bunker.html

Related:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2669997/berlin_in_48_hours_pg2.html?cat=16