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Sixth Form trip to Berlin, 15th - 18th February 2025

After the traditional early-morning start (4:45 AM) we arrived in Berlin’s Brandenburg airport in the late morning, greeted by -2°C temperatures and a thick layer of snow on the ground. We got to see a lot of this snow as, after a quick hotel check-in, we were taken on a guided walking tour of Berlin: from the solemn tribute of the Memorial to Murdered Jews of Europe, to our first sighting of the Berlin wall, to the ‘Hollywood set’ of the completely reconstructed Checkpoint Charlie. This served as a perfect introduction to the city, and a good lesson in how cold the rest of the trip would be.

The next day, we departed at 9:00 to visit Sachsenhausen concentration camp. It was, in many ways, a harrowing experience, but a deeply necessary and educational one, and I think we all left with a better understanding of how cruel people can be. 

After that, we went to the Stasi Prison complex, another guided tour. Despite the dark subject, the Stasi Prison was my favourite part of the trip: it was genuinely fascinating, and there were moments on the tour that I doubt I’ll ever forget. 

At last, bowling at Berolina, the final activity of the day, was lots of fun, as well as a great way to unwind after the heavy, dark history that we had been learning. 

On Day 3, we started the morning with a guided Cold War walking tour. We explored key sites that told the story of Berlin’s division and the tensions between East and West. We made the most of Berlin's public transport by travelling on the subway between sights including: Check-Point Charlie, the remains of the Berlin Wall, and even a secret subway tunnel. 

For lunch, we experienced the Mall of Berlin and its self-proclaimed “best food court in Berlin” where we had the opportunity to try classic German cuisine, including Berlin's most famous street food, Currywurst.

After a well deserved break, our next stop was the Topography of Terror, a museum located on the site of former SS and Gestapo headquarters. The museum exhibited information regarding the persecution and oppression under the Nazi regime. Much of the information focussed on individuals and their stories, enabling us to view the terror under the Nazi regime from the perspective of both the perpetrators and the victims.

Our next stop was the DDR (Deutsche Demokratische Republik) Museum, an interactive experience that gave us a glimpse into everyday life in East Germany. As if transported back in time, we explored a reconstructed East German apartment and other hands-on exhibits educating us in both the challenges and quirks of life under a socialist regime.

Before dinner, we stopped off at the Ampelmännchen shop, dedicated to the iconic pedestrian traffic light figure from East Germany, where we were able to pick up souvenirs to remind us of our time in Berlin.

In the evening, we indulged at Hans Im Gluck, a whimsically decorated German burger restaurant, giving us time to reflect, wind-down and socialise after yet another history and culture packed day.

On Day 4, with our flight not until the evening, we were able to make the most of our final day in Berlin.

We firstly attended an insightful lecture at the Reichstag, a historic parliament building and the meeting place of the Bundestag (Federal Assembly), the lower house of Germany's national legislature. We learnt about the country's political history, the role of democracy, and the significance of the Reichstag in shaping modern Germany. Following the lecture, we climbed up to the Reichstag’s dome where we saw breathtaking panoramic views of Berlin’s skyline.

Our next stop was The Palace of Tears, a former border crossing point where Eastern Germans could attempt to gain Western citizenship and which now serves as a museum. The insight into the emotional and political struggles caused by Germany's division helped us understand the deep impact of the Wall on everyday citizens.

In the afternoon we had free time to do some shopping, pick up souvenirs and even try authentic German pretzels to end our insightful and unforgettable trip.

Thank you to Miss Sowerby, Mr Walker, Frau Wheeler and Frau Doyle who organised and ran the trip, ensuring a fun-filled, memorable and educational experience.

Gallery Images

Photo 1: The Reichstag dome
Photo 2: Outside the Stasi prison
Photo 3: Socialist Realist art in the German Democratic Republic (GDR or DDR in German)
Photo 4: Checkpoint Charlie
Photo 5: Section of Berlin Wall
Photo 6: ​Berlin cathedral
Photo 7: The Reichstag (German parliament)
Photo 8: The Brandenburg Gate