추천 가젯

태그

Digging into Berlin, Germany 1/2 [] xploring Berlin’s Museum Island: Art, History, and Street Life

A Story Far Yet Near: To Berlin, Germany

After wrapping up my time in Kraków, Poland, I took a late-night flight to Berlin. The flight took about an hour and a half, and thanks to a Ryanair budget fare, the ticket price was pleasantly low. Upon arrival at Berlin Tegel Airport, I hopped on Bus No. 109 or 128—or the airport express bus—which takes about 40 minutes to reach the city center.

Berlin’s public transport system includes the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and trams, all under a unified ticketing network. Fares vary by zone, so it’s worth checking carefully before purchasing. There’s also a small-group ticket (up to 5 people) that can make travel cheaper if you’re not alone. For visitors, the Berlin WelcomeCard is a great option—around €20 for a 48-hour pass, which includes free transport (even to Potsdam) and discounts on major attractions.

First Impressions

My first impression of Berlin came right from the S-Bahn platform. The steel pillars and glass walls of the station created a clean, modern aesthetic—a balance of form and function that felt quintessentially “German.” Even in the unfamiliar air of travel, something about it sparked quiet excitement.

Oberbaum Bridge

The first landmark I visited was Oberbaum Bridge, spanning the River Spree. This two-level bridge once served as a crucial crossing point between East and West Berlin during the era of the Berlin Wall. Today, the upper level carries the U-Bahn, while the lower level is for pedestrians and cyclists. The red-brick arches and their reflection over the water make it an ideal photo spot.

Walking along the riverside, I noticed how flat Berlin’s geography is—so much so that some drainage and pipeline systems run above or close to the ground. Small urban details like this made the city feel more textured and alive.

East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is one of the longest remaining sections of the Berlin Wall. Stretching about 1.3 kilometers, it features murals painted by artists from over 20 countries.
The most famous of these is “The Kiss” by Russian artist Dmitri Vrubel, depicting Brezhnev and Honecker. It’s not merely a kiss but a political and emotional statement, underscored by the caption below:

“My God, help me survive this deadly love.”

 

Each mural carries echoes of the era, overlapping layers of paint and message—making this wall a living space where past and present coexist.

Across the street, I saw old classic cars parked beside a shiny Mercedes showroom—a visual metaphor for Berlin itself, where history and modernity meet seamlessly.

Everyday Details

At a supermarket entrance, I spotted a vending machine that accepts empty plastic bottles for recycling—returning a deposit as cash or a receipt you can redeem at the register. I wasn’t sure if it worked the same way here, but in any case, collecting your bottles feels like buying water “2+1 free.” This system now exists in Korea too, and I’ve been happily earning points from it ever since.

Exploring Museum Island (Museumsinsel)

At the heart of Berlin lies Museum Island, a cluster of world-class museums. The integrated day ticket costs around €18–24, and the color-coded passes can be confusing at first. The island includes:

  • Berlin Cathedral (Berlin Dom)

  • Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery)

  • Altes Museum (Old Museum)

  • Pergamonmuseum (Pergamon Museum)

  • Neues Museum (New Museum)

  • Bode Museum

Each has its own unique charm.

Berlin Cathedral (Berlin Dom)

  • Hours: 9:00–20:00 (Sundays 12:00–19:00)

  • Admission: €7

Berlin’s largest church. From the dome, you get a panoramic view of the city, and the stained glass and chapel interiors are stunning.

Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery)

  • Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Thu until 20:00)

  • Closed on Mondays

  • Admission: €8

Home to 19th-century art—Impressionism, Romanticism, and Neoclassicism. Works by Monet, Manet, Degas, Cézanne, Rodin, and more. Highlights include:

  • Caspar David Friedrich – The Monk by the Sea (1808–1810)

  • Auguste Rodin – The Thinker (1881–1883)

  • Adolph Menzel – The Iron Rolling Mill (1872–1875)

  • Arnold Böcklin – The Isle of the Dead (1883)

A well-balanced mix of painting and sculpture—one of the finest 19th-century collections in Germany.

Altes Museum (Old Museum)

  • Hours: 10:00–18:00

  • Closed on Mondays

Dedicated to classical antiquity—Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art. Its neoclassical architecture enhances the viewing experience.
Highlights include:

  • Goddess of Taranto (ca. 475–450 BC)

  • Pericles Portrait (Roman copy of a Greek original)

  • Attic Red-Figure Amphora by the Berlin Painter

  • Victory Goddess (Nike) sculpture group in the Rotunda

Pergamon Museum

  • Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Thu until 20:00)

  • Closed on Mondays

  • Admission: €12

Famous for large-scale reconstructed architecture. Currently under renovation, so some sections are closed. Major exhibits include:

  • Ishtar Gate & Processional Way (Babylon)

  • Pergamon Altar (Hellenistic masterpiece)

  • Market Gate of Miletus (Roman)

  • Mshatta Facade (Islamic art)

Check the official site before your visit for up-to-date opening information.

Neues Museum (New Museum)

  • Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Thu until 20:00)

  • Closed on Mondays

  • Admission: €12

Focuses on Egyptian antiquities and prehistoric artifacts.
Highlights include:

  • Bust of Nefertiti — the museum’s crown jewel, remarkably well-preserved

  • Golden Hat — a Bronze Age artifact with possible astronomical significance

Bode Museum

Exhibits medieval sculpture, Byzantine art, and Renaissance works. The building itself is a piece of art.
Admission: about €12. Even if you don’t go inside, walking around its exterior is worth it.

Street Life & Food Moments

Curry 36

A legendary Berlin food stall serving Currywurst—a spicy yet mild sausage with ketchup and curry powder. The long line is proof of its fame.

Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)

Symbol of East–West division and reunification. The gate is crowned by Victoria, the goddess of victory. Candles still burn here in memory of victims of a recent truck attack.

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

Built in 1895 to commemorate German unification, bombed during WWII and left partially unrepaired as a reminder of war’s scars. The ceiling mosaics are said to be beautiful, though I arrived too late to enter.

KaDeWe Department Store

One of Europe’s largest department stores. The kitchenware and Henckels knife section are pure art. Tax refunds available. Closed on Sundays, so plan shopping for Friday or Saturday.

💡 AI Travel Tips

  • Ticket Tip: Use the Museum Island day pass to cover multiple museums efficiently. Note that the Pergamon Museum’s main altar area is still under renovation—check which sections are open before visiting.

  • Viewing Tip: The Bust of Nefertiti in Neues Museum is best viewed under the dome light—take your time and enjoy the angles.

  • Closed Days Tip: Many museums are closed on Mondays. Plan accordingly.

  • Timing Tip: Bridges, murals, and cityscapes look best at sunset or twilight.

  • Food Tip: Street food markets are time-sensitive—Street Food Thursday at Markthalle Neun is most active in the evening. In cold or rainy weather, go for hearty, warming dishes like sausages, Eisbein, or potato-based meals.

  • Café Tip: Classic cafés may be pricier, but worth it for a rest and a slice of cake. Visit bakeries in the morning or early afternoon for the freshest pastries.

🍴 Berlin Eats & Street Food Picks

Type Dish Recommended Spots & Notes
Traditional / Hearty Currywurst Berlin’s signature street food — sausages topped with curry ketchup. Try casual stalls like Curry 61.
Eisbein (Pork Knuckle) Slow-cooked or smoked pork with sauerkraut—perfect on cold days.
Königsberger Klopse Meatballs in creamy caper sauce. A soft, savory dish found in Mitte or Kreuzberg eateries.
Schnitzel Thin breaded meat cutlets, crispy and golden—a German staple.
Desserts / Snacks Apfelstrudel Warm apple-cinnamon pastry, great with coffee.
Berliner Pfannkuchen Jelly- or custard-filled doughnuts dusted with sugar—perfect breakfast treat.
Kartoffelpuffer Potato pancakes, often served with apple sauce or sweet dips.
Street Food / Markets Döner Kebab Berlin’s Turkish-German icon—meat, salad, and sauce in bread or wrap form.
Street Food Thursday (Markthalle Neun) Trendy market full of diverse food stalls; best visited in the evening.
Historic Cafés Café Kranzler A long-standing coffeehouse near Kurfürstendamm—classic Berlin charm.
Café Einstein Stammhaus Traditional, elegant coffeehouse known for its warm interior and fine desserts.
라벨:

댓글

댓글 쓰기