One last weekend getaway! This time I headed to Germany to find some bratwurst and see how Glühwein measures up to Gløgg. My friend and I spent two days exploring museums, Christmas markets, and all of the history that Berlin has to offer. We visited the DDR Museum, the history museum, Checkpoint Charlie, and had lots of coffee and hot chocolate to warm us up in between.
Sights
Most of our time was spent wandering around taking pictures at the many jaw-droppingly gorgeous buildings, and there are plenty. It seemed like everywhere you looked there was a cathedral or museum lined with massive columns and topped with an impressive domed roof, especially on museum island, near where we were staying.
Christmas Markets
When we weren’t taking pictures of pretty buildings, we were warming ourselves up with yummy German treats at one of Berlin’s many Christmas markets. We tried some great bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, and hot cider. A trip highlight was definitely the baked apple we had, which was baked in a little clay oven with cinnamon and then topped with almonds, raisins, and vanilla cream. I’ve been trying to recreate it in my dorm kitchen ever since.
East Side Gallery
Seeing the Berlin Wall in person, especially after learning all about what it was like to live in East Germany after visiting the DDR museum, was really powerful. We spent a long time walking the length of the East Side Gallery, the longest unbroken stretch, which artists have decorated and turned into an open-air display of different murals.
Berlin felt HUGE compared to Copenhagen and we only had two days to explore it, but it was really interesting and intense to learn about all of its history, walk down its wide wide roads, and see its stunning architecture. I loved how much art we got to see and how festive the city is this time of year, and I would love to go back sometime (maybe when it’s a little warmer!) For now I’ll be trying to make my own German baked apple!
Annie Abroad 