First, one eye pops open. Then the other. Dina hasn’t slept this well in ages—like, deep-in-the-forest-of-dreams well.
Morning light pours gently through the tall windows of Schloss Ziethen, landing in golden pools across the duvet. The air smells like earth, grass, and the promise of breakfast. Country air does that—it stirs the stomach and whispers, Time to eat.
And oh, what a breakfast. Eggs so fresh they practically cluck. Bread and rolls still warm, hand-baked with love and flour dust. Nearly everything on the table comes from just down the road, or even closer—from Schloss Ziethen’s own circle of farmers, bakers, and food whisperers.
And occasionally spook unsuspecting guests at dusk, who mistake the shadowy figures for moody ghosts. Art, but with a flair for the dramatic.
Post-breakfast, the two set off for a stroll through the castle park—and soon stumble upon the sculptures of Janine von Thüngen-Reichenbach, sister of the castle’s current lord. Each piece is intriguing, poetic, sometimes cheeky. The artist now lives in Rome, but her creations live on here…
And occasionally spook unsuspecting guests at dusk, who mistake the shadowy figures for moody ghosts. Art, but with a flair for the dramatic.
Their path winds past the old ice cellar—a stone chamber from centuries past, back when “refrigeration” meant storing things underground and hoping for the best. No Wi-Fi, just ice blocks and survival instincts. It’s conveniently close to the kitchen, because even ghosts (and cooks) hate long walks for butter.
Then, a buzz. Not from phones—those are forgotten in coat pockets—but from bees. Real ones. And lots of them. Katharina and Dina discover one of Herr von Thüngen’s favorite projects: the return of the bees. Years ago, the estate had fallen eerily silent. No buzz, no hum—just a quiet that felt a little too quiet.
But now? Thanks to his mission to bring back native bee species, the air hums again. A soft, steady soundtrack of life, of renewal. The bees are back, doing what they do best: pollinating, thriving, creating golden floral honey, and generally saving the planet in their tiny, winged way. It’s not just charming. It’s a quiet revolution. Nature’s comeback tour—one fuzzy little bee at a time.
THE NORDBAHNHOF (BERLIN CITY)
From the countryside back to the pulse of Berlin: the girls arrive at Nordbahnhof. Opened on August 1st, 1842, it was Berlin’s third railway station—and it was a huge one. Moreover, it was Berlin’s gateway to the East. Back then, it was known as Stettiner Bahnhof, named after the Polish city of Szczecin. In 1924, it also marked the birth of the Berlin S-Bahn.
Once one of Europe’s largest stations, its platforms fell silent after the war. The Berlin Wall ran right through here—turning Nordbahnhof into one of the city’s infamous “ghost stations.” For decades, West Berlin trains rumbled through, never stopping, never acknowledging the station’s presence. To East Berliners, it simply didn’t exist.
Today, the eerie has long been replaced by the clatter and pulse of daily life —but the shadows of its past still whisper through the walls.
Next stop: the East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is a blazing burst of color and protest painted directly on the surviving Wall. Every mural is a message. Every brushstroke, a stand for freedom.
But the East Side Gallery holds a secret only Berliners—or the well-informed—truly know. The murals are actually painted on the eastern side of the Wall, the “wrong” side.
Back then, this side was kept stark white, making it easier to spot anyone trying to escape under cover of darkness. The western side—the side facing the Spree—was the colorful one, covered in graffiti and defiance. But that part was torn down shortly after reunification.
It’s understandable, yet bittersweet, that most of the Wall was demolished. Had it remained, it could’ve stood as a powerful reminder of how irrationally humans can divide themselves—and how beautiful it is to live in freedom and unity.
Part of the group checks into the elegant Ellington Hotel, right off Berlin’s famous Kurfürstendamm. We’ll dive deeper into the story behind the Ellington Hotel tomorrow.
But for now—it’s time to hit the legendary Ku’damm, as Berliners affectionately call it. A boulevard of history, glamour, and window-shopping dreams. Naturally, our fashionistas make a beeline for the iconic KaDeWe—aka the Mall of the West.
But for now—it’s time to hit the legendary Ku’damm, as Berliners affectionately call it. A boulevard of history, glamour, and window-shopping dreams. Naturally, our fashionistas make a beeline for the iconic KaDeWe—aka the Mall of the West.
But KaDeWe is more than just a place to shop. Back in the day—before Amazon, before TEMU, before endless online scrolls—this was where people came to dream. Some didn’t buy a thing. They just wandered, eyes wide, hearts full, soaking up the sparkle. And honestly? They had to—because most of what’s on display here is pure luxury. Think couture dresses, perfumes that cost more than rent, and designer bags behind glass like museum pieces.
But dreams are free. And even today, people still come here to meet up, to hang out, to snack on something fabulous in the famous food hall, or just to catch a little break from real life. Somewhere between the artisan chocolate, the oyster bar, and the champagne lounge, ideas are born, friendships bloom, and stories unfold. KaDeWe has been standing tall since 1912—surviving wars, wallfalls, economic shifts, and the rise of one-click shopping. These days, like many old-school icons, it’s got a fight on its hands. Let’s be real: it’s so easy to just tap your phone and have anything delivered.
But that’s the thing—online might be fast, but it’s not magic. It can’t give you the thrill of touching fabrics, trying something on, chatting with a stylist who gets you, or making a memory with your bestie in a glittering perfume aisle. Maybe that’s where the future lies: not competing with digital—but offering something it can never replicate. A vibe. A feeling. A full-on, real-life experience. So here’s to KaDeWe. May it keep shining—and not just as a store, but as a place where stories begin and style lives loud in the heart of Berlin.
Next stop: the Europa Center
Once a magical meeting point for Berliners and visitors alike. These days, the sparkle’s faded a bit, which is a shame, because the place still has character. There’s a certain charm in its retro vibe, and if you look closely, you’ll spot a water clock that doesn’t even look like a clock at first glance.
Inside, there’s a massive Irish pub that regularly hosts live music, pouring out Guinness and good vibes. And way up top, on the 22nd floor? That’s where the PURO Club turns up the volume, throwing glamorous parties above the city skyline. Think rooftop beats, velvet ropes, and Berlin at your feet.
GEDÄCHTNISKIRCHE
But just a few steps away, things get quieter—heavier. The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church stands as one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks. Some say it’s more beautiful now in its war-torn, broken form than it ever was before. The people of Berlin chose to leave it like this—shattered and raw—as a symbol of peace and a reminder of what war destroys.
It holds a special place in every Berliner’s heart. That’s why the 2016 terror attack on the Christmas market here hit so deeply. A truck driven into a crowd of people, families and friends from all over the world, simply there to celebrate the season. Seventeen lives lost—ripped from the warmth of the lights and the music. Today, a bronze line cuts through the pavement, a scar etched into the earth, honoring those lives and marking the wound Berlin still carries.
ZOO PALAST
But if Berlin teaches us anything, it’s this: the city doesn’t stop. It mourns—but then it moves. It builds. It beats louder. Across the way is the Zoo Palast, a legendary cinema that we’ll explore more in another episode. For now, we’ll just say—this place has stories.
Just next door, the BIKINI House offers an edgy mix of concept stores and boutiques. It’s still carving out its identity, but here’s a secret: the rooftop is a hidden gem. A perfect hangout spot, with a direct view into the Berlin Zoo—yep, you can literally chill with a coffee while watching monkeys across the street.
ASTOR FILM LOUNGE MEETS HARD ROCK CAFÉ
Then there’s the Astor Film Lounge—a true cinema classic, where movies feel like an event. Plush seats, vintage glamour. Around the corner, the Hard Rock Café might scream “tourist,” but hey—even Berliners like a burger and a rock anthem now and then.
Kurfürstendamm and the surrounding streets? They’re a whole world of their own—lined with theaters, bars, boutiques, hidden gems, and big-name stores. Some places jump right out at you. Others you have to hunt for. But trust us—the ones you find by chance? Always the best stories.
BERNAUER STRASSE
The other half of the group heads to Bernauer Straße—a street every Berliner knows. Not just because it’s a major traffic artery, but because in 1961, this is where the Berlin Wall was first built. Of course, the Wall went up all over the city. But here, on Bernauer Straße, it cut straight through the buildings. The apartments belonged to East Berlin; the street just outside was West Berlin. Unbelievable.
The East German army quickly evacuated the residents and bricked up the windows. Still, some managed to escape. That’s why the most powerful and emotional images of the Wall’s construction were captured right here in 1961—images that still move people to tears.
Necessity breeds creativity, and nowhere was that truer than here, where escape tunnels were dug beneath the very homes that stood on the East side, offering a lifeline to the West at the risk of death. One of the most iconic defectors was East German border guard Conrad Schumann.
One of the most iconic defectors was East German border guard Conrad Schumann. A photo of his dramatic leap to freedom became world-famous. Today, a sculpture hangs on the very building from which he jumped, honoring that historic moment.
For those who want to truly feel the story of a divided Berlin, this is the place. The Berlin Wall Memorial offers a raw, authentic experience, complete with preserved sections of the Wall and the infamous “death strip.” From the memorial’s viewing platform, visitors get a clear perspective on just how harrowing that border once was.
Today, the park is filled with young people soaking up the sun—just steps from memorials, the Church of Reconciliation, and a monument to the Wall’s victims. It’s a reminder of how fortunate we are that those days of division are over. Today, Berlin is one of the freest cities on earth. And it reminds us how vital it is to stand against anyone trying to divide us again.
THE MAUER PARK
Wow—exploring like this really works up an appetite. Good thing Berlin is a city where food is never far away. Day or night, around every corner, something delicious is sizzling, steaming, or being served with a wink.
The city’s iconic go-to snack when hunger strikes? The legendary Döner kebab. Invented right here by a Turkish immigrant, this juicy, spicy, crunchy-satisfying creation didn’t just conquer Berlin—it conquered the world.
And honestly, is there anything better at 3 a.m.? After refueling, it’s time to dive into one of Berlin’s most iconic playgrounds of freedom: Mauerpark. This beloved green expanse is where the city comes out to play. People gather to chill, dance, picnic, make music, and turn up the volume at the legendary Bearpit Karaoke. The vibe is always electric, always eccentric. Hard to believe this lively spot was once a no man’s land—literally.
Here, the Berlin Wall split East from West. What was once a symbol of division is now a canvas of connection: the remaining wall segments serve as open-air galleries, covered in graffiti that reflects Berlin’s ever-changing moods and movements.
And just next door? The Mauerpark flea market—a chaotic, colorful treasure hunt where you can find everything you need… and even more you don’t. Vintage cameras, vinyl records, glittery boots, typewriters, weird lamps—if you can dream it, someone’s probably selling it. A visit to Mauerpark is never just a visit. It’s an experience—messy, magical, and unmistakably Berlin.
NEXT STOP: BORNHOLMER STRASSE
The next chapter unfolds at Bornholmer Straße, where history took a breath, and everything changed. On the night of November 9, 1989, this was the first checkpoint to open, unleashing a flood of East Berliners into the West. And the most astonishing part? It wasn’t even planned.
The Wall fell because of a misunderstanding—broadcast live on television. Günter Schabowski, a high-ranking East German official, misread a memo and casually announced that, effective immediately, the border crossings were open. 1989 had already been a year of mounting unrest and defiance in East Germany, so nearly the entire nation was watching the news that evening.
Within minutes, thousands of East Berliners surged toward the checkpoint at Bornholmer Straße. Overwhelmed and without clear orders, one courageous border officer—Harald Jäger—made the historic decision to raise the barrier and let the people through.
He is now remembered as one of the quiet heroes of the Peaceful Revolution. Thanks to his moral clarity and humanity, the Cold War’s most iconic symbol fell without a single shot fired. There had been plans to declare a state of emergency, even to call in the army—actions that would’ve led to unimaginable bloodshed. But none of that happened. Instead, Berliners—East and West—embraced on bridges, danced on the Wall, and proved to the world that change can come not through violence, but through courage and unity.
That night didn’t just open a gate. It opened the future. And gave a nation its soul back.
THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
How do you explore a city with such history? Of course, not by car. This is Berlin. So, the girls hop on the U-Bahn, choosing the most iconic route: Line 1, Berlin’s oldest underground line. It clatters and hums across time itself, delivering them right back to the Ku’damm, where night has fallen—and the city glows. It’s time for the Festival of Lights—when Berlin becomes a living, glowing gallery.
Every year, the city turns into a masterpiece of illumination. Monument after monument bursts into color, each building a canvas, each projection a story. The girls follow the trail of lights through the streets like fireflies chasing magic, weaving their way through crowds, camera flashes, and bursts of awe.
Berlin Mitte is the heart of the spectacle. Highlights include the historic façades of Humboldt University and its faculties, the shimmering TV Tower, the serene glow of St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, the luxurious shimmer on Hotel de Rome, and the elegant grandeur of the Gendarmenmarkt, with its twin cathedrals and concert house bathed in cinematic hues. The majestic Berlin Cathedral glows like a dream, while the Brandenburg Gate—as always—is the emotional climax.
Here, freedom becomes light. Most installations around the gate dive deep into Berlin’s layered past, explore bold visions for the future, or celebrate unity, resilience, and peace. The message is clear: from shadow to shine.
Berlin stands for something bigger than itself. The girls pause. Silent. The Gate towers before them—lit in wild colors, alive with music, hope, and the heartbeat of a city that never stopped believing.
IT’S OFF TO THE DDR MUSEUM
Meanwhile, Amelia and Bella are drawn to something deeper: the DDR Museum. Anyone still clinging to the cliché that museums are boring, dusty places where you just passively stare at glass boxes—has clearly never been to Berlin. Here, museums are immersive, wildly creative, and tailored to every taste. Whether you’re into history, art, tech, pop culture, or the utterly unexpected, Berlin delivers. There’s the Deja Vu Museum, the Hemp Museum, the Museum of Video Games, even the Trash Museum.
But the DDR Museum is something else entirely. It’s a fully interactive time machine into the divided days of East Berlin.
Some exhibits are surprisingly funny—like the section on FKK, East Germany’s famous free-body culture. Skinny-dipping wasn’t taboo—it was normal. Why not? How many summer flings or even children were conceived this way? No one knows for sure. But to this day, many in eastern Germany still prefer to bathe in the nude.
Then comes the chilling part: the Stasi surveillance room and prison cells. A cold, silent atmosphere. The East German secret police didn’t just spy—they shattered lives. The weight of that history is heavy.
“Power to the women,” say the girls. For a moment, Amelie takes the Stasi command chair, pretending she’s the boss. But instead of orchestrating surveillance or wrecking lives, she picks up the phone, orders a pizza, and flirts with whoever’s on the other end. A little rebellion of her own.
The museum leads them through a reconstructed East German kindergarten, a typical Plattenbau apartment with a tiny kitchen, living room (complete with wall bar cabinet), and a kids’ room. The lighting changes from day to night, and tucked inside the wardrobe? The Boss himself—Bruce Springsteen. A nod to his legendary 1987 concert, where 160,000 people sang “Born in the USA” together—behind the Iron Curtain. History with a beat.
But the true highlight? The Trabant. The iconic East German car. There were few other options back then—and even getting a Trabbi took patience. As in… 15 years of patience. Imagine waiting that long for your first car? Unthinkable now.
But here, the Trabant isn’t just for show. It’s a full-on driving simulator, putting you behind the wheel in a virtual 1980s East Berlin housing estate. The engine rattles. The streets blur past. It’s weird, wonderful, and seriously fun.
THE DUKE RESTAURANT
The day winds down in style—at DUKE Restaurant, nestled in the heart of the Ellington Hotel. Soft jazz drifts through the air like a gentle lullaby, candles flicker on crisp linen tablecloths, and plates arrive steaming with Berlin-inspired flavors—elegant, hearty, and made to be savored slowly.
The restaurant and adjoining bar are named after the legendary Duke Ellington, who once lit up this very place with the sound of swing, commanding the stage in what was then one of Berlin’s hottest jazz clubs. You can almost hear the echoes of a bygone era—trumpets, saxophones, laughter, and heels tapping the dancefloor under a starlit rooftop that once opened to the sky. Tonight, it’s not just the food or the ambiance. It’s the full-circle feeling.
A day that began with bees on rooftops and ended with a city ablaze in light, now melts into mellow conversation and delicious cocktails—for the entire team, even those behind the camera, who finally get to clink glasses and exhale. And through every moment—whether hilarious or heartbreaking, quiet or electrifying—the same message pulses beneath it all: Freedom is fragile. Freedom is beautiful. And it is always, always worth protecting.
Text & Images: Marco Kokkot / VALEUR MEDIA
