On Day 5, the journey takes a deeper, more reflective turn. The friends head to one of Berlin’s last remaining Watchtowers, a silent sentinel of the city’s divided past. Here they learn about Günter Litfin, the first person to be shot at the Berlin Wall in 1961 while trying to flee East Berlin.
His story is etched into the very soul of this place—and it hits hard. Just steps away, they wander into the historic Invalidenfriedhof, where the echoes of Prussian history whisper from gravestones dating back more than 300 years.
Among the moss-covered tombs, they discover the grave of a member of the noble von Bülow family, a name steeped in German history. And soon, they’ll meet one of his modern-day descendants.
CROSS OVER WITH HENNING WEHLAND
But before that, there’s another unforgettable encounter: the girls sit down with Henning Wehland, the charismatic and wildly talented crossover musician known from Voice of Germany and bands like H-Blockx and Söhne Mannheims. He talks to them about freedom, rebellion, music, purpose, and staying true to your passion—with raw honesty and good vibes. No script, no filter—the cameras just keep rolling.
A JOURNEY INTO LOCAL HISTORY: SCHLOSS HOTEL ZIETHEN
Meanwhile, the second half of the team is now in Ziethen, where an unexpected host greets them first: Zeus,
the majestic Russian Black Terrier who clearly runs the show. With a wag of his tail and royal flair, he melts hearts instantly. Not long after, the real master of the house makes his entrance—Herr von Thüngen, who invites the girls into his family’s castle hotel, a timeless estate that has witnessed centuries of change.
Something truly special awaits Katharina and Dina about 10 kilometers away, in the small village of Linum. Every year, tens of thousands of cranes stop here during their migration south to their wintering grounds. It’s a breathtaking spectacle.
The sky darkens as flocks of cranes soar overhead, their calls mixing with the trumpet-like honks of wild geese that travel alongside them—breaking the usual stillness of nature in the most beautiful way. There’s something deeply calming, almost meditative, about watching these elegant birds in flight. Over 80,000 cranes were counted this year alone. The team learns that the birds prefer to rest in wetlands and shallow waters, where they’re safe from predators like foxes—and, increasingly, wolves, which are returning to the region.
NABU, Germany’s Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union, works hard to protect these birds and preserve this incredible natural event. Whether climate change will affect this delicate balance in the future remains to be seen. For now, the beauty of nature has once again left us in awe.
Then, the girls explore the grand halls, hidden corridors, and sprawling parkland—soaking up stories from the past, tales of nobility, and little secrets passed down through generations.
They learn more about the castle’s history, dating back to 1355, and the families who lives here until today, including von Thüngen and Bülow.
Dinner is served in an elegant yet cozy setting, showcasing seasonal cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients—a personal passion of their host. Herr von Thüngen places great importance on serving food that’s not only delicious and wholesome, but also sustainable. By focusing on local produce and ultra-short transport routes, the dishes come with a minimal carbon footprint.
As the evening falls, the mood turns peaceful. There’s laughter, candlelight, and thoughtful silence. From Berlin’s Watchtowers to the warmth of Ziethen’s castle, today was a day of contrast—and deep connection. A reminder that freedom isn’t just a word. It’s a feeling.
Text & Images: Marco Kokkot / VALEUR MEDIA
