Welcome to Berlin

… A city on the move

After the Berlin Wall came down on November 9, 1989 and Brandenburg Gate was reopened, a new chapter in the history of Berlin began. The Parliament and the Government moved to the German capital, followed by embassies, media, companies, artists and lobby-organizations.

The new Berlin can be seen at Potsdamer Platz, where a totally new quarter was built. The Reichstag was restored, there are new buildings for the political institutions and the area around Brandenburg Gate was reconstructed. The new main train station was opened in spring 2006. The town is still full of construction sites. There is much dynamism and innovation but the integration of the eastern and western parts of the city in a changed Europe is also a difficult process under difficult financial and economic conditions.

... A city of multitude

3.4 million people live in Berlin; 50% in single-person households. Berlin is well known for its multitude of cultures, religions and life styles. People from more than 150 nations are living here, among them the largest Turkish community outside Turkey. Each year in spring the “Carnival of Cultures” where people from many nations show their traditions singing and dancing, attracts more than 500,000 people. A walk through the 12 districts gives the best impression of this multicultural city.

... A city of culture

Opera or avant-garde performance, antique sculpture or surrealist painting, tradition or innovation – Berlin has it all. At Kulturforum you can see masterpieces of renaissance painting at the Picture Gallery and then walk over to enjoy great music at the unique concert hall Philharmonie of Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. You have the choice between three opera houses. From the Staatsoper – Unter den Linden it is a short walk to Museum Island (World Culture Heritage of UNESCO) where the Old Museum with Nefertiti, and the treasures of the Old National Gallery can be seen. The Jewish Museum in Kreuzberg gives an excellent impression of more than 2,000 years of Jewish life. The history of airplanes, ships and computers comes alive at the Museum of Technology. Several memorial sites bring to life the darker side of German history.

In the districts Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg the young, innovative scene can be found in artist’s studios, galleries. Furthermore: you will find a huge number of clubs, bars and restaurants. There is no closing time.

When tired of the city you can take a trip on a boat, enjoy the parks, or visit Charlottenburg castle or Sanssouci castle in Potsdam or discover the beautiful landscapes of Brandenburg.

... A city of science

Four universities are situated in Berlin: Humboldt University, Freie Universität Berlin, Technical University, University of the Arts with more than 140,000 students. The medical research of the universities is concentrated at Charité with its great tradition. Besides the universities there are many other research institutes and two technology parks.

... and a great place for a congress

The Estrel Hotel is located south of Berlin, in the Neukölln district. The Congress venue is easily accessible by public transport.