Berlin is one of Europe’s leading cosmopolitan centres, Germany’s capital city and home to the German Parliament, the “Bundestag”. Berlin has undergone massive changes over the past 100 years. No longer divided, this city is a flourishing, modern and exciting destination, welcoming tourists and business visitors alike.
Since World War II, the city has emerged from the past and undergone the biggest construction project in Europe. Much of Berlin has been rebuilt and revitalized and there is some fantastic architecture, both old and new, standing side by side characterizing the cityscape.
Twenty years after its post-Wall rebirth, Berlin is a scene-stealing combo of glamour and grit, teeming with top museums and galleries, grand opera and guerrilla clubs, gourmet temples and ethnic snack shacks. Whether your tastes run to posh or punk, you can sate them in Berlin.
Berlin impresses visitors with its diversity of museums, palaces and historic edifices. Its historic significance as a former royal residence comes alive at almost every corner, especially in the eastern part of the city.
When it comes to fashion, art, design and music, the German capital is the city to watch.
All this trendiness is a triumph for a town that’s long been in the cross-hairs of history: Berlin staged a revolution, was headquartered by fascists, bombed to bits, ripped in half and finally reunited – and that was just in the 20th century!
Famous landmarks such as the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and what’s left of the Berlin Wall are like a virtual 3-D textbook in a city where you’ll find history staring you in the face every time you turn a corner.
Perhaps it’s because of its heavy historical burden that Berlin is throwing itself into tomorrow with such contagious energy. At times the entire city seems to be bubbling over into one huge party. Cafes are jammed at all hours, drinking is a religious rite and clubs host their scenes of frenzy and hedonisms.
Yet despite its often hectic pace, Berlin functions on an exquisitely human scale. Traffic flows freely, public transportation is brilliant, you can walk without fear at night.
Berlin summers are long and hot with Café terraces abound, as well as outdoor festivals. There are few better cities for a summer break. Many come here for the exceptional nightlife alone, while others prefer the tourism aspect offered by the city.
The Congress venue is located within the exciting
BERLIN KULTURFORUM.
The Kulturforum is one of the most important cultural sites of Germany.
This Cultural Centre boasts numerous well known institutions such as the "New National Gallery", "Philharmonie" and "Chamber Music Hall", the state library "Neue Staatsbibliothek" and the "Gemäldegalerie"
3,4 million inhabitants
38 kilometres long, 45 kilometres wide
889 square kilometres
3 operas, 150 theatres, 170 museums and exhibitions
more than 1,500 events daily
400 galleries
2,500 public parks and recreation areas (approx. 6,400 ha)
2,400 km total length of S- and U-Bahn, bus and tram transport network
180 km waterways plus more than 3000 hectares of lakes