Chris Dunn
Chris Dunn
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The train station (Haupt Bahnhof) is superior, I have heard.
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Not to be miss in Berlin (train wise) is the German Technical Museum...not only trains but a nice collection of engine..heck they even have the Ge 4/6 #391 from the Rhaetian Railways (built 1913).
A bargain too at 6 euros per adult, can easily spend the all day there.
http://www.sdtb.de/Home.623.0.html
And model wise, the LOXX miniatur world wich is the world 3rd largest layout at over 8000 square feet. Very close in quality to Wunderland, also have an airport with plane taking off/ landing and so on. Yes it's HO, but heck it's nice.
A bit overpriced at 12 euros per adult.
Echo comment on Technical Museum, it is outstanding and you should leave at least 1/2 day there - ride the U-Bahn east from Kurfuerstendam shopping district near Zoologischer station (S-Bahn commuter train) to get there and photograph at the station where you disembark (see location on any Berlin detail map, it is southeast of main commercial district, stop might be named "Gleisdreick"). Also highly recommend taking one of the tour buses that allow on and off stopping. On these you can see Brandenburg Gate, former East Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie, and many other famous Berlin historic places.
Forgot to endorse the Hauptbahnhof station visit. The platforms are open access to see the stunning architecture of a 21st Century Railway station with trains of all kinds including long distance a constant presence there. HBH is also within walking distance of many of the key historic attractions I mentioned in prior reply, but I fogot to mention another important destination, if you like museums. All the art museums are located on the river and canal at a place called Museum Island. You cannot see all of this in one day, it is far too much. The Tour buses only cost a few Euro but is a great way to see and decide where you want to spend a lot of time.
If you're really short on time, then a tour bus is the way to go.
BUT. Do squeeze in rides on the S-Bahn and U-Bahn (separate but complementary systems).
There are some classic art museums in/around Berlin that should not be missed.
If you get to Munich, spend some time at the train station there as well. I was there in '93 and you had the orient express parking right next to the ICE bullet trains. Quite a sight.
Thanks for the suggestions.
As you will be visiting the home of 'Currywurst', please be sure to sample some. (Currywurst with fries is a truly delicious snack.) You might also enjoy a visit to the 'Currywurst Museum' in Berlin.
One of my fondest memories was riding the S-Bahn to gain entry from West Berlin into East Berlin in 1965. It was creepy but fascinating. Today I visit Berlin to have the famous Berliner Kindl Weisse. It's a beer unique to Berlin and as good an experience as a train ride!
Bob Osterhoff
Be sure to try the Currywurst,