A Carefree School Trip To Germany's Capital

For the budget tourist that claims to have seen it all, Berlin is the place to provide some important lessons.

A very significant recent history, and a city dotted with museums, monuments and other architectural wonders, even the shortest stay in some Berlin Youth hostels will not fail to be educational.

Museums

Any traveler staying in Berlin Youth Hostels located close to the famous Museumsinsel, or Museum Island, is in for a treat. The historical collections in the Pergamon-Museum featuring Ancient Greek and Middle Eastern Art, and the Egyptian treasures of the Altes Museum are some of the best in Europe.

Berlin also has one of the most thorough examinations of its own country's history - partly owing to its recent Nazi-era activities - to be found anywhere in the world.

A particular highlight is the Topography of Terror, an open air museum located under the remnance of the Berlin Wall, which consists of excavated prison cells with insightful commentary.

The famed Checkpoint Charlie along the former Berlin Wall divide also provides telling insight into the historic blockade that split Eastern Germany from Western Germany.

Architecture

Although not evident in many of the Berlin youth hostels themselves, many of which have sprung up over the last few years, Berlin has some fine examples of European architecture with their own cultural and historical significance.

The Reichstag building is one such example, a visually powerful 19th century building that has long-served as an emblem of the capital's political strength and the country's national pride.

The Berlin Wall is also important. Although no longer the simple yet dominant physical presence it once was, its totalitarian symbolism speaks volumes of its place in both German and European history.

There are also some modern architectural contributions offering good views of the recently regenerated city. The famous TV Tower offers 360 degree views from its rotating restaurant, while the latticed Berliner Funkturm also offers great views of the sites.

Finally, the Brandenburg gate is the epitome of Berlin's architectural contributions to modern history - its beauty punctuated by the important historical events to which it has borne witness. From the Prussian defeat by Napoleon in the 19th Century to the 20th century fall of the Berlin Wall.

By: Scottyn

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Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for HostelBookers. Paul Scottyn did a backpacking tour of Germany, he checked out a variety of the country's budget accommodation and attractions, including a number of most hostels in Berlin and museums.