Berlin has long been a centre for LGBTIQ communities in Europe. Frederick the Great, Prussia’s legendary 18th century monarch is widely believed to have been gay; sexologist Magnus Hirscheld pioneered advocacy for homosexual and transgender rights in the early 20th century; Marlene Dieterich cross-dressed on the city’s screens in the hedonistic ‘20s; and Klaus Wowereit, mayor of the city from 2001 until 2014, was openly and proudly gay.
This 3-hour tour explores Berlin’s LGBTIQ scenes past and present, and, naturally, is open to all.
You will be met by your professional, local guide at either your hotel or a pre-arranged meeting point. Starting in the city centre you will visit the Memorial for the Homosexuals persecuted Under Nazism, addressing the violent repression of homosexuality in Nazi Germany and gay personailities within the Nazi Party itself. Stops will also be made to discuss two of the city’s queer icons: Prussian king Frederick the Great and sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld.
You will then head to Schöneberg, Berlin’s ‘Rainbow District’, to see where Christopher Isherwood lived during his time in the city, learn about Bowie’s Berlin of the 1970s, visit one of the city’s oldest gay and trans bars – the former Eldorado – and hear about the queer scene at the height of the hedonistic 1920s. We’ll then cross the border into Kreuzberg to discuss the burgeoning techno and club scenes that flourished when the Wall fell, and finish at the Gay Museum.
At the end of the tour your guide will accompany you back to your hotel or a prearranged drop-off point. Alternatively, if you would prefer to do some more exploring on your own, your guide can leave you armed with tips and recommendations for the rest of the day and the rest of your stay.
Please note: the walking tour option requires the use of public transportation. These costs are not included in the price of the tour.
Sights included: Memorial to the Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism, Gay Museum, Eldorado, former residence of Christopher Isherwood and much more...
Your professional, local guide will meet you at your hotel and introduce you to the tour.
First up you will learn how the legendary Prussian king became a queer icon in the German capital.
Next we visit the official memorial for gay victims of National Socialism, and address the violent repression of homosexuality in Nazi Germany and gay personailities within the Nazi Party itself.
Now it’s time to head to the heart of Berlin’s ‘Rainbow District’ – Schöneberg.
A short walk away you will see where the Anglo-American author lived during the time he lived in Berlin, capturing the excitement and instability of ‘20s Berlin in the semi-autobiographical ‘Goodbye to Berlin’ and ‘Mr Norris Changes Trains’.
Next we see where Bowie lived during the time he spent in Berlin in the late 1970s, composing his ‘Berlin Trilogy’ with Brian Eno and Tony Visconti.
Time will then be taken to visit one of the city’s oldest gay and trans bars and hear about the queer scene at the height of the hedonistic 1920s.
Our final stop is the Gay Museum in Kreuzberg, one of the world’s largest institutions for researching, preserving and communicating the history and culture of queer communities.
At the end of the tour your guide will accompany you back to your hotel.
You will be picked up directly from your hotel or a prearranged meeting point.
At the end of the tour you will be dropped off at your hotel or, if you wish to remain in the city, your guide can give you recommendations for further exploration.
Cancellation policy:
- For groups of 1-6 people: free cancellation up to 48 hours in advance.
- For groups of 7+ people: free cancellation up to up to 7 days ahead. From 6 days in advance to 48 hours in advance, a 50% fee will apply.
- Cancellations less than 48 hours ahead or no-shows result in no refund.
Explore the heart of Berlin and see the German capital’s most iconic sites from the comfort of a private vehicle.
See Berlin’s essential sites in just two hours, from the comfort of your own private vehicle.
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