Berlin is literally loaded with attractions but it is a small wooden shack nicknamed Checkpoint Charlie that is on almost every tourists “must see” list. Obviously, the small white shack with a stack of sandbags in front of it is not an inspiring site that people come to see but it is the historical significance that the uninspiring wooden shack represents.
The simple prefabricated shack standing at a busy intersection in the heart of the city’s downtown would go unnoticed if it wasn’t for the crowds of tourists standing in the street waiting for their turn to take a photo with this important site of the Cold War.
There were three checkpoints between East Germany and West Germany. They were designated as checkpoint A, checkpoint B and checkpoint C or Checkpoint Charlie. Checkpoint Charlie was the best known border crossing because it was the only official crossing point for Allied troops and foreigners between the two sides of the city and it is the location where significant events of the Cold War occurred.
In October of 1961, an incident took place that resulted in American and Soviet tanks taking up positions facing each other with live ammunition. The escalation ended without any conflict but tensions were high and the incident could have resulted in war between the two sides.
Two years later, President John F. Kennedy visited the Berlin Wall near Checkpoint Charlie in West Berlin on June 26,, 1963.
Visiting Checkpoint Charlie Today
The crossing checkpoint that tourist visit at the site is a replica of the former border post but the original can be seen in the Allied Museum in Berlin. The former checkpoint has not been left as an island in the middle of a busy street, the Wall Museum is located directly across the street where visitors can learn about numerous escape attempts from East Berlin to West Berlin.
Across the street from the Wall Museum is a souvenir shop where I am sure there are plenty of items to buy that will bring back memories of visiting Checkpoint Charlie.
The American presence is still well represented near Checkpoint Charlie with Kentucky Fried Chicken on one side of the street and the golden arches on the other side allowing visitors the ability to get a taste of the United States.
On the serious side, the American presence truly is still well represented with a replica of a sign stating “you are entering the American sector”, a large photo are an American soldier directly in front of Checkpoint Charlie and an American Flag raised above Checkpoint Charlie.
The Dust on My Shoes
Checkpoint Charlie is not the most thrilling place to visit in Berlin. It is a little white shack in the middle of a busy intersection but that little white shack represents a significant historical event.
I always find it enlightening to visit places that I learned about during my history classes in school. Standing in the same places where a world famous event took place is a humbling feeling.
Many times I get involved in my daily activities and take my freedoms for granted but visiting places like Checkpoint Charlie always make me stop and realize that if it wasn’t for historical events like these then my life would probably be much different.
Traveling is exciting, traveling is fun, traveling is adventurous and traveling is educational!
Make sure to bring back the knowledge that you learned on your travels along with the memories of the excitement, fun and adventure!
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