Checkpoint Charlie Museum

Checkpoint Charlie Museum

Checkpoint Charlie was the only crossing point for Germans traveling between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, as well as the sole overland passage between the two Berlins. It was hailed as “the world’s best border security system.” Now open to the public as a museum, visitors can still see the striped red-and-white checkpoint barriers and the sign in four languages reading “You are leaving the American Sector.”

The Checkpoint Charlie Museum recounts the history of the Berlin Wall. Most of its exhibits are various “evidence of crimes” used by East Germans attempting to flee to West Germany during the Cold War. These include stacks of discarded East German passports, thick volumes listing escapees and victims, explanatory texts and photos about escapes, as well as the tools used in their attempts. The museum also houses popular escape tools of the time, such as hot air balloons, miniature one-person submarines, cars with hidden compartments, and other devices used back then. People went to great lengths to escape to West Germany. An area outside the Checkpoint Charlie Museum displays equipment from the Berlin Wall enclosed by iron fences, including guard posts and barbed wire with hooks.

Checkpoint Charlie Museum

Must-visit reason: One of Germany’s most unusual museums

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Germany[Germany]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Berlin State [Berlin]

City where the attraction is located: Berlin [Berlin]