BERLIN BALL

EVERYBODY IS WELCOME IN GERMANY'S FUN CAPITAL, WHERE SELF-EXPRESSION IS ENCOURAGED

- KIRSTEN JONES

WHY GO THERE?

From 1961 to 1989, German capital Berlin was divided physically and politically by a 13ft wall, stretching 96 miles. With communism to the east and democracy to the west, people lived very different existences on either side of the patrolled barrier. But since the wall fell in November 1989, the city is a very different place – no longer about barriers that divide us but a place where everyone is free to come and go, and to express themselves, as they please.

Visitors can marvel at the monumental Brandenburg Gate – now a symbol of peace – or maybe even find the Holy Grail! Experts say the Knights Templar had a settlement in Berlin in 1200, but what were they doing freezing their beards off in the then tiny fishing village? It’s notoriously flat, yet it takes a huff and puff to climb Am Tempelhofer Berg (which translates as “on the tempelhofer mountain”). There are rumours that the fabled cup of Christ could be hidden under the steep street.

The city is also famed for its foodie scene and markets full of bratwurst and schnitzel. But it was the pastry we fell for. Forget French pain au chocolat – Berlin’s bakeries cook up flaky croissants with melted chocolate oozing out of every layer. You’ll never look at a Tesco pastry the same way again.

WHERE TO STAY