Berlin – the old and new capital of Germany is a city loaded with history and, with its Wall, symbolic for the Cold War in Europe. After the reunification of the two parts of Germany in 1990 it became a place where East met West which is still visible in the structure of the city. One example of the surviving differences is that street car (Straßenbahn) lines can generally be found in the previous eastern part of Berlin only, since in the western part they had been gradually replaced by buses over the 30 years of the divided history.
When you are crossing a street in Berlin look carefully at the street light – you will notice that most of the lights in the ex-eastern part still have a different figure as a "stop" and "go" sign than the lights in the old West Berlin.

Berlin’s numerous cultural attractions include, among others, the Museums Island with Pergamon Museum, Old National Gallery, and Bode Museum, the Culture Forum with the New National Gallery and Picture Gallery as well as the Egyptian Museum with the Nofretete bust, and countless Palaces and Residences of the Prussian kings and princes. Music is an essential part of the Berlin culture. The Berlin Philharmonics and several other world famous orchestras provide for excellent opportunities to hear the old and the new masters. The Berlin Philharmonics will give a special concert for the Congress participants on Monday, June 9. Berlin is also well known for its off-scene with small galleries, cabarets and independent artists’ studios.

The month of June is one of the most enjoyable months in this part of Europe and Berlin is one of the best cities to visit in summer. Located close to countless lakes and canals it creates a very relaxed atmosphere offering numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Did you know that you can make a boat tour starting in Potsdam and ending in the Government quarter right in the centre of Berlin? If you look around Berlin don’t forget to walk through its landmark – the Brandenburg Gate. You can also climb to the top of the glass copula of the Reichstag (the old name for the German Parliament) or visit the futuristic Potsdamer Platz which has been rebuilt from scratch in the last ten years. A great attraction for the small and big visitors to Berlin are also the two Zoos and the Aquarium, all with a long tradition. Finally, Berlin’s offer of countless street cafes, restaurants, various shops and boutiques should be mentioned as well.

This is a list of links to Websites with all information about Berlin.

The official Berlin Tourist Office Website http://www.berlin-tourism.de

For general tourist information in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish http://www.berlin.de

For public transportation schedule and maps http://www.bvg.de

For information about museums http://www.museen-berlin.de/e/index.html

The Jewish Museum in Berlin http://www.jmberlin.de

Berlin city map http://www.stadtplan.net/brd/berlin/berlin/home.html

For information and schedule of the tourist ships in Berlin http://www.sternundkreis.de

For a professional childcare provider in Berlin http://www.kinderinsel.de/englisch/index_e.html

For information about how to rent a bike in Berlin http://www.callabike.de/konzern/holding/db_rent/dbag_60_cab_engl.shtml