10 interesting facts about Berlin – a city with a complex history

Berlin is a city with a rich history. In the past, there were two trading settlements on its territory, which by the 14th century merged into one city.

But ahead of the territory was again waiting for division: after the Second World War, four victorious countries divided the city into four occupation sectors. Subsequently, three of them were transformed into West Berlin, and the last part, which was under the control of the Soviet Union, became East Berlin. They were separated by a specially built wall, which fell only in 1989.

All these ups and downs could not but affect the population of the capital of Germany. This is the city of artists and artists, millionaires and DJs, the center of unique phenomena that make it an original place, a must-see. This is evidenced by the following 10 interesting facts about Berlin.

10 Lots of convenience stores

Residents of Russia are difficult to surprise with convenience stores, but for Europeans, buying groceries after 20 pm is a headache. Most shops are closed from 19:XNUMX until early morning, and in small towns they are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Against this background, Berlin compares favorably with other capitals: there it costs nothing to go shopping even at night, as on the streets you can find many shops that are open 24 hours a day.

It is curious that for the convenience of residents, more than 10 night buses also run around the city, so the way to the desired store will not cause problems.

9. Berliners love dogs

Berliners have great respect for dogs: people are much more willing to get a puppy than a kitten. According to official statistics, about 100 thousand dogs are registered in the city, but they say that in reality this figure should be multiplied by two. Walking with pets on a leash is a favorite pastime of a typical Berliner.

Moreover, they are loyal to animals in cafes or shops where you can go with your pet. Even the existing tax does not scare away the Germans – dog owners must pay 120 euros per year to the state treasury.

8. There are 180 museums in the city

Tourists have something to do in Berlin – There are almost 200 various exhibitions and galleries in the city. Only state museums there are 180! Different people will find their place: from lovers of the classics to connoisseurs of postmodern and avant-garde.

A useful life hack shared by experienced travelers: you can visit museums for free on Thursday evenings.

For those who are willing to pay a large amount, there is also a nice bonus: for 2-8 thousand euros, anyone can rent one of these 180 museums to hold a wedding, party or corporate event there.

7. popular graffiti

In addition to museums and exhibition halls, art in Berlin can be touched even on the street. Street art in the city is of incredible importance: almost all available surfaces in the capital are painted. Moreover, among the usual pictures and runes from games there are works of art.

Street artists even give tours to the places of cult images on the walls – as, for example, to the painting of the kiss between Brezhnev and Honecker on the remains of the Berlin Wall.

There is a lot of space for creativity in the city – the destroyed buildings form side facades that beckon to depict something provocative and scandalous on them.

The authorities of Berlin do not get tired of fighting graffiti – on average, the city spends up to 30 million euros a year to paint the walls.

6. City of nightclubs

For those who are tired of creativity, Berlin is ready to offer a vibrant nightlife: the city is also called the capital of nightclubs. Every evening, more than 200 establishments open their doors to customers here, the entrance to which is rather modest by European standards – from 4 to 10 euros. The most popular musical genres among the city’s guests are electro and techno.

Thanks to the abundance of listeners and performers, it is in Berlin that trend trends in the field of music have been developed over the past few years.

5. Traveling without a ticket can land you in jail

The Germans are well known for their law-abidingness, and therefore the state acts there are quite strict. So, an ordinary “hare” who traveled on public transport without a ticket can go to jail.

According to the law, those who are caught in such an offense receive a large fine for the first time – up to 60 euros. If the offense has been repeated three times in the last two years, the citizen will be sent to prison for 12 months. On average, up to 70 such criminals are recruited per year.

Of course, not everyone goes to jail: the defendants are usually offered to pay the imposed fine of 1000 euros, and if they refuse, they take appropriate measures.

4. About 600 millionaires in the city

The number of people whose income exceeds a million dollars in Berlin is growing at an unprecedented pace: for example, over the past three years this figure has increased by 1,5 times. Now they number from 600 to 750 people..

It is curious that wealthy people live not only in elite areas, but also in “ultra-left” places, where the inhabitants are known for their alternative views. And by the way, it is in these territories that the increase in millionaires is most noticeable.

The authorities cannot explain this phenomenon, while economists assume that the influx of people’s wealth is caused by developing business and an established banking system.

3. Mostly rented apartments

Germans are rightfully considered a nation of tenants: of the total population of Berlin, only a small percentage own their own real estate. The lion’s share of residents prefers to rent apartments all their lives.

Historians argue that this state of affairs predetermined the destruction after the war – the city was built up with social housing, which was actively rented out, but no one had any resources or funds for individual construction.

In addition, liberal laws regarding rental housing also contributed: the authorities did not set limits for landlords, as in some other European countries, and competition appeared on the market, thanks to which renting an apartment became more profitable than buying it and paying taxes.

2. Two versions of the city’s name

The official date of the founding of Berlin is 1237. Its historical name “Kölln” was quickly replaced by the existing one. Historians put forward two versions of the origin of the word “Berlin”. According to one of them, it was formed from the German word Ber (bear). The Germans are also leaning towards this position – on the coat of arms of the city there is a black bear.

But there is another opinion: some scientists suggest that “Berlin” comes from the Slavic word “berl” (swamp). This version is supported by the fact that among the Polabian Slavs in the 1st century BC. there was a settlement “burlin”, symbolizing the dam.

1. Friedrichstadtpalast is one of the leading theaters in Europe

In addition to nightclubs, street art and numerous museums, cultural Berlin is also known for its legendary theater Friedrichstadtpalast.. In the 19th century, it was an ordinary covered pavilion, which was then transformed into a circus arena, and only after that into a theater stage. It was here that the cancan dance was first introduced and from here the career of Marlene Dietrich began.

Now the theater is considered the largest stage in Europe. And to this day, the tradition of revue productions continues there – a mixture of styles of variety and cabaret, which gather millions of spectators every year.