East Berlin past and today
Former capital of the GDR ourdays trendy neighborhoods
Today the tourist center of Berlin, then the capital of the GDR. We'll show you the trendy quarters in the former east part of the city: Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin Mitte and Friedrichshain and take a look back at the life and architecture of the former capital of the GDR, East Berlin. On our tour we do not want to ignore the eventful history of the city over the past 100 years. As popular then as it is today, 100 years ago just as many people lived in the city as there are today. We get to know the famous Berlin neighborhood and party life on this tour as well as Berlin street art. There are also top highlights like the East Side Gallery and you get an interesting insight into life in the former GDR.
Booking & Dates
Tour Route
Selection of some sights: Mauerpark, Stadtbad Oderberger, Kulturbrauerei, Kollwitzplatz, Water Tower, Soho House, Alexanderplatz, Karl-Marx-Allee, Café Moscow, Simon-Dach Kiez, RAW-area, Warschauer Strasse, Oberbaumbrücke, Eastside Gallery, capital station of the GDR, Holzmarkt Pampa, Kongress Center Ost Berlin, fashion district around Hackescher Markt.
Prenzlauer Berg from trendy to popular family district
Our bike tour leads along the most famous promenade in Prenzlauerberg, the Kastanienallee to the Mauerpark. This is where Berlin and flea market visitors meet at the weekend to experience the unique “Berlin flair”. We stand directly in the former death strip and experience the history of the Berlin Wall up close. Passing the Kulturbrauerei, you continue to the popular family neighborhood on Kollwitzplatz. There where Käthe Kollwitz once lived and now watches the hustle and bustle of children and families in the form of a statue. On Thursday and Saturday there is a wonderful weekly market that invites you to linger a while. We offer you an insight into how the area has changed in the last 30 years and show you why this area is and was so popular.
East Berlin capital of the GDR
Around Alexanderplatz we immerse ourselves in the socialist urban planning of the GDR. The center of the German Democratic Republic, founded in 1949, was recreated here. We drive along the former Stalin Allee, which was renamed Karl-Marx-Allee in 1961, to the former workers' district of Friedrichshain. Here you can imagine how the new residents of the so-called workers' palaces must have felt when they were allowed to move into their new, highly modern apartments. We cycle past the famous Kino International and Café Moskau in the direction of today's trendy neighborhood around Simon-Dach Strasse. If you drive along Karl-Marx-Allee with its magnificent Stalinist buildings, you feel transported into another world or time.
Trendy neighborhood around Simon-Dach-Strasse
After the Waschauer Strasse, we turn into the cozy and very popular neighborhood around Simon-Dach Strasse with all its many pubs, restaurants and cafes. Here is also a short stop for a little refreshment, whether falafel, vegan sandwich in homemade coffee or a piece of delicious cake. There is always something going on here and you can feel the famous Berlin flair. At the weekend we also make a detour to the very popular weekly or Sunday flea market on Boxhagener Platz. Before we head back to Mitte, we marvel again at Berlin street art on the famous RAW site. The former Reich repair shop for S-Bahn trains is now home to hip clubs and leisure activities. The site attracts with its old industrial charm.
The last stage of our bike tour takes us along the world-famous Eastside Gallery towards Ostbahnhof, formerly the GDR railway station. On our drive to Mitte we pass the JAM and take a look at the hustle and bustle on the grounds of the Holzmarkt Pampa. The last two remaining chill out locations right on the banks of the Spree. Here you can experience the most beautiful sundowner in Berlin on the water. The cooperative-operated Holzmarkt Pampa area with its small, loving shops, its own bakery, restaurant and chilly little spots right on the Spree is a unique place that we would like to visit with you. Developed from the former party legend Bar 25, right next to the Kater Blau, the Holzmarkt Pampa is a real piece of Berlin history. Via Alexander Platz we continue towards Hackescher Markt, today's “fashion district” with all its beautiful shops and flagship stores of well-known brands. Here you can get inspiration for your next private Berlin stroll. From here it is only a stone's throw back to us in Kastanienallee.
FAQ
Where do the tours start ?
Unless otherwise agreed, we start at our store, at Kastanienallee 55, 10119 Berlin.
Can we start the tour somewhere else?
Yes, we can start the tour from your preferred location by arrangement. Often your hotel has its own rental bikes: then we will pick you up directly there.
When will the tour start?
We have fixed starting times for our daily tours, depending on the tour. You can find these in the tour calendar, or on the specific tour page. We can also arrange an individual start time by appointment.
Do I need my own bike?
No, you can also rent a bike from us.
How many people are in the groups on the public tours?
On our daily tours in the tour calendar, a maximum of 10 people join us. On average, there are usually 4 - 8 people.
There is no participant limit for individually or privately booked tours.
How exhausting are the tours ?
We ride at a comfortable and relaxed pace. Our tours are 9 - 25 km long and last 2 - 5 hours. There is something for everyone. You should already be a little fit. But there are enough stops and enough time for breaks.
How can I pay?
You can pay with all common methods: Bank transfer, credit card, Paypal, EC card or cash before the tour starts.
How can I book a tour ?
You can book the tour on any tour page, or in the tour calendar.
Or contact us directly.
What is the difference between private, individual or booked with a tour calendar?
With the Tour Calendar you book a fixed, public tour with other people. All information about the tour can be found on the tour page.
At private tours you book a fixed tour just for you - simply private.
At Individual tours you give us details, such as time and interests, and we will put together a tailor-made tour for you. Or contact us directly.
Do you also offer tours for school classes, travel groups, etc. ?
Yes, we do some tours that are especially suitable for school classes, e.g.: East-West Berlin
bike tour, the Wall Tour or East Berlin - capital of the GDR. Select "school class" when booking to receive a school discount.
Or you can give us some information at Individual tours such as time, places, interests, and we will put together a tailor-made tour for you. You can also contact us directly.
What happens in bad weather conditions ?
We generally ride in all weathers. Each participant is responsible for providing suitable clothing. Should it not be possible during the tour, we will stop the tour. Safety first. If the weather does not permit a start before the tour begins, we will endeavour to arrange an alternative date. In principle apply here our Terms & Conditions.
Who are our guides ?
Our guides are as colourful as Berlin. They have lived in the city for years, know it and love it. They grew up in the east and west of the city, experienced the fall of the Wall and know the interesting stories and places. They are happy to share their knowledge and many tips about the city and its people with you. Also in several languages.
Do tours in the tour calendar always take place, or is there a minimum number of people?
Public tours take place with a minimum of 4 participants. If there are less, we will notify you and refund the price. You can also upgrade to a private tour, in which case the number of people is not limited.