In the 20th century, Berlin has seen a series of dramatic changes. The decadent metropolis of the Golden Twenties became the centre of the national socialist dictatorship. In 1968 Berlin shared in the protest movement sweeping Europe and in November 1989 it became a remarkable and historic gateway between East and West. Traces of this turbulent history remain in scattered ruins around the city. Next to them entirely new city districts are springing up to become the future face and character of Berlin.
Berlin is Germany's greenest city - almost a third of it is forest or lake.
The wide transport network of underground and overground trains, trams and buses is perfect for discovering the city and the surrounding countryside - and for reaching all major international stations and airports. Every day thousands of visitors experience Berlin - Germany's liveliest city and the only one where there is no closing time. To gain an impression of the innumerable caf s, bars restaurants, clubs, theatres, museums, galleries, concert halls and cinemas, you need to live in Berlin a long time. And even then there is always something new to discover. Two of the most popular areas for young people are the districts of Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg.