Friday 13th July 2018
Today we had plans to meet Lutz and Antje in Berlin later in the evening for a farewell/thank you dinner as well as an unexpected trip up the TV Tower courtesy of Lutz.
We had intended to take the train into Berlin for a final look around, but whilst on the train our plans changed.
Lutz had given us a ticket for the railway which was valid for 2 hours, from time of validation, regardless how many times you change trains. Lutz kindly dropped us at his local station, Lehnitz and we set off on the S1 line bound for Friedrichstraße, where there were several opportunities to change lines.
The train, like most things German, was on time and efficient 😉 As we passed through several stations on this suburban section of the line we spotted that we could continue on this line all the way to Wannsee and change for 3 additional stops to Potsdam. We had the remainder of the day before our planned engagement this evening, so Potsdam became our destination.
The entire journey was within our 2 hour slot, stopping at 36 stations! Certainly a record for us 😉
We arrived in Potsdam at the main station (Hauptbanhof) on Babelsberger Straße. The station was located in a large shopping mall with several eating establishments.
Directly outside the station was Stop Number 3 for the Potsdam City Tour Bus, a hop on hop off tourist bus, which runs every 20 – 30 minutes. It would have been an ideal way to see the main attractions of the city, if we only we had the 1 ¾ hours available to do it. Unfortunately our long train journey back did not allow us the luxury; mores the pity.
Around the other side of the station we hopped onto the tram which took us over the River Havel. We only had one hour to kill so we were limited to what we could fit in.
We only managed to look around the south-eastern section of the city but there is much more to see in Potsdam, including the largest World Heritage Site in Germany, which has the parks and palaces of Sanssouci.
The Old Market Square – Alter Markt. The historical centre of the city which has undergone much reconstruction and renovation work.
Off to the Brandenburg Gate, which was unfortunately completely obscured from view, due to renovation work.
Our journey back from the main station to Berlin was on the S7 line; only 13 stops and a lot quicker.
After meeting up with Lutz and Antje in Berlin, we made our way to Alexanderplatz which had a great vibe.
This very popular public square with its transport hub, shops and restaurants was incredibly busy.
After enjoying a very pleasant meal undercover on the outside terrace of an Italian restaurant, with the largest glasses of beer ever, Lutz and Antje pointed out some popular landmarks our way to the highlight of our evening.
Der Berliner Fernsehturm (Berlin TV Tower), the tallest structure in Germany and Berlin City landmark.
Arriving at the TV Tower lobby we were whisked up the 203 metres to the Observation Deck and bar in a speedy 40 seconds via the lift, before climbing the final few steps to our table in the rotating restaurant, with 360 ° views across the city!
As we sipped our ‘fizz’ we watched the sun setting over the city and admired the panoramic views as the city began to fall into darkness. Each full rotation of the observation tower took only 30 minutes enabling us to enjoy the views more than once.
A wonderful way to spend our final night in Berlin and we thank Lutz and Antje for this wonderful experience, as well as the kindness and hospitality they have extended to us during our short time in Berlin.
We will be back …….