Berlin is something entirely unique. A city with a rich history, but largely shaped by a complex recent history and a sense of urgency. A contemporary capital boasts more parks and natural space than almost any other city on earth. It is vast and expansive both geographically and emotionally.
Here are some interesting facts for you:
Berlin has a total of 3,5 million registered residents. If we compare this number to other capitals in Europe, it seems that Berlin is on the third position. On the first position we find Moscow with not less than 10,5 million residents and on the second place we find London which is the home for around 7,5 million people. From the 3,5 Million residents in Berlin, almost 500.000 are foreigners. It always feels like there are a lot more foreigners in Berlin but this has to do with the massive amount of tourists. The many different residents in Berlin come from all over the world. More than 20% come from Turkey and are responsible for the fact that a delicious Döner can be bought on every corner of the street. Curious which other countries are in the top 5?
1. Turkey = 104.556
2. Poland = 40.998
3. Servien = 19.230
4. Italy = 15.842
5. Russia = 15.332
(Source: Statistisches Landesamt Berlin-Brandenburg)
Berlin has more residents than many other capitals in Europe. The city surface is a little bit more than 892 km². There are five cities in Europe which have a larger surface. The largest city in Europe is London with 1.572 km². London is followed by Rome (1.285 km²) and Moscow (1.081 km²).
One cool fact about Berlin is that in total, the city owns 5.413 km of public streets. If all these streets are combined, you could travel from Berlin to Pakistan or Cameroon. The longest street in Berlin is called Adlergestell and is 11,9 km long. The street is located in Treptow. The shortest street is located near the Nikolaiviertel. The street is called Eiergasse and is not much longer than a couple of houses (16 meter). Also the famous street Strasse des 17. Juni owns a title: With not less than 75 meter width (that’s about 250 feet), the street is the biggest street in Berlin.
With an average of 73 meter above the sea level, Berlin is located quite high. The highest natural point in the city is the Großer Muggelberg: The highest point of this mountain lays 114,7 meter above sea level. If we go more to the west of the city there we will find another mountain, the Teufelsberg, which has the same height as the Muggelberg. But because the Teufelsberg has been made by human hands it seems more fair to give the first position to the Muggelberg.
Berlin has about 1600 bridges. Perhaps the most beautiful bridge in Berlin is over the river Spree connecting Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.
Berlin is the only city in the world with three active opera houses. Head to the evening box office and you can get unsold tickets for around 10€!
Berlin’s Zoologischer Garten is one of the largest zoos in the world with over 19,000 animals. Berlin also has more Zoos than any other city.
Berlin’s TV-Tower (Fernsehturm) is still the largest building in Berlin. With it’s 368 meter, the tower which is located at Alexanderplatz, is about 10 meters higher than the Sendemast in Berlin-Frohnau (358,6 meter). The third position on the list of high buildings is taken by another Sendemast, but this one does not come very close to the two leaders: The Sendemast Scholzplatz is not more than 230 meter high, but still owns the third position on the list of high buildings in Berlin.
Berlin is a city that draws you in entirely. Learning a bit more about it before you arrive is well worth the time!
Imagine that you are walking around in Berlin with some of your friends: Would it not be cool to impress them with some interesting facts about the city and his attractions? After reading this article you might be able to tell them something about the tallest building, the longest street or the highest mountain. Obviously the most important is to enjoy the friendship in very friendly city… Welcome to Berlin! ?
