Berlin is a city with a rich history. In the past, there were two trading settlements on its territory, which united in one city by the 14th century.
But ahead of the territory, division again awaited: 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. Separated by a specially built wall, which fell only in 1989.
All these ups and downs could not but affect the population of the German capital. This is a city of artists and artists, millionaires and DJs, the center of unique phenomena that make it an original place, a must to visit. The following 10 interesting facts about Berlin testify to this.
10. Many convenience stores
It is difficult to surprise the inhabitants of Russia with convenience stores, but for Europeans to buy products after 20 pm is a headache. Most shops are closed from 19 hours until the morning, and in small towns they do not work on Saturdays and Sundays.
Berlin against this background compares favorably with other capitals: there it’s worth nothing to go shopping even at night, as on the streets you can find many shops that work 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 path to the desired store will not cause problems.
9. Berliners adore dogs
Berliners have great respect for dogs: people give birth to a puppy more willingly than a kitten. According to official statistics, about 100 thousand dogs are registered in the city, but they say that in reality this figure needs to be multiplied by two. Walking with pets on a leash is a favorite pastime of a typical Berliner.
Moreover, they are loyal to animals and in cafes or in shops, where it is quite possible to go with your pet. Even the existing tax does not deter Germans - dog owners must pay 120 euros a year to the state treasury.
8. The city has 180 museums
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 classic lovers to connoisseurs of postmodern and avant-garde.
Useful life hack shared by experienced travelers: you can visit museums for free on Thursdays in the evening.
For those who are willing to pay a large sum, 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 party 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 accessible surfaces in the capital are drawn. Moreover, among ordinary pictures and runes from games, there are works of art.
Tours even take places of places of worship on the walls of street artists - for example, to the painting of the kiss of 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 a side facade, which beckons to depict something provocative and scandalous on them.
Berlin authorities are not tired of fighting graffiti artists - on average, a city spends up to 30 million euros a year on painting walls.
6. City of night clubs
For those who are tired of creativity, Berlin is ready to offer a vibrant nightlife: the city is also called the capital of night clubs. Every evening, more than 200 establishments open doors for customers, the entrance to which is rather modest by European standards - from 4 to 10 euros. The most popular musical genres among city guests are electro and techno.
Due to the abundance of listeners and performers, it was in Berlin over the past few years that trending trends in the field of music have been developed.
5. You can go to jail for stowaways
The Germans are well known for their law-abiding behavior, which is why state acts there are rather strict. So, an ordinary "hare" who rode on public transport without a ticket can go to jail.
According to the law, those who have fallen for such an offense receive a large fine for the first time - up to 60 euros. If the misconduct is repeated three times in the last two years, the citizen will be sent to prison for 12 months. On average, up to 70 people are recruited per year.
Of course, not everyone gets behind bars: the defendants are usually invited to pay off the assigned fine of 1000 euros, and if they refuse, they will take appropriate measures.
4. About 600 millionaires in the city
The number of people whose income exceeds one million dollars in Berlin is growing at an unprecedented pace: for example, over the past three years this figure has increased 1.5 times. Now there are 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 growth of millionaires is most noticeable.
The authorities cannot explain this phenomenon, but economists suggest that the influx of people’s fortune is caused by developing business and an established banking system.
3. Mostly rented apartments
The Germans are rightfully considered a nation of tenants: of the total number of Berliners, only a small percentage own their own property. The lion's share of residents prefer 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, while for individual construction no one had any resources or funds.
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, making renting an apartment more profitable than buying it and paying taxes.
2. Two versions of the name of the city
The official founding date of Berlin is 1237. Its historical name Kölln was quickly replaced by an existing one. Historians put forward two versions of the origin of the word "Berlin". According to one of them, it formed from the German word "Ber" (bear). The Germans are inclined to this position - black is placed on the coat of arms of the city bear.
But there is another opinion: some scientists suggest that "Berlin" came from the Slavic word Burl (swamp). In favor of this version is the fact that among the Slavic Slavs back in the 1st century BC. was a settlement Burlin symbolizing the dam.
1. Friedrichstadtpalast - 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 indoor pavilion, which was then transformed into a circus arena, and after that - into the stage of the theater. It was here that the cancan dance was first introduced and from here began the career of Marlene Dietrich.
Now the theater is considered the largest stage in Europe. And to this day, the traditions of revue productions continue there - a mixture of variety show and cabaret styles, which attract millions of viewers every year.