Head to Charlottenburg’s famous boulevard to experience the glamour of old Berlin coupled with the style of contemporary cosmopolitan Europe. The historic Kurfuerstendamm is one of the city’s oldest streets and was built as a route to a prominent hunting lodge now on the outskirts of the city. Today, exclusive boutiques, major department stores and luxury hotels line Kurfuerstendamm, or Kudamm as locals sometimes call the street. At its eastern end find a somber reminder of the bombings of Berlin during World War II.
Spend a day browsing stores on Berlin’s famous shopping strip to understand why so many people are drawn to Kurfuerstendamm. On both sides of the 2.2-mile (3.5-kilometer) avenue you’ll find flagship stores of some of the world’s most exclusive brands. Look for sportswear, jewelry, souvenirs and the latest in high fashion as you make your way along the street. Find cafés and restaurants scattered between the stores. Climb to the top floor of the Karstadt department store for a traditional German buffet lunch with beautiful views from the terrace.
Back at street level, look for the damaged spire of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Following its near destruction during World War II, the ruins were maintained and an adjacent structure was built under the architectural guidance of Egon Eiermann. While the interior offers a modern and spacious nave for reflection and prayer, the exterior acts as a constant reminder of the destruction of war. Photograph the hollow spire, jagged at the tip, before entering the church.
The area outside the church hosts an annual Christmas market considered one of the best in the city. Throughout the month of December enjoy traditional German food and mulled wine as you listen to choirs performing in the square.
Kurfuerstendamm’s prevalence of hotels and tourist services makes it a popular base for visitors to Berlin. Use Berlin’s efficient underground and aboveground rail networks to reach the street or take one of the city’s double-decker buses the length of Kurfuerstendamm to see it in its entirety. At sunset the street is illuminated in a golden hue, providing fantastic photo opportunities.
