Today marks the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a monumental event that symbolised the reunification of not only Germany but also played a significant role in the unifying of Europe. As we commemorate this historic moment, we're reminded of the importance of unity and the incredible steps we have taken over the past decades.
On a recent Interrail journey through Germany, our Content Strategist, Johannes, found himself reflecting on the fall of the Berlin Wall and its lasting impact on our world today. Although he’s visited Germany many times, this trip gave him a unique moment to connect with the country’s history on a deeper level. read on to discover his thoughts on revisiting Berlin during the 35th anniversary of the Berlin Wall.
Berlin was one of the destinations I visited more than 15 years ago when I embarked on my first Interrail trip. Back then it had only been 20 years since the fall of the wall. I remember being taken aback by the sheer size of Berlin and the stories from the city and how recent it all felt. I couldn't fathom that only 20 years earlier, people couldn't visit their neighbours the way I was able to back home. I was lucky enough to spend around a week in Berlin, I still remember arriving in our hostel located in an old hospital very close to Alexander Platz and the Fernsehturm (TV tower).
15 years ago, I traveled with friends and we were welcomed in a city that remains incredibly unique to this very day. We made friends all over the place. From traveling dance groups from all over Europe (there was an event being held in the German capital), to German and Erasmus students finishing their programs.
I went back to Berlin some days ago, I am lucky because I get to travel to the city often to visit close friends. This time around, however, my travel plans also included stops in Leipzig, Dresden, and Saxon Switzerland to see the beautiful Bastei Bridge. And even though the bridge itself was covered by thick fog, the trip itself was simply magical. I enjoyed some of the best sunny autumn days I've had in recent memory.
With the anniversary of the wall coming up, I kept on thinking about how today it is easier for me to get on a train in Utrecht and see my friends in East Berlin and Leipzig and go for a hike near Dresden than it was for people to traverse neighbourhoods in their own city 35 years ago.
One of the reasons I love rail travel is that it provides you with moments for reflection. This time, for me, it was all about appreciating how connected I can be to people relatively close to me, even if they still are 6 hours away by train.
Let's celebrate this day by sharing our experiences! How have you perceived and experienced Europe since the fall of the Berlin Wall? Whether it's through travel, cultural exchanges, or personal connections, we'd love to hear your stories and reflections on how this pivotal event has shaped your experience of Europe. 
