Queer History Walk, German And English

Overview

This walk starts at Nollendorfplatz U-Bahn station in Schoeneberg and visits the Nollendorfkiez, the queer district named in the GuruWalk listing. Frank, who runs it, is listed on GuruWalk, and the walk is free, pay what you want: you reserve a spot and tip the guide at the end. The GuruWalk listing describes the route as a journey through how Berlin became a major queer city, taking in themes of freedom, discrimination, persecution and the LGBT community of today.

The subject matter is specific. Transgender sex workers, lesbian activists and the contradictions of gay Nazis all appear in the story, alongside the broader arc of refuge, discrimination and progress. The route takes in original locations in the district, and the GuruWalk listing names stops including the memorial plaque for the Rosa Winkel, the Magnus Pharmacy and Prince Valiant. Reviews describe a guide with visual aids and plenty of stories, with context on how the queer scene in Berlin developed over time.

The walk runs in German or English, lasts two hours, and ends close to Wittenbergplatz station. It suits anyone with an interest in queer history. Reviewers said they learned a lot and would recommend it to others with the same interest.

Itinerary

1. Meet at NollendorfplatzMeet on the west side of the U-Bahn station entrance at Nollendorfplatz. The guide carries a folder with the GuruWalk logo.
2. Rosa Winkel memorial plaqueThe first named stop is the memorial plaque for the Rosa Winkel, listed as part of the route.
3. Magnus PharmacyThe walk continues to the Magnus Pharmacy, one of the original locations named in the GuruWalk listing.
4. Prince ValiantThe GuruWalk listing names Prince Valiant as another stop on the route through the Nollendorfkiez.
5. End near WittenbergplatzThe walk finishes close to Wittenbergplatz U-Bahn station, two hours after the start.

What To Expect From The Tour

The GuruWalk listing and reviews give a clear picture of what the two hours involve: standing, listening and short walks between stops in one district.

• Standing and pace. One reviewer noted a lot of standing on a hot day. Expect a walk built around stops where the guide talks, with short walks in between rather than continuous walking.
• Visual aids. A review mentions the guide's visual aids. These help carry the historical stories, so you do not need prior knowledge of the district or its past.
• Weather prep. The route is outdoors in the Nollendorfkiez, and a review describes standing through a very hot day. Dress for the weather you are walking in.
• Finding the guide. The GuruWalk listing says the guide carries a folder with the GuruWalk logo and has short white-blonde hair. Arrive at the west side of the Nollendorfplatz station entrance.
• Language. The walk runs in German or English. Check the language of your chosen departure on the walk's GuruWalk page before reserving.
• Payment. Booking is free and you pay the guide what you think the walk was worth at the end, as the GuruWalk listing states. Reserve your spot through GuruWalk.

Common issues. The walk is outdoors and one reviewer found the amount of standing tiring on a hot day, so weather and comfortable shoes matter. The GuruWalk listing notes that if the maximum number of participants has been reached on the website, you should contact the guide directly, who can add you to the tour. The GuruWalk listing shows only the first stops of a route it says has more, so the full route is longer than the stops published. No suitability claim for children or limited mobility is stated anywhere in the GuruWalk listing.

Common Questions Before You Reserve