Checkpoint Charlie

It is not only one of Berlin’s most important landmarks, but also the setting for various thrillers and spy novels – from James Bond’s *Octopussy* to *The Spy Who Came in from the Cold*: Checkpoint Charlie.
On the corner of Friedrichstraße and Zimmerstraße, the former border crossing serves as a reminder of the Cold War and a divided Berlin. The barrier and checkpoint hut, flag and sandbags are modelled on the original site – and are a popular photo opportunity.

Everything you need to know about Checkpoint Charlie

Where does Checkpoint Charlie get its name from?

The name Checkpoint Charlie is derived from the International Phonetic Alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie). Following the Helmstedt-Marienborn (Alpha) and Dreilinden-Drewitz (Bravo) border crossings, Checkpoint Charlie was the third checkpoint used by the Allies in and around Berlin.

What happened at Checkpoint Charlie in 1961?

At the most famous inter-German border crossing, Allied guards had been registering members of the American, British and French armed forces before their journey to East Berlin since 22 September 1961. International tourists could obtain information there. Although the border checkpoint had initially been intended solely as a crossing point for members of the Allied armed forces, just one month later, in October 1961, it became the scene of a dramatic tank standoff: American and Soviet tanks took up positions and faced each other, armed with live ammunition. Images from the divided city that were seen around the world at the time.

Tip: The Cold War Berlin augmented reality app brings this moment in history to life in three dimensions. You don’t need to be at Checkpoint Charlie in person to view the 3D model of the border crossing. Historical photos, films and radio reports round off the experience. You can download the app for free in German or English from all app stores.

The scene of numerous escape attempts

Checkpoint Charlie is not only a site of the Cold War, but also a witness to numerous escape attempts from what was then East Berlin. An open-air exhibition on the corner of Schützenstraße and Zimmerstraße now tells the stories of both failed and successful attempts. An installation by the artist Frank Thiel and a commemorative plaque also mark the memorial site.

Checkpoint Charlie today

Places of interest nearby

• The Wall Museum – Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie
• asisi Panorama Berlin – The Wall
• The Wall
• Trabi Museum and Trabi World

Your visit

Checkpoint Charlie is located on Friedrichstraße. It’s easy to get there by underground. The nearest underground stations to Checkpoint Charlie are ‘Stadtmitte’ and ‘Kochstraße’. However, you can also take bus route 200 to the ‘Stadtmitte’ stop – an enjoyable way to add a few free sights to your day out in Berlin.