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Berlin, Germany – Mitte, Charlottenburg, Kreuzberg & Beyond
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Berlin 1945 - Photos of the Fallen City

Historical photos of Berlin in 1945. The ruins of the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, and the 'Stunde Null' (Hour Zero).

5/8/2025
13 min read
Aerial view of the devastated city of Berlin in 1945

To understand Berlin's beauty today, one must confront its total destruction.

The Brandenburg Gate in Ruins

We see it as a pristine symbol today. In 1945, it was scarred, surrounded by rubble, standing solitary in a wasteland. Brandenburg Gate 1945

The Reichstag

The parliament building was a shell. Russian graffiti covered its walls. Reichstag 1945

Life in the Ruins

The photo Berlin 1945 shows the scale of devastation. Whole districts were flattened. Berlin 1945 Yet, life continued. The "Trümmerfrauen" (rubble women) cleared the streets by hand, brick by brick.

The Reconstruction

As you drive down Kurfürstendamm or Unter den Linden, look at the mix of buildings. The gaps filled by modern architecture are the missing teeth knocked out in 1945.

About the Author

History Keeper

History Keeper

This guide is written by Berlin enthusiasts who know that the city is too big to walk in a day. We aim to help you use the bus network smartly to unlock the best of Berlin without the stress of navigating the complex public transport zones.

Tags

WWII
1945
History
Destruction

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