Hi, I’m Mary and I hope you can have a fantastic time at one of my tours! I grew up in Warsaw where my Jewish/Polish roots and family’s experience pointed me towards a keen interest in European history. In my work I combine my interest in social sciences with experience as a journalist fixer and grassroot organiser to deliver understandable explanation of even most complex processes and phenomena that shaped Germany and Europe as it is today. I have lived in Berlin for 3 years now, which have been intense and extremely educational. I gained tour guiding experience working for the commercial market leader. Now I offer my independent tours - I’m particularly fond of those visitors who would like to reflect for a minute longer and go beyond the standard tourist glimpse-catching. Challenge your thinking, deepen your historical knowledge, feel the great vibes of the heart of Europe - just come along!
Welcome to Berlin! Join me for a captivating tour of Berlin's rich and complex history. Starting at Alexanderplatz, we'll explore the city's diverse landmarks and delve into its fascinating past.
My tour will take us to iconic sites such as the Marx and Engels Memorial, Museums Island, the Nazi book burning site, Gendarmenmarkt, Checkpoint Charlie, the remains of the Berlin Wall, Hitler's bunker, the Jewish Memorial, the Reichstag, and the Brandenburg Gate.
During the winter months the tour is adjusted to weather conditions. Depending on accessibility on a particular day, approximately 50-60% takes place indoors. Of course, proper warm clothing is still essential, but thanks to the adopted solution I’m able to still provide same quality experience to all my guests across the year. This way the visitors - even on a 4-hour tour - end up spending less than an average time outside.
What sets my tour apart is my unique perspective on history. My focus is not just on the places themselves, but on the ideas they reflect. As a Jewish woman of Polish heritage, I approach Berlin's past with a deep sense of personal connection and empathy. I tell the stories of my own family, weaving together personal narratives with broader historical themes.
Rather than simply presenting historical facts and events, I approach the subject of ideologies like fascism from a sociological perspective, highlighting their current relevance.
We'll explore the ways in which Berlin's history has shaped its character and identity, and how it continues to impact the city today. We'll examine the parallels between the past and present and reflect on the lessons we can learn from history.
My effort to combine history of communism and nazism in one tour is an effect of long research and consideration. The trend to separate those two subjects into two separate tour “products”, while beneficial for a provider’s marketing, may in my opinion unintentionally (but seriously) impair historical accuracy and explanative value. On my tour I’ll be able to explain how dichotomy and relationship between those two ideologies make up the key to their understanding.
The most meaningful thing I often hear from my guests feedback is that I’m able to provide new, deep but very clear explanations of historical and ideological nuances, both to guests who need first basic overview and those who are fairly familiar with the subjects.
ATTENTION!
Please be aware that the tour length is very hard to define precisely, for several reasons.
One is that a city like Berlin often attracts rallies and demonstrations of all kinds - we cannot avoid them of predict their length, so tour diversions sometimes happen.
Weather has an impact as well. In case of serious cold or rain, I always look for shelter at stops, so that we all feel comfortable. This can add to the total length.
But more importantly - my tour details depend on how the group reacts. Questions are answered, issues explained, and that’s the purpose and beauty of serious approach to visitors, I believe.
Guru Walk doesn’t offer the technical option to put timing brackets in the system. The duration 3h 45min is estimated for most common 4-6 people group on weekday but in general it may take up to 4h 20 min.
There is always a 15-20 min break, roughly in the middle.
What are the benefits of taking a tour with a non corporate guide:
- You can be sure your guide is experienced.
- You can read the specific guide’s personal reviews.
- The group will be very comfortable in size, usually under 8 people. Even largest groups (weekend, mid season) are always under 30 people, comparing to often 40-50 people booked mid season for big providers.
- You will be precisely informed about tour duration on the
date you’re booking. (From my work experience, the unfortunately common practice is that tours can be either false advertised as shorter than they are, or subject to a specific guide’s leaning.)
- You support a serious and honest approach to guiding which is sadly not always the norm in times of growing commercialisation. There’s a visible tendency towards providing as fun and easy as possible experience, sometimes crossing the thin line between a fair narrative and Holocaust entertainment (this issue itself is also one of my tour subjects)
Come along with me on a journey through the heart of Berlin. Let's gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped it into the vibrant and dynamic metropolis it is today.
Please be aware that guests who arrive more than 10 minutes after the tour’s start can’t be added to the group. The only exception can be made for guests who agree not to review the tour they saw in this reduced and potentially less satisfying form.
Thank you for your cooperation!
We meet on Alexanderplatz, in the precise center of the city. I’ll be waiting for you with a red umbrella in front of the Marienkirche church
Reconstruction of the original Imperial Palace.
(May not be accessible due to the ongoing renovation)
15-minute break is scheduled on arrival here.
Original building of the former Nazi Aviation Ministry.
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).