Frank Schmitz Book order

“Places of Memory“ refer to the time of National Socialism. The guides of this Series present these places of memory with current photos and explain their development from that time to the present.

Visitors to Berlin wishing to find out more about the Nazi period in Germany (1933–1945) will find this booklet very useful. It contains information on the most important memorials and documentation centres and focuses on various aspects of life under the Nazis – persecution and destruction, but also resistance to the regime. The sites include the Topography of Terror, where key buildings used by the Gestapo, SS and Reich Main Security Office once stood, the House of the Wannsee Conference and the Holocaust Memorial as well as the German Resistance Memorial Centre. The tour of the locations in Berlin is supplemented by visits to the former concentration camps at Sachsenhausen and Ravensbrück in Brandenburg.

“Really, I know of no more impressive view than that from Hundebrücke Bridge up towards Unter den Linden. […] One splendid building after another. Decorative statues everywhere …” This was Heinrich Heine’s impression of Berlin’s iconic boulevard in 1822. Hundebrücke Bridge, the precursor to Schlossbrücke Bridge, marked the start of his walk. Today’s visitors are equally captivated by the grand public buildings at Unter den Linden's eastern end, including the German Historical Museum, the German State Opera, and the New Guardhouse. Moving westward, the area buzzes with office blocks, government buildings, shops, cafés, and restaurants, all lined with linden trees that echo the boulevard’s illustrious past. The name Unter den Linden originated in 1647 when Electress Louise Henriette planted the first tree, transforming a simple bridle path into a six-row avenue connecting the royal palace to Tiergarten Park and the Grunewald hunting lodge. Initially known as Erste Strasse and later Neustädtische Allee, it was renamed Unter den Linden in 1734. Frederick the Great significantly shaped its appearance in the 18th century, mandating uniform building heights and continuous façades. After enduring war damage and transformations during GDR times, the boulevard is now revitalized, with refurbishments and new projects enhancing its historical significance.

The narrative immerses readers in thrilling real-life adventures set against the backdrop of the great outdoors. The author faces life-threatening challenges posed by nature, humanity, and formidable wildlife, all while engaging with some of the most dangerous animals on the planet. This gripping tale promises to captivate those drawn to adventure and the untamed wilderness.