Two decades on, there's no more potent symbol of the reunification of East and West Germany than the former Iron Curtain. Running from the Baltic Sea to the Czech border in a 1,400km zigzag, the barbed wire and fortifications have long gone, replaced by nature reserves.
This happy example of swords being turned into ploughshares is a haven for hikers and bikers - and wildlife has flourished, with black storks, wild cats, wood grouse and rare mosses thriving in the wilds.
The local tourism industry has been quick to capitalise, offering itineraries tracing associations with figures such as Goethe, while author Oliver August paid tribute to Germany's 'green line' in his travelogue Along the Wall and Watchtowers.
While the Iron Curtain divided a country, the Berlin Wall sliced a city in half. It's barely visible nowadays, and the capital is more vibrant than ever, especially when it comes to shopping. Kaufhaus des Westens - or KaDeWe, as it is usually known - might reign supreme as the mightiest department store, but there are also a plethora of smaller, quirkier and imaginative boutiques.
Fashionistas will find more than a little to delight at stores such as Chelsea Farmer's Club and A.D. Deertz. Lunettes stocks vintage eyeglasses, while Dialogue Books is a glorious reminder of what bookshops should be like.
If Berlin does eclectic boutiques well, it does eclectic boutique hotels even better. First and foremost is the tried-and-tested Propeller Island - every room has a different design - Chicken Curry has an Indian theme, The Table is dominated by a circular bed, while Padded Cell more than lives up to its name - and the clientele is just as varied.
