Germany - Travel Realizations

Berlin Festival of Lights 2026: Dates, Locations and What to See!

Last Updated On September 23, 2026

Around 11 am, my jet-lagged eyes saw the October morning brimming with autumnal lights for the first time in Berlin.

This year, the 22nd Berlin Festival of Lights will unfold 9–18 October 2026, each evening from 7 PM to 11 PM, transforming historic buildings across the city into canvases of art and illumination.

Summer had trickled into autumn, unlike California, from where I boarded the flight two days back. I treated myself with a cup of coffee and sat down to peep into the city from my hotel window.

It almost felt like a Facebook feed because of its continuously changing scenes. Then I decided to open the window a little and instantly the city came alive.

The aroma from the Pizza shop, the sound of laughter and conversations, and the people made it real and intimate, unlike the virtual world.

The open streets that I could see from above have an allure that’s hard to avoid.

Therefore, without wasting much time, I quickly planned to see the ongoing Festival of Lights in Berlin, Germany and walk the history-filled roads of Berlin.

The Berlin Wall: A Symbol of Division and Unity

By Chirasree Banerjee

Last Updated On May 23, 2024

Today, I will share my experience of visiting the Berlin Wall, which once stood as a stark symbol of division. Yet today, 34 years after its fall on November 9th, 1989, it represents unity and the triumph of freedom.

For nearly three decades, the wall served as a physical and ideological barrier between the Communist and non-Communist worlds, a chilling reminder of the Cold War tensions that gripped the globe.

But on that fateful day in 1989, the world watched in awe as the wall crumbled, opening a path towards a brighter, more unified future.

Standing before the remnants of the wall, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of history and the magnitude of the moment.

The jubilation and celebration that followed were a testament to the enduring power of freedom, a treasure we often take for granted until it’s threatened.

Join me as I delve into the history of the Berlin Wall, explore its impact on both sides and share personal reflections on what it means to witness such a potent symbol transformed from an embodiment of oppression and division into a monument to hope and unity.

Christmas in Magdeburg – One of the oldest cities in Germany

By Chirasree Banerjee

Last Updated On December 12, 2020

On one fine chilly December morning, we boarded a train from Berlin to Magdeburg, to see and feel the Christmas spirit in one of the oldest cities in Germany on the river Elbe.

Christmas celebrations in old European cities with thousand year long histories have an unparalleled charm.

After boarding the train, the fresh sunlight slanted across the train window and I saw the slow unfurling of the winter morning from the train window.

I reached my destination after a little more than an hour, the journey being perfect for my brain to prepare for new scenes and scents.

Magdeburg -one of the oldest German cities, Travel Realizations — Whenever a chance comes knocking on my door to broaden the horizon of my experiences, I choose to take that opportunity. I converge choice and chance to experience something new. Always!

Christmas celebrations in old European cities with thousand year long histories have an unparalleled charm. #Christmas #Germany #Magdeburg Share on X

Hamburg – The Hanseatic harbor city!

By Chirasree Banerjee

Last Updated On February 9, 2020

My wintry wandering this year took me to a city, not primarily of painters, poets or prophets but of businesses, industries, and traders.

I tried to feel the pulse of the city and ended up with happy vibes brimming with the beauty of a different kind.

History draped houses, canals, lakes, and a large port give this city a unique character that settles comfortably into one’s memory and steps forth like old pals at the mention of Hamburg, the Hanseatic harbor city.

Stuttgart TV Tower – The world’s first TV tower built in concrete in Germany!

By Chirasree Banerjee

Last Updated On March 10, 2017

The Stuttgart TV tower (Fernsehturm Stuttgart) is the world’s first telecommunication tower built from reinforced concrete. The Berlin TV tower, the space needle in Seattle, USA and hundreds of other towers are inspired by this well known landmark of Stuttgart, Germany. Fritz Leonhardt the famous structural engineer from Stuttgart was the mind behind this tower. He envisioned a tower that would serve not only a technical necessity but would also give pleasure to people. The observatory deck and a cafe inside the tower is the result of his vision.

“The Ultimate Driving Machine” – The BMW Museum in Munich, Germany!

By Chirasree Banerjee

Last Updated On July 4, 2015

The experience of visiting the BMW Museum in Munich, Germany was the first of its kind. Though later in my life, I got opportunities to experience the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Geneva Motor show in Switzerland, but the first exposure to the world of luxury cars remains special.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site (Germany)

By Chirasree Banerjee

Last Updated On March 21, 2014

One of my biggest weaknesses is travelling. It enriches me. On one hand, the wonderful nature in Norway, Switzerland , France and Denmark etc instills me with peace, inspiring places like Nobel Museum in Stockholm , CERN Switzerland , The Neils Bohr Institute in Copenhagen and The Freud Museum in Vienna etc inspires me and on the other hand some places take away words from my pen, takes away thoughts from my mind and senses from within.

Mercedes-Benz Museum Stuttgart: “The Best or Nothing” (2026 Visitor Guide)

By Chirasree Banerjee

Last Updated On September 10, 2013

In my teenage years, I used to dream about a romantic date in a Mercedes-Benz, heading toward the sea with the windows wide open and the rushing air and a few raindrops refreshing us both.

A lovely, melodious love song playing in the car would make the dark, starlit night even more romantic!! Whether that dream date ever came true, let me keep it a secret.

But to my surprise, I got the chance to visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany!

I was thrilled and curious to learn more about my dream car company the moment I arrived.

I must admit, I knew very little about Mercedes-Benz before this visit.

In this guide, I’ll share the fascinating story behind the three-pointed star, the inventors who started it all, and the famous slogan “The Best or Nothing.” You’ll also find my 2026 visitor guide with tickets, hours and directions.

Planning a visit? Jump straight to the practical info!