Jörg Schöpfel
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I grew up in a small West German town. In 1988, I could no longer resist the call to live in Berlin, following in the traces of David Bowie. Witnessing the fall of the Berlin Wall a year later marked the onset of an extraordinary era for me throughout the 1990s.
My academic journey led me to pursue a Master's Degree encompassing Geography, Political Science, and Anthropology, followed by an MBA specializing in tourism. Curiosity did not end, and so I undertook 44 different jobs. I was a hostel manager, worked in journalism, was a field researcher, portrayed Santa, and underwent bartender training.
Today, I work as a tour guide and as a teamer in father-kid camps. My passion is finding stories and sharing captivating narratives, devoid of excessive academic jargon. I thrive on the social experience of meeting interesting people, and it thrills me that there is still so much to learn and see.
My paramount interest lies in the tapestry of German history spanning the past two centuries. From the grandeur of the Empire to the turmoil of the Weimar era, and from the horrors of Nazi tyranny to the complexities of the Cold War and beyond, Berlin stands as a poignant testament to the ebb and flow of global events.
Today, we live in very interesting times. I view it as my mission to illuminate the past, fostering a deeper comprehension of contemporary affairs and promoting critical awareness. Rather than dictating perspectives, I aim to provide a contextual backdrop, encouraging introspection and dialogue.
Like many fellow Germans, I have so many questions regarding the dark chapters of our history, particularly the rise of Nazi ideology and the total surrender of humanity. I read a lot about psychology to understand how my ancestors were following such ideas. On my tours, I always offer insights and reflections based on my knowledge.
Yet, amidst the grand narratives, I find equal fascination in the minutiae of everyday life across different epochs. I want to know how life has felt in different times. It is not only the story of some leaders but a summation of many stories and details. I especially love small anecdotes to explain a mindset in past times.
I do public and private tours in Berlin and the surrounding countryside of Brandenburg. See with me the highlights of Berlin or do a focussed tour on themes like Cold War, Third Reich, Prussia & Empire. You can visit with me Prussia's treasures in Potsdam and the World Heritage of the Sanssouci Gardens. Learn more about Nazi terror at the memorial sites of the Sachsenhausen Concentration camp and the women's camp in Ravensbrück. I can show you traces of the bloodiest battle on German ground at the Seelow Battlefield.
I can also customize tours towards themes like socialist traces, Bauhaus architecture or Berlin history in cemetries. I can also arrange a beautiful hike in the scenic lakeside areas north and east of Berlin.
I am flexible in the mode of transport. Tours can be tailored to accommodate walking, biking, or car rides. I can organize a driver or even drive vans myself for up to 8 passengers.
For further details, I invite you to explore my website and follow my journey on Instagram. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you to Berlin - Auf Wiedersehen!
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