T1 Berlin

T1 Berlin: Sightseeing in a 1965 VW Samba Bus

The starting and ending point is the main entrance of the Berlin Cathedral at Lustgarten, which is the historical center of the city. In front of it stands a 100% original VW T1 Samba Deluxe, built in 1965, recognizable by its split windshield and many small roof windows. Due to its rarity, this bus has achieved legendary status, and T1 Berlin’s fleet also includes a VW Beetle 1300 from the same year. Up to seven people can ride along simultaneously, and a child seat is provided free of charge. Tours are guided in German, English, or Spanish, and the provider’s office is located on Maximilianstraße in Pankow. The bus is clearly visible from the outside, and accordingly, people often wave and take photos along the way. Because only seven seats are available, the group remains small enough that questions can actually be answered during the tour.

Two Hours Through 800 Years of City History and the Small Side Streets

Depending on traffic, the grand tour lasts two to two and a half hours and passes over 60 stations. It begins at the origin of Berlin with the two fishing villages of Cölln and Berlin and leads past the former Führerbunker and Checkpoint Charlie to the Nikolaiviertel. Because the bus is small and agile, the driver repeatedly turns into side streets that tour buses never get to see. The tour includes a specially compiled photo booklet that shows how the buildings used to look and what they look like inside. Those with less time can take one of the three one-hour routes through a part of the city center. The grand tour costs 39 Euros for adults and young people aged 13 and over; children aged 3 to 12 pay 19 Euros. The one-hour tours cost 19 Euros and 10 Euros, respectively. Private tours can be booked from 139 Euros for one hour. If you want to give the tour as a gift, you can do so, as T1 Berlin accepts reservations by phone and email. Photography is permitted throughout the entire journey.