City Tours
Since 1999 Astrid von Deichmann has been living in Berlin. Inspired by Berlin and Potsdam’s art treasures and history, she trained as a tour guide for Berlin and Potsdam (IHK Berlin and Potsdam). She completed her highly qualified training with numerous additional training courses, such as the castle and park licenses, as well as the BVGD DIN EN certification (Federal Association of Guest Guides Certification according to European Standard). Fascinated by the history, architecture and culture of both cities, Astrid von Deichmann now works as a tour guide in Berlin and Potsdam and is also a freelancer for the SPSG (Stiftung Preussischer Schlösser und Gärten). She conveys the exciting world of these historic and yet so modern cities to her constantly growing circle of guests in an entertaining and enjoyable way. Continually curious and open to everything, she explores with all her senses the constantly changing districts with their inhabitants from all over the world, finds undiscovered treasures in the middle of the lively, turbulent metropolis of Berlin and lets her guests share in her ever-growing impressions and experiences.
Fon: +49 (0)170 218 26 15, Email: avd@greatguides.de
Art and Museums
Thomas R. Hoffmann, who has lived in Berlin since 1996, studied art history and history at the University of Trier and the Humboldt University in Berlin. After his studies, his main professional focus was on art education, in which the Gemäldegalerie and the Kupferstichkabinett in Berlin are still his favourite collections. Over the years, the Bode Museum, the Old and New National Galleries, the Martin-Gropius-Bau, the Berlinische Galerie and the Mies van der Rohe Haus have also been added as venues for mediation. Thomas R. Hoffmann regularly gives art history lectures at the Akademie der Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin and the Urania, among others. Furthermore, he gives seminars as a lecturer within the guest auditor program of the Free University of Berlin. Since the founding of the Children’s Academy of the National Museums in Berlin, he has been taking children on exciting art detective tours through numerous museums as a course instructor. He is also the author of numerous books on art history, all of which have been published by Belser-Verlag.
Email: trh@greatguides.de
Galleries, Hamburger Bahnhof und Jewish Museum
Laureline van den Heuvel is a Dutch art historian and writer. She does guided tours of the Jewish Museum and writes about the Berlin art scene in her blog. After her first visit to Berlin in 2000, she became ‘addicted to Berlin’ and moved to the capital in March. Walking through Berlin’s galleries feels to her like an Indiana Jones adventure, with surprises and treasures to be found almost at every corner.
Fon: +49 (0)157 54 42 27 32, Email: laurelinevdh@gmail.com
Scotsman, soldier, diplomat. After graduating from Sandhurst Nigel served all over the world from Ft. Hood Texas to Iraq, was made an MBE for service in the First Gulf war and was a covert intelligence gathering agent behind the Iron Curtain in communist East Germany. In the 1980s he also interpreted for Hitler’s Deputy Rudolf Hess in Spandau Prison, Berlin. Nigel has appeared in documentaries on many TV channels round the world, including the “No Reservations” series with the legendary Anthony Bourdain. One of the most respected military historians in Europe, his colourful past is reflected in his magnificent Insider tours.
Fon: +49 (0)174 324 88 00, Email: nigeldunkley@aol.com
Helen Eichhorn
I am delighted to walk with you to cultural, architectural und historic highlights in Potsdam and Berlin. The „Classic Tour“ is fun, as is the discovery of new and unusual places off the beaten track. With my experience of many years as a tour guide in Washington D.C., Potsdam and Berlin I am happy to arrange your visit according to your specific interests.
Berlin: historic downtown, diverse neighbourhoods, the Berlin Wall, the colourful East and the highlights of the West. Culture and architecture, history and politics. Walking tours, 2 hours up to all day.
Potsdam: Royal palaces and parks (incl. Sans Souci, New Palais, New Garden with Cecilienhof/Potsdam Conference), the Glienicke Spy Swap Bridge, Truman’s “Little White House“, historic city, traces of the Cold War and the Berlin Wall, beautiful lakes. Walking or bike tours, 2 hours up to all day. Guided by licensed tour guide.
Email: helen4jazz@yahoo.de