Tour guide in Berlin Jim M.

After growing up in the Midwest, I arrived in Berlin in 2005 after I'd won an academic scholarship from the University of Minnesota to complete my double-major in History and German. I put my degrees to work immediately after graduating and began to extensively research the city, explored places off the beaten path, had conversations with Berliners, and then put it all into an easy-to-follow, entertaining narrative that thousands of visitors to Berlin have been enjoying for 20 years now. During this time, I became a founding member of the 'Berlin Guides Association' (BBS) which comprises some of Berlin's best tour guides today. The association functions on the principle of improving the skills of our members and building a community of support and knowledge. I've served on its Board of Directors in several capacities since its founding in 2014. Furthermore, I've been the local Berlin tour guide for the Rick Steves tour groups that visit Berlin since 2008, and I've been personally trained by Rick himself since I started working for Rick Steves' Europe and began leading their 'Best of Germany, Austria and Switzerland' and the 'Best of Germany' tours in 2022. On a personal note, my wife's a Berliner who was born in the former Soviet sector and holds a birth certificate stamped with the hammer, compass and the rings of wheat (what was East Germany's equivalent of the hammer and sickle). Her family's stories and firsthand experiences - which they've been continually sharing with me for many years now - have allowed me to gain some incredible insights into the daily life and social dynamics of the former East Berlin, which go far beyond the classroom lectures and discussions as a student of German History that I was used to back in college. Berlin is one of the most fascinating cities in the world and I'm very pleased to now be working with ToursByLocals as one of their expert professional guides to connect with people who are curious about my adopted home. I hope that my knowledge in German history and ability to offer a unique perspective, forged through a dual lens of American roots and German residence, will ensure that your trip to Berlin and or Potsdam will be a memorable experience. - B.A. History, B.A. German: Freie Universität Berlin & University of Minnesota - Native English Speaker - Full-Time Local Berlin Guide since 2007 - Certified Member of the Berlin Guides Association e.V. and Current Board Member - Rick Steves Berlin Local Guide since 2008 - Rick Steves’ Europe Tour Guide since 2022 - Cecilienhof Palace Licensed Tour Guide