Berlin around the world.
Berlin has many namesakes. At the Berlin Technical University once 118 places in the world have been identified, which bear the name of the German capital. Those are not always cities, it can also be villages or settlements that are connected in this way with the metropolis on the Spree.
Berlin in Jamaica.
By example, in Germany you’ll find another Berlin. In whole Europe another 11 Berlin’s. 12 Berlin’s in Central America, over 30 Berlin’s in North America, 3 in Africa, 4 in other areas of the world.
The most – 38 – you’ll find in South America, from which just Colombia has 19 Berlin’s. Uruguay has one and I like to introduce you to the Berlin in Uruguay (further down).
Berlin in Bolivia.
The famous photographer Harry Hampel, who in 1996 set out to search for the Berlin’s of the world took place about in Argentina at 4500 meters altitude three mud huts, a fire pit and a cattle gate – a nearly deserted town called Berlin, which was founded by German immigrants and today is inhabited by little more than a handful of people.
Berlin in Tchad.
From Tierra del Fuego to Canada and South Africa almost to Siberia extends the names gang. A corner of an island in southern Chile called Berlin as well as the Mount Berlin in Antarctica. Some of the Berlin’s around the world will be presented here.
Berlin in Antarctica.
Seen from a „Qantas Antarctica Round trip“ flight.
The Mount Berlin is a double volcano in Antarctica. With an altitude of 3,478 meters at the Berlin Crater he is of Marie Byrd Land is the highest volcano and the sixth highest of the entire Antarctic. Mount Berlin is still active today.
Berlin in Australia.
Deserted Berlin in Australia. Disappointing.
In South Australia exists Berlino Station oder Berlino Homestead. This is an abandoned station, about half way off the Birdsville track, leading from Maree to Birdsville. There is not much to see once passed the Mungeranie Roadhouse until you reach Mirra Mitta.
Our rental 4WD at Mirra Mitta Bore, and driving through Mirra Mitta Crossing. Some idiots always try to explore this country with a normal car, often Australians. These were Italian tourists we had to pull out.
In the old days until the early 1930’s Mirra Mitta was home to a small store that supplied fresh veg and supplies to travelers passing through. About 16 km north of „Mirra Mitta Bore“ I took off the Birdsville track. No track, nothing at all. But about 12 km to the west should be Berlino Station. Nothing to see, nothing to discover, just plain country desert.
Berlin in Argentina.
Typical landscape in Jujuy province.
Jujuy Province, Berlin, about 60 kilometers north-east of Susques. Berlin in the Andes is about 4500 meters high, making it the highest in the world Berlin. A Berlin described, which I haven’t seen – yet. But, if you know what’s there, like described above ((some mud huts and a cattle gate) or better not, is it still important to visit ?
Berlin in Canada.
West Berlin harbor in Nova Scotia, Canada.
1871 the city of Blueberry was named in honor after the German capital. Ironically, there was – and there is – in Nova Scotia an East and a West Berlin, 2 km apart, as one can see. When we traveled along, it was quiet quiet quiet – sleepy towns, nothing there to see.
In Germany united, in Canada still divided.
The city of Kitchener, in the state of Ontario, was the Town of Berlin from 1854 until 1912 and the City of Berlin from 1912 until 1916. End of the eighteenth century fled ethnic German Mennonites from Pennsylvania came here because they were afraid to be forced, against the principles of their faith, by the English crown for military service in the War of Independence of the Americans.
This was once Berlin in Ontario, Canada, now the city of Kitchener.
1820 the city attracted more and more emigrants from Germany, was named after Berlin. Even today the German influence to be felt, for example, through the annual Oktoberfest (biggest Oktoberfest outside of Germany), to the arriving guests from all over North America, and the very well known Christmas Market.
Berlin in Nevada.
The ghost town of Berlin Nevada.
Though it dates back to the turn of the century, Berlin didn’t have much of a history. At its peak, it had about 250 residents, most of them silver miners. When they were denied a raise in pay in 1911, they took off – even leaving many of their belongings behind (which remain in place today in a original outdoor museum).
This Berlin has 13 structures and a cemetery, is now part of Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, home to the 225-million-year-old fossils of several ancient marine animals.
Berlin in South Africa.
Little town Berlin, about 35 km from the coast.
Berlin is a town in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. A village some 20km east of King William’s Town. Founded in 1857 by German settlers of the British-German Legion and named after the German capital.
„Berlin falls“, also called „candle falls“, because of their shape.
The Berlin Falls is a waterfall in Mpumalanga, South Africa. They are located close to God’s Window and the highest waterfall in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province. The falls are on the Sabine River and fall 80 metres (260 ft), dumping into a circular basin flanked by red cliffs.
Berlin in Papua New Guinea.
A place of coconuts, bright colors and fish.
Officially named Berlin Harbor, this place forms an archipelago of 4 islands, located very close to the northern shore of Papua New Guinea, Aitape being the coast city of reference. This Berlin is home to around 2,000 people and is characterized by wooden stilt houses which stand between tropical vegetation. These houses are built inland on the islands and not close to the ocean water. Islanders mostly live of fishing or making wood canoes.
Berlin harbor Papua New Guinea.
The name Berlin comes from the colonial age. Between 1884 and 1914, part of what is now Papua New Guinea was under occupation of the German Empire and called Kaiser-Wilhelmsland. It is not exactly known when the name “Berlin Harbor” was given to this place, but it is believed to have happened in the first years after the occupation. Those that established the port were missionaries from German trading companies, which benefited a lot from the coconut palm products of the area.
Berlin in Uruguay.
At the river Uruguay, promenade under shady trees.
New Berlin is a small town in Uruguay, located in the department of Rio Negro (Black River), on the coast of the Uruguay River. It has a very rich history since its inception with indigenous ancestors being a truly attractive area.
Perfect sunset country in Nuevo Berlin.
Its date of foundation dated 16 March 1875 under the name „Berlin“ in the department of Paysandu. It was founded by Richard and Karl Wendelstadt brothers, who were part of the important immigration of young Europeans to America in search of wealth through trade.
On ruta 20 you’ll reach Nuevo Berlin in Uruguay.
Commissioned by the founders, the surveyor Fridolín Quincke was using the most advanced techniques for the time outlined the plan of the village in 1874.
Community center in Nuevo Berlin.
Two years later, officially founded, initially to accommodate all workers. The town grew rapidly because of the fertility of the land, exploited for agriculture. The first steam plow that came to Uruguay entered the dock, Liebig salting in Villa Independencia , today Fray Bentos. See my posts (part 1-5) about the Liebig aera in Fray Bentos.
Original „Stone of the Berlin Wall“ in Nuevo Berlin.
Six years after its foundation, the town had customs by Placido Erráes, a police station by Rafael Montemar, a Magistrates Court by Lorenzo Ferrari and a school, managed by Enrique Modernell.
Plaza Liberdad.
The first buildings were built in the village were: one general store and shed Arzibale Santiago, located where today is based Democratic Center New Berlin; and in 1888 a shoe store owned by Felipe del Curto was installed; a hard blacksmith by its owner, Eleuterio Tapia; a carpentry shop owned by Pedro Perosse, an inn by Felipe Biratti and a brick factory by Augustine Faccio.
Relaxing rambla in New Berlin.
In 1886 the town and its surroundings were invaded by cholera, ending the lives of many people, creating 2 cemeteries. The School „Republic of Germany“, elected name in 1993, was build by the population. This public school No. 8 was inaugurated 1895.
Pier and lighthouse.
The first buildings were the Pigrau family house in 1876, its gabled roofs and shingles and settled mud walls can still be seen in the inhabited locality, located at the corner of Calles Pita Rivera and Nebril, the Garbarino family house in 1894 located on Rambla Argentina, now a tourist lodge and the church „Nuestra Senora del Rosario“ located in front of Plaza Libertad which was originally the town center.
The Dock.
It is believed, according to research, that the first area trade was „Eucalyptus“, owned by Mr. Seuz, he also runned a bakery. The first trade general store was built in 1889 in Ejido Farms, owned by the Garbarino family.
The Berlin shield was created by the painter Luis Solari Rionegrense. Its symbols are: head of cattle, wheat, under the aegis of the sun and the colors of the Uruguayan flag.
The Nuevo Berlin shield.
It is important to emphasize the construction of the dock in 1942. From there large quantities of cereals were moved, recalling that during the Second World War it was called „The Kitchen of the World“.
Modern art on an outdated building.
Over the years Berlin, now called „New Berlin“ began to have educational, social and sports centers, medical services, utilities, financial services, business services, accommodation and green spaces. Its population continues to grow and has benefited thanks to the large enterprises that have been in the area. Today Berlin has about 2000 inhabitants. But not many tourists, because its location is off main roads and remote.
The ESSO station in main street, totally worn down.
Touristic Berlin.
New Berlin is located 45 kilometers from Fray Bentos, the provincial capital, which offers a spa area on the shores of the Rio Uruguay and islets that invite to enjoy a different kind of tourism. Its tranquility and the friendly people make this town an ideal vacation spot. Some highlights to see: Playa El Sauzal, Santa Rosa, Arroyo „The Stud“, The Round Islands, Stone of the Berlin Wall, Ruins of Saladero, Old general store Garbarino, and the Dock New Berlin.
Once there was a train link close to Berlin, connecting Paysandu with Fray Bentos. Many antics around.
Accommodation.
Municipal Motel.
Four cabins equipped for up to five people (crockery, linen, television, air conditioning) located on the coast of Uruguay River on the beach El Sauzal. They have individual terraces with table and barbecue.
Municipal motel, clean and cheap.
Posada Don Sebastian.
The Don Sebastian Posada has a large beautiful garden and country-style accommodation in New Berlin, opposite the Uruguay River. It is located near a hunting area.
The rooms at Don Sebastian, decorated in earth tones, with wooden bedside tables. All have heating, fans and cable TV. Breakfast is served daily – with river views.
Good value for money at Don Sebastian.
What to do ?
During your stay you can horseback riding and fishing. They also organize excursions by boat on the river. Rental bikes are available to explore the surroundings. Paysandu is 90 km, Fray Bentos and Las Canas 45 km and to Montevideo 230 km.
Great for fishing and other outdoor adventure.
New Berlin has two camping’s on the coast of Uruguay River and under the trees in a natural environment. Offered facilities are hot showers, electricity, dishwasher, tables with barbecues and more. They can accommodate up to 300 people. In high season they are booked out. In low season they are a gem for outdoor lovers and nature seekers.
