On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany signed its unconditional surrender, ending World War II in Europe. For Germany — and especially for Berlin — this day marked not just military defeat, but liberation from National Socialism and the beginning of a long journey toward remembrance, responsibility, and rebuilding.

Eighty years later, Berlin remains shaped by its Nazi past, with memorials, museums, and public spaces dedicated to confronting history. As May 8, 2025 approaches — the 80th anniversary of Germany’s liberation — the city will host ceremonies, exhibitions, and guided tours that invite both reflection and engagement.

If you're planning to visit Berlin in May 2025, here’s what you should know about Liberation Day and its legacy.

1. What Happened on May 8, 1945?

On the night of May 8, 1945, the German Wehrmacht signed its unconditional surrender in Berlin-Karlshorst, officially ending the war in Europe.

This marked the fall of the Nazi regime and the beginning of postwar reconstruction under Allied occupation. For survivors of Nazi persecution — Jews, forced laborers, political prisoners — this day represented liberation from a brutal dictatorship.

For many Germans at the time, however, it was experienced as a moment of collapse, bringing military defeat, national disorientation, and the emerging realization of the regime’s crimes.

Good to know: You can visit the German-Russian Museum Karlshorst, where the surrender was signed — a powerful site of historical memory.

2. Why May 8th Is Central to Berlin’s Memory Culture

Since 2020, May 8th has been marked in Berlin as an official Day of Remembrance (Gedenktag), recognizing the city's unique responsibility in confronting the Nazi past.

Unlike traditional "victory days," Berlin emphasizes liberation over triumph, focusing on the victims of National Socialism, acts of resistance, and the need for continued education.

This non-militarized remembrance reflects Berlin’s role as a city that was both the heart of the Nazi regime — and a key site of its downfall.

3. Commemorations in Berlin on May 8, 2025

Berlin will host a range of events to mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day. While full details will be confirmed closer to the date, you can expect:

Ceremonies at the Soviet War Memorials in Treptower Park, Tiergarten, and Schönholzer Heide.
Temporary exhibitions and open-air installations at key institutions like the Topography of Terror, the House of the Wannsee Conference, and the Stasi Museum.

4. Liberation vs. Defeat: Then and Now

In the early postwar years, many Germans saw May 8th as a day of defeat and loss. Public silence and repression of memory dominated the 1950s. Over time, however, the narrative shifted.

Thanks to the work of survivors, educators, journalists, and memorial initiatives, Germany gradually embraced May 8th as a day of liberation — a turning point that opened the way for democracy, reconciliation, and historical accountability.

Today, May 8th serves as a reminder that freedom must be protected — and that the fight against fascism, racism, and antisemitism continues.

5. How Original Berlin Walks Engages with This History

At Original Berlin Walks, we believe historical education is essential — especially when it comes to the Nazi era. Our Third Reich tour visit sites such as:

The Topography of Terror exhibition
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
The former Jewish quarter in Berlin
Former SS and Gestapo headquarters
The former Nazi government district
Other places connected to the history of Nazi violence and postwar memory

Our guides are experienced and historically knowledgeable, offering fact-based, thoughtful, and respectful insights into Berlin’s Nazi past and its legacy today.

Conclusion: May 8, 2025 — A Day for Reflection and Responsibility

Eighty years after liberation, May 8th continues to resonate in Berlin. It is a day to honor victims, celebrate freedom, and reflect on the responsibilities that come with memory.

Whether you're visiting Berlin for the first time or returning with new questions, this is a powerful moment to engage with the past. Let May 8th, 2025, be more than a date — let it be a meaningful step toward understanding.