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Matti
Matti
Matti

About Me...

Joining the family trade, I'm a second-generation tour guide, following in my mother's footsteps as she navigated East Berlin's streets in the 1980s. Thankfully, times have shifted, and I no longer have to scan my tour groups for KGB or Stasi spies! Born in 1988, I grew up in a city that was growing up itself post Berlin Wall, and I've been smitten with it ever since.

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From a young age, I knew I wanted to share Berlin's wonders with others. Its history, its quirks, its hidden gems—everything about it fascinates me. So, at just 20 years old, I gave my first tour, unaware of the impact it would have on my life.

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Fast forward to today, and I'm still at it, proudly leading locals and travelers alike through Berlin's streets since 2008. Along the way, I studied History and English, earned a Master's Degree in European Studies, lived in New York, and worked with the best of the best in the tour business. And when the world hit pause in 2020, I seized the opportunity to launch my own tour company, creating bespoke experiences for visitors to Berlin from across the globe.

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When I'm not guiding, you might catch me on the airwaves at 100,6 FluxFM or enjoying quality time with my wife (she used to be a tour guide, too!) and our three-year-old tornado—I mean, son. 

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I'm also part of a comedy trio. We're known as "A Spoonful of Deutschland," and we've mastered the art of turning Germany's history into Disney song parodies. Check out our rendition of "Under The Sea" about the East Germany.

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Guiding isn't just a job for me; it's my calling—a way to share Berlin's history, culture, and stories with others. Whether you're a solo traveler, a family, or a group of friends, I'm here to show you the time of your life in Berlin. And if for any reason I am unavailable, I have a network of trusted colleagues who can step in for me.

...And About My Team:

In case I’m unavailable to guide myself, I have a group of good friends and colleagues, whom I’ve worked with for years and whom I trust blindly with my clients:

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„Alex is a superb guide - knowledgeable and enthusiastic. He was able to explain clearly Berlin’s past in the context of 19th and 20th century Europe. He pitched the history at the right level leaving us keen to learn more. Although I was looking forward to a native Berliner I didn't feel a difference.“

Alex

Alex grew up in Long Island, New York and also in North Carolina. He studied History and German Studies at East Carolina University with two semesters abroad in Tübingen. No wonder he ended up in Berlin in 2010, where he got a M.A. in Global History from the Free University and also started guiding in 2012. Besides that, he’s the team lead at a Berlin start up and operates his own touring business: Check out "Your Trip Berlin" for complete group packages. Alex and I love exploring abandoned sights in and around Berlin, and have been to some crazy places! He’s super knowledgable and has a great sense of humor.

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"Anja was our tour guide. She was great! So enthusiastic and encouraged questions and knew so much history! Would recommend this tour!"

Anja

Meet Anja, born near Magdeburg in the former GDR. Since 2014, she has called Berlin home. With a background in prehistory and anthropology from the University of Hamburg, she has been a museum guide since 2005, sharing stories of ancient Romans and Germanic tribes across various museums. In 2014, she settled in Berlin and transitioned into city guiding. She currently works with Original Berlin Walks, Insider Tours, and the Museum in Berlin-Karlshorst. Berlin holds a special place in her heart as one of the most wonderful cities in the world. She takes great joy in showcasing its fascinating past to visitors, whether it's the highlights, Berlin under National Socialism, or Berlin during the Cold War.

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„Dennis is extremely knowledgeable, very personable and a delightful person. Our six hours flew by and he was happy to accommodate our individual needs. He answered all our questions (some very difficult!) with both clarity and detail. A really nice guy, too.“

Dennis

Dennis is also one of those rare „born and bred“ Berliners and the Berlin Story Teller. He grew up in what was then the American sector of West Berlin and has been a tour guide since 2007. Not only did we know each other as guides right from the start – we also studied History together at the University of Potsdam (though he also got a degree in German Literature). He’s a great story teller and Berlin enthusiast. And we may have a little competition going as to who has travelled to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Don’t ask him who’s currently winning.

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"Ioana is AMAZING! She is incredibly knowledgeable & I appreciated her expertise when touring Berlin! I would recommend her to anyone going to Berlin who is looking for a thorough and exciting tour of the city. She also provided additional details about things to do in our free time. Overall, I truly believe that Ioana is best tour guide we could’ve gotten!"

Ioana

Ioana, originally from Romania, has embraced a cosmopolitan lifestyle, having resided, studied, and worked in various countries including the US and Belgium, before settling in Berlin 15 years ago. She holds a graduate degree in German history and Jewish studies from Touro College New York and the Lander Institute Berlin, as well as another in Diplomacy and International Relations from the prestigious College d'Europe in Bruges. With over a decade of experience, she has been dedicated to guiding others. During her leisure time, she enjoys exploring Berlin's dynamic landscape, often seen zipping around on her high-speed bicycle.

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„Our guide Maria was just the best. Nice person, perfect English, truly committed and an enthusiast. She was extremely knowledgeable about the subject. I would highly recommend her tour.“

Maria

Maria, a half-Swedish, half-Japanese guide, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her Berlin tours. With a background in theatre and history, studied in London, Maria expertly weaves together the city's complex narratives with her own rich life experiences. Before settling in Berlin in 2007, she honed her storytelling skills as an actress, model, and guide in London, blending her love for history and the arts. Her deep knowledge, coupled with her background as a rock journalist, makes her tours not just informative but truly captivating, offering visitors a vivid and unforgettable journey through Berlin's storied past.

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„Nickolai is a true gem. From being open  in sharing his own storied past with to being immensely knowledgable about the vast history of Berlin, Nickolai was for us the true star of our entire three-day trip to Berlin. We all felt his perspective was well-founded, well-researched, and well-explained. More than all of that though, it was his contagious passion and clear excitement for the city's history that truly made our four hours with him memorable, enjoyable, and something we were all instantly eager to recommend to our friends and family.“

Nickolai

Nickolai once eloquently put it like this: His roots are Bulgarian, his brain is American, his body likes to be in Germany but his heart is in Israel. This about sums up his heritage. His youth was spent between Bulgaria and the US, where he studied Directing and Theatrical Production in Chicago, before moving to Bonn and then finally Berlin in 2006. He’s been a tour guide here for longer than I have – and I’ve had the privilidge to train with him back in the day. Fun fact: He’s been to over 75 countries and counting!

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„Ryan is a 12 on a scale of 10! He is an incredibly knowledgable, competent and experienced guide in Berlin. But he is a lot more than that. He has deep insight into the history, politics, culture and humanity that have evolved in Berlin over the last century. And he is a great communicator while also being a fun and engaging companion during his tours. We could not have been happier with our time with Ryan.“

Ryan

Ryan is from Scotland and you will certainly hear that. He has the best scottish accent ever! After studying Modern History and Literature in Glasgow, he moved to Berlin in 2008, did his first tours one year later and quickly became one of the most sought after guides in town. He regularly uploads educational videos about Berlin under the name „Berlin Reguided“. Definetely check them out!

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 "It was an unforgettable experience, largely thanks to our phenomenal guide, Tiago. From the moment we met, Tiago made us feel incredibly welcome and at home. His warm personality and genuine enthusiasm set the perfect tone for the tour."

Tiago

Tiago is a multifaceted entrepreneur, passionate tour guide, and wine connoisseur who has called Berlin home for over a decade. Originally planning to stay for just 14 months, he quickly fell in love with the city and has since become an expert in its rich history and vibrant culinary scene. Fluent in Portuguese, English, and German, Tiago leads engaging history and food tours, impressing guests with his meticulous attention to detail and ability to accommodate all needs seamlessly. As the CEO of an innovative mobility start-up and owner of a popular wine bar in Kreuzberg, he effortlessly blends his business acumen with his love for sharing Berlin's hidden gems, making every tour a unique and memorable experience.

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"We were lucky enough to have Walid assigned to our tour and I must say...it was perhaps the single most amazing tour of my entire adult life! Walid is absolutely mind blowing, with his expert knowledge of Berlin's history and culture, his light-hearted wit and ability to make patrons feel so relaxed and at ease! This is a man who truly loves his job!! Not only that, but he genuinely cares and wants you to have the best experience possible, and worked so hard with our tour group to make it a most memorable experience that we will never forget!"

Walid

Meet Walid: a Berlin tour guide with a flair for storytelling and a knack for making history unforgettable! Born and raised in London, Walid studied Chemistry with Management at King's College before swapping test tubes for a guitar and rocking out in a German heavy metal band. After moving to Berlin over 20 years ago, he found his true calling in tour guiding. For the past 15 years, he’s delighted visitors with his deep knowledge of Berlin, Potsdam, and Sachsenhausen—and his uniquely colorful commentary. Whether you're diving into Cold War intrigue or just enjoying his hilarious asides, a tour with Walid promises laughter, insight, and plenty of unforgettable moments. He has a German partner who's also a seasoned guide, you can imagine the lively historical debates at home! Looking for a joyful, enthusiastic guide? Walid is your man.

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„Anika was great. She entertained questions we had, and it was exciting to get an insider's perspective. She had an engaging style we enjoyed. We will think about some of her points for a while. In fact we were invigorated by her discussions. We got to see a lot of things we would not have seen otherwise. If you want an insider's take on Berlin, Anika is your tour guide.“

Anika

Anika, originally from West Germany's Ruhr area, chose to make Berlin her home in 2012 after completing her studies in Sheffield. With an immense passion for history and contemporary Berlin, she has been a sought-after local guide since 2016. Anika’s expertise spans from the era of Prussian Kings to the Berlin Wall, making her a favorite among tour participants. As a lifelong enthusiast and active participant in Berlin's vibrant street art and alternative scenes since her teenage years, she is also my go-to expert for immersive and insightful street art tours. Anika's deep knowledge and personal connection to Berlin’s subcultures ensure an unforgettable experience for all who join her tours.

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"Our tour guide Benjamin was fantastic. He provided us with, not only the history of Berlin, but fascinating tid-bits about the personal lives of various relevant historical figures which kept the tour exciting. If we had more time in Berlin, or when I come back, I would definitely book a tour with this guide, again! Thank you for a wonderfully interesting tour!"

Benjamin

Benjamin is an American-born Israeli who has been living in Berlin since 2020. With a rich background in leading tours and training for foreign diplomats in Israel, as well as teaching philosophy and culture, Benjamin brings a unique perspective to his tours. First visiting Berlin in 2007 after his youngest brother settled here, Benjamin quickly made the city his second home until finally moving there himself. A lifelong history enthusiast and being Jewish, the centuries-long relationship between the Jewish people and Germany holds an important place in his life and work, making him a distinguished and insightful Berlin expert and tour guide. He holds a Master's degree in Community Work from Melbourne University.

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„Our tour guide Heidi was amazing!! Super informative, extremely friendly and overall a great guide. She was happy to answer all of the questions we had, she was very knowledgeable about everything! Such a lovely person. I would 100% recommend booking this tour.“

Heidi

Heidi has been a Berlin guide since 2016. She’s half German, half-British, as her mother escaped to the UK from East Berlin just before the Berlin Wall was built. Before Heidi moved back to the town that her mother had to leave so dramatically, she studied Literature at Columbia University in New York and lived and worked in China for many years. She’s one of the nicest, friendliest people I know and knows a lot about Berlins history!

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„Jamie was our guide. He is the BEST guide we’ve ever had. An archaeologist, he is passionate about history and brought history to life for us. Jamie captured all our attention, adults and kids alike, including an eleven year old, with all the historical accounts and interesting facts. He had a wealth of historical knowledge and was able to answer the many questions we directed at him.“

Jamie

Jamie is originally from the Isle of Wight, but his professional career as an archaeologist has brought him all over the world. He studied history and archaeology in London, has lectured at Durham University as well as Humboldt University, and has over fifteen years’ experience supervising excavations in Britain, Germany, Romania and Italy, including Pompeii, and worked as a field archaeologist here in Berlin, where he shed new light on the city's medieval history. He moved to Berlin in 1999. No wonder he’s been one oft he best tour guides here since 2004!

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„Martin is impressively knowledgeable, an excellent public speaker, fun, clear, has a wicked sense of humor that kept us all engaged and interested for the entire tour.
We can't thank him enough for making us discover and love Berlin.“

Martin

Martin is the guide with the beard. And with the stories! He has an East German backgound just like me, as he grew up just outside of Berlin – in the small town of Oranienburg, where he worked for 11 years as a guide and receptionist in the memorial and former Concentration Camp Sachsenhausen. He studied English and Social Sciences at the Humboldt University and has been guiding on the streets of Berlin since 2015. He has a daughter almost the same age as my son, so we’re both lacking the same amount of sleep.

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„You must request Phillipa (aka Pip) because she was incredible! We have traveled to many cities and taken many tours, but Pip was by far the best guide we have had. She perfectly weaved the dark history of the city in with the modern city of Berlin, and brought humor and fun to the entire thing.“

Pip

Pip hails from Merseyside near Liverpool and has been a Berlin resident since 2013. She has 10+ years experience as a guide and also works as programme coordinator for international students. In her freetime she can be found on the comedy improv stages of Berlin, where she's part of an award-winning improv group. Pip studied History in Liverpool and Gender History in Edinburgh. And she currently co-hosts an amazing podcast on Berlin's history

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​„Summer was an amazing guide, describing the history with passion, humour, and the necessary emotional context, whether it was something joyful or somber. We all learned so much. We left feeling fortunate to have met Summer and getting a memorable tour in one of the world's most complex cities. Danke!“

Summer

Summer relocated to Berlin from the deserts of California in 2008 and quickly became a guide the following year. With a background in art history and philosophy from Yale and an MA in art and literature from the University of Potsdam, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her tours. When she's not guiding, Summer can be found translating for theaters, teaching improv, or performing as a part-time comedian—she even features in the "East Germany" video on my homepage. Known for her engaging and entertaining tours, Summer's creativity shines through in everything she does, including organizing a memorable flash-mob toga party on Museum Island.

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"Hands down the best tour I’ve ever taken. Tina was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the city of Berlin and its history. She was warm, charismatic and engaging, sensitive to our group’s needs and flexible when it came to working in bathroom and coffee breaks when needed. We haven’t stopped talking about how great our experience with Tina was since. I can’t recommend Tina’s tours highly enough and would give her 100 stars if possible."

Tina

Born and raised in Queensland, Australia, Tina's journey into history began early, fueled by a fascination with humanity that led her to study psychology at the University of Queensland. Her love affair with Berlin started during a packed history vacation in 2017, where she immersed herself in tours, museums, and historical sites. Expecting melancholy, she instead found a city fiercely alive and defiantly vibrant. Tina's decision to settle in Berlin was driven by her deep passion for its multifaceted layers—from politics to architecture, films, arts, and the city's eclectic locals. Fluent in German, Tina's guiding style is energetic, curious, and deeply engaged. As a member of the Berlin Guides Association, she brings Berlin's complex history to life with vibrancy and enthusiasm, ensuring every tour is a captivating exploration of the city's past and present.

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