The Basics
The Tiergarten in Berlin used to be the hunting grounds for the Prussian kings before it was transformed into the city’s most popular inner-city park in the 18th century. Today, the green heart of Berlin is bordered by the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate on the eastern side, Potsdamer Platz and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe on the southeastern edge, Berlin’s Zoo in the west, and Bellevue Palace, residence of the German President, in Berlin on the northern edge of the park.
Spanning 600 acres, visitors can enjoy leafy paths, small creeks, open-air cafes, and lush lawns (some areas allow nude sunbathing; look for the signs that say “FKK”). Consequently, it is one of the largest parks in Germany, surpassed only by Tempelhofer Park (previously Berlin’s Tempelhof airport) and Munich’s Englischer Garten. At night, enjoy the gentle lighting and the subtle history at the open-air Gaslaternen-Freilichtmuseum (Gas Lamp Museum).
The street “Strasse des 17. Juni” runs through the Tiergarten; it starts at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin’s most central district “Mitte” and extends all the way to Ernst-Reuter Platz in the western district “Charlottenburg.”
If you are in the park on a Sunday, look for the nearby Berliner Trödelmarkt featuring fancy crystal chandeliers and gold door handles. Additionally, step across the street below the Tiergarten S-Bahn station for a filling platter of German food at Tiergartenquelle to complete your visit.
How to Get There
- Eastern edge of the park: U and S-Bahn Brandenburger Tor
- Southern edge: U and S-Bahn Potsdamer Platz
- Northern edge: U-Bahn Hansaplatz or S-Bahn Tiergarten
- Western edge: S and U-Bahn Zoologischer Garten
The Victory Column
Berlin’s Tiergarten is home to numerous sculptures, most of which portray Prussian generals.
The most famous and prominent attraction is the Victory Column (Siegessäule) situated in the midst of the park. This slender, 230-foot-high monument commemorates Prussia’s victory over France in 1871. Topped by the golden statue of the goddess Victoria, affectionately called Goldelse (“Golden Elsi”) by the locals, this iconic structure has gained fame, even appearing in the film “Wings of Desire” directed by Wim Wenders. It serves as a focal point during the city’s vibrant Christopher Street Day (CSD) Parade.
Above the grand goddess, there is an open-air viewing platform, which can be accessed by climbing 285 steep stairs. The effort is well rewarded with one of the best views of the Tiergarten and the wider city of Berlin.
Address: Grosser Stern
Transport: S-Bahn Tiergarten or Bellevue; U-Bahn Hansaplatz
Phone: 030-391-2961
See website for hours and prices
Beer Gardens
After exploring the park, you may want to recharge your batteries. Therefore, two excellent beer gardens can be found in Berlin’s Tiergarten:
The idyllic Cafe am Neuen See is located at the edge of a small lake, offering traditional German fare and homemade cakes. Moreover, visitors can rent paddle boats to enhance their experience.
Alternatively, visit the bustling beer garden Schleusenkrug, conveniently located by the canal, where one can indulge in a hearty breakfast or enjoy freshly grilled wurst in the evening.
Cafe am Neuen See
Lichtensteinallee 2, 10787 Berlin
Phone: 030 25449300
Getting There: U and S-Bahn Zoologischer Garten
Schleusenkrug
Müller-Breslau-Straße, 10623 Berlin
Phone: 030 313 99 09
Getting There: U and S-Bahn Zoologischer Garten and S-Bahn Tiergarten
