Tiergarten translates as “animal garden,” a name that came about when the park was once the private hunting ground of Prussian royalty. Wild game no longer roams the woods today, but you will still find plenty of natural beauty in the 500 acres (200 hectares) of landscaped garden and lawns. The Tiergarten is so vast that it lends its name to the entire surrounding suburb in central Berlin.
Long stretches of tree-lined trails are perfect for strolling, biking or even a Velotaxi ride. Explore the many monuments and statues throughout the park. History buffs will be impressed by the Soviet War Memorial, a huge marble-columned structure built in 1945 as a tribute to Soviet soldiers killed in the Battle for Berlin. Music lovers will want to visit the statue of one of Germany’s most acclaimed composers, Richard Wagner.
Rising from the center of the garden is the 230-foot (70-meter) high Victory Column. Originally erected in front of the Reichstag building in the 19th century, it was moved to its current location by Hitler and as a result was spared from destruction at the end of World War II. Climb the 285 steps to the viewing platform for an uninterrupted view over Berlin. Look north to see Bellevue Palace, south for the embassy district and zoo, east to the Brandenburg Gate and west for Schloss Charlottenburg (Charlottenburg Palace).
At the first sign of warm weather, groups of families and friends spread out under the trees with picnics, while sunbathers soak up the sun’s rays. In winter, the garden takes on a more somber, though still beautiful, atmosphere. It's sometimes possible to ice skate on the small frozen lakes, but check for signs before doing so. When hunger calls, stop for a coffee and cake at the Café am Neuen See in the park's center, or enjoy a refreshing wheat beer in the beer garden.
The park is within easy walking distance of the city center and is surrounded by convenient S-Bahn and U-Bahn train stations the closest is Berlin-Tiergarten near the western entrance.
Tiergarten
Popular places to visit
Zoo Berlin
Say “guten tag” to some of the world’s most exotic creatures in one of Europe’s most comprehensive and elegant zoos.
Potsdamer Platz
Berliners come to celebrate their city in this public square, which was leveled during World War II and isolated in the Cold War.
Reichstag Building
Torched by Hitler, bombed by Britain and stormed by the Russians, the seat of German power has risen again as a symbol of a united and progressive Germany.
Berliner Philharmonie
Receiving both architectural and acoustic acclaim, this concert hall in the Kulturforum district is the best place to see the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
Victory Column
Don’t leave Berlin without saying hello to Golden Lizzie, the gleaming statue at the top of the city’s best-known landmark.
Bellevue Palace
Admire this magnificent neoclassical palace built for a Prussian prince in 1786 in the leafy Tiergarten, which today holds the official seat for the German president.
Things to do
Berlin: Panoramapunkt Skip-the-Line Elevator Ticket
Berlin: Sightseeing City Tour of the Top 20 Attractions
Private Walking Tour: World War 2 and Cold War Sites in Berlin
6-Hours Ultimate Guided Berlin Private Tour
Berlin: Walking Tour to the Top 10 Sightseeing Attractions
2-Hour Private Berlin Walking Tour, Berlin in the Third Reich and Cold War
Tiergarten Hotel Deals
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Other neighbourhoods around Tiergarten
West Berlin Centre
Travelers choose West Berlin Centre for its interesting museums. Hop aboard the metro at Uhlandstrasse U-Bahn or Savignyplatz S-Bahn and check out top sights like Kurfürstendamm.
Mitte
Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Mitte. Check out top attractions like Alexanderplatz and Brandenburg Gate, and jump on the metro at Unter den Linden Station or S+U Friedrichstraße Tram Stop to see more of the city.
Schöneberg
Schoneberg City Hall and Nollendorfplatz are top sights in Schöneberg, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Eisenacher Street U-Bahn or Kleistpark U-Bahn to see more sights in the area.
Moabit
Consider a visit to Meilenwerk Car Museum and take some time to enjoy the lively bars during your time in Moabit. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Birkenstrasse U-Bahn or Turmstrasse U-Bahn.
Wilmersdorf
Travelers choose Wilmersdorf for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Hohenzollernplatz U-Bahn or Guntzelstrasse U-Bahn and check out top sights like Kurfürstendamm.
Charlottenburg
Kurfürstendamm and Zoo Berlin are top sights in Charlottenburg, and you should be sure to explore the fantastic nightlife. Hop aboard the metro at Richard Wagner Place U-Bahn or Bismarckstrasse U-Bahn to see more sights in the area.