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
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Popular places to visit
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.
Zoo Berlin
Say “guten tag” to some of the world’s most exotic creatures in one of Europe’s most comprehensive and elegant zoos.
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
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Berlin Aquarium
Make time in your itinerary to visit the sea life you'll find at Berlin Aquarium during your visit to Berlin. Discover the acclaimed art scene and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Things to do
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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 Zoo Berlin.
Mitte
Explore the vast Großer Tiergarten park, admire modernist architecture at Kulturforum, and visit iconic sites like Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island. Easily navigate with ample public transport options.
Schöneberg
Part of Berlin's Tempelhof-Schöneberg borough, this area boasts the historic Dorfkirche church and Rathaus Schöneberg on John-F.-Kennedy-Platz. Shop at KaDeWe, Europe's largest department store, or explore the natural park Südgelände.
Moabit
Consider a visit to Classic Remise Berlin 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
Zoo Berlin and Deutsche Oper 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.