The Tiergarten in central Berlin is an oasis of greenery and ponds in the middle of modern buildings of glass and chrome. I’d looked on Google maps before we arrived in Berlin and knew our hotel was directly across the street. But I didn’t realize that right across the street also are the Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and the Reichstag. So I criss-crossed the Tiergarten often during my days in Berlin as I walked from place to place seeing the famous sights. And I enjoyed every foray into this quiet place of tree-lined paths. It’s refreshing to meander through here after a long day of seeing all the sights.
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A short history of the Tiergarten
The 520 acres of the Tiergarten make up the oldest public park in Berlin. It’s been compared to Central Park in New York. The Tiergarten began as a royal hunting grounds, then in the late 1600s Friedrich III, Duke of Prussia, declared it open to everyone – a “park for the pleasure of the general population.” During WWII, bombs damaged the park. With so much of Berlin suffering after the war, people cut down the trees in their desperation for firewood. Most of the green growth in the Tiergarten today dates only from the 1950s. 
The park is home to a variety of monuments, as well as a zoo. Here are a few of the features we were able to see.
The Beethoven-Hayden-Mozart Memorial
This memorial celebrates composers Beethoven, Hayden, and Mozart It’s impressive and large. When you get close, you can observe the bullet holes still in the marble from the battles of WWII. The memorial was taken down in 2000, restored, and reinstalled in its place of honor has among the tall trees. 
The Soviet War Memorial
The Soviet War Memorial commemorates the Russian soldiers who died liberating Berlin from the Nazis during World War II. The marble used to build it came from Hitler’s Chancellery. Two T34 tanks are on display, and a statue of a Soviet soldier rises into the air, standing guard over the memorial. 
The Victory Column
The Victory Column stands above the tree line and can be seen from far away. Construction began in 1864 to celebrate the Prussian victory over the Danes. By the time it was finished, it also included memorials to Prussian victories over Austria in 1866 and France in 1871. This column miraculously survived WWII. 
Memorials to Cold War victims
Recent history is not forgotten, either. Memorials to those who died trying to cross the Berlin Wall are also part of the park. 
President Ronald Regan’s speech plaque
A plaque in the sidewalk marks the spot where U.S. President Ronald Reagan gave his famous speech in June, 1987 demanding that Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev tear down the Berlin Wall. It would take more than two years after this for the wall to come down. 
Learn more about Berlin on your visit. Take a walking tour with Context Tours for more in-depth exploration of this fascinating city.
Where to stay in Central Berlin near the Tiergarten and Potsdamer Platz
Staying in the heart of Central Berlin allows you to move to any area by public transportation. You can also walk to the Tiergarten, the Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, the Berlin Holocaust Memorial, the Reichstag, and the Brandenburg Gate. Several hotels near the transportation hub of Potsdamer Platz offer a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Restaurant and shopping options are all within blocks, too. Here are a few hotels that are in close proximity to Potsdamer Platz:
The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin: This luxury hotel, located right at Potsdamer Platz, offers elegant rooms, a spa, multiple dining options, a cigar lounge, and a rooftop terrace.
Stay at the exquisite Ritz-Carlton Berlin for its top-notch service and décor and central Berlin location.
The Mandala Hotel: This boutique hotel, just a short walk from Potsdamer Platz, provides stylish and spacious rooms, a wellness area, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
Stay at the stylish Mandala Hotel in Berlin and enjoy views of the city from the rooftop terrace.
Mövenpick Hotel Berlin: This hotel is located within walking distance of Potsdamer Platz and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace.
Stay at the Movenpick Hotel Berlin and easily walk to the sights you most want to visit.
Grand Hyatt Berlin: This luxury hotel situated adjacent to Potsdamer Platz, offers well-appointed rooms, a spa, multiple dining options, and an indoor pool. I stayed here and especially enjoyed the breakfast. Book it the night before with the front desk.
Stay at the Grand Hyatt Berlin for modern decor, comfortable rooms, and to be within walking distance of major sites.
Book your train tickets with Rail Europe for easy and reliable service.
Rail Europe partners with more than 230 train services such as SCNF, DB, and Swiss train lines. So, you can always find the transportation you need for your trip.
Renting a car? I can recommend renting with Auto Europe.
Learn more about Berlin
Read these posts for more about Berlin:
The Berlin Cathedral
Exploring Potsdamer Platz in Berlin
Berlin’s Topography of Terror Center
The Berlin Wall Memorial
Visiting the Berlin Holocaust Memorial
Exploring Berlin — 5 Favorites
Touring the Reichstag
20 Comments
That is so peaceful!
Wonderful sunny day in Berlin. The zoo looks inviting as well.
Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Wonderful captures here – what a gorgeous place.
Thanks for linking up at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/10/seasonal-fun-at-duke-homestead-in.html
All cities need a green oasis in the midst of concrete, glass and steel. Beautiful park. The war memorials are sad.
Next time may be also one of the two Botanical gardens? They are quite beautiful. Forgot if you also the Kurfurstendamm – that whole street of shops (used to) have a similar atmosphere as that of Paris. Berlin always seems to be in the middle of some political controversy:) Many thanks of showing some of the beautiful views of Berlin – a city I will never forget!
It’s an absolutely beautiful garden.
Fabulous pictures!
I’ve been to Berlin just a few weeks ago but sadly didn’t have enough time to really stroll through the Tiergarten and enjoy its beauty. I should definitely go back for that – your pictures are just sooo beautiful!!! #CityTripping
I would love to visit Berlin one day
Mollyx
I have never been to Berlin. Therefore, I am not that familiar with the places that can be visited there. This would be a great idea for me. In a new city, I like to explore green areas. I think they give you a sense of how locals spend their time. Plus, you may find several people willing to engage in conversation.
What s lovely green oasis in the city and how lovely to have it on your doorstep – it’s so interesting that a walk here is like a walk through Germany’s history, from its musical heritage to the darker recent history. I had no idea so few of the old trees had survived. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
The Tiergarten is definately a fantastic greenspace. I am glad you had the opportunity to walk through it on your trip.
Looks like a great park in the middle of the city! Unfortunately we didn’t make it there during our visit to Berlin, but it looks like a good way to spend a few hours! #FarawayFiles
I love a good green respite in the middle of visiting a big city. Alas, it was POURING down rain when we visited Berlin and had time for Tiegarten, so we all elected to pass. But I loved Berlin and could definitely see spending more time there with nicer weather and strolls through this lovely space. Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles, Erin
Great Pictures, It’s great being able to explore Berlin through your photos.
I didn’t know this was where the famous speech was given – and I’m glad that they have the memorials, though it’s sad to see. Interesting park.
It’s pretty cool to have a park in the middle of a huge city! The memorials are gorgeous.
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Great photos! I love visiting the parks when we’re exploring a new city. We like to mix up our cultural and foodie visits with some greenery. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Parks are often for the locals, but how great that you got to experience it as a way to get about Berlin. What’s that big tower sticking up out of the trees opposite the monument?