Berlin's Top Ten Sights - Under den Linden

Under den Linden and Berlin Cathedral
Unter den Linden is one of the oldest streets in Berlin. In 1647 the Great Elector created a road that was planted with lime trees (Linden). Unter den Linden has many historic buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants. The Armory (Zeughaus), built 1695-1706, is the oldest building in the street. It was originally used as an arsenal. Today it houses the Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum). Permanent and changing exhibitions explain the history of Germany.
The famous Berlin architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel built the New Guard House (Neue Wache) 1816-1818. Originally it was a guardhouse for the troops of the crown prince of Prussia.
Today the New Guard House serves as the “Central Memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany for the Victims of War and Tyranny” (open 10.00-18.00).

Neue Wache and Zeughaus



The Humboldt Universität (Humboldt University) was built 1746-66, formerly as a palace for prince Henry, a brother of Frederick II. In 1810 the newly founded Berlin University moved in. Originally it was called Friedrich-Willhelm Universität. But after the Second World War, it was named after one of its founders, the Berlin scientist Wilhelm Humboldt.
Humboldt University

Opposite of the Humboldt University lies Bebelplatz. It was laid out by the Prussian king Frederick II, who was also called Frederick the Great. St. Hedwig's Cathedral was built 1747-1773 at the request of the Catholic community. The Royal Library, known as the “chest of drawers” was built 1775-1780. Today the building houses rooms of the Humboldt University. But Bebelplatz also has a dark history: On 10 May 1933 the Nazis burned here books by writers they hated like Erich Kästner, Alfred Kerr and Kurt Tucholsky. The monument "Sunken Library" by Micha Ullman recalls this distressing event.
The Royal Library





The eldest opera house in Berlin, the Staatsoper Unter den Linden (Berlin State Opera), dates from 1743. In Prinzessinnenpalais and Kronprinzenpalais lived until 1918 members of the Prussian royal family.
Majestically rises the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) in front of the visitor. It was built 1894-1905 by Julius Raschdorf. Inside are the Hohenzollern crypt and the impressive dome worth to see.
The garden in front of the Berliner Dom is called Pleasure Garden (Lustgarten)  The park has been used as a public park, parade ground, a place for mass marches and rallies. It is now - again - a public park. The building, which is in front of you, is the Old Museum (Altes Museum). It belongs to Museum Island.
Berlin Cathedral

Tip: A branch of the popular Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is located in Unter den Linden.

Unter den Linden
How to get there:
Train: S1, S2, S25, S5, S7, S75 (Friedrichstr.) S1, S2, S25 (Brandenburger Tor)
Underground: U6 (Friedrichstr.), U55 (Brandenburger Tor)
Bus: 147, 200, TXL
Tram:12, M1

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