Berlin's Top Sights

Unter den Linden, Kurfürstendamm and Alexanderplatz; these streets and squares are well known even outside of Berlin. But after whom are the streets and squares named and what is their story? Unter den Linden This boulevard got its name from the lime trees that have been planted there. In 1647 the Great Elector planted on a former bridle path, which led from the castle to the Tiergarten, walnut and lime trees. The walnut trees died within a short time, but the lime trees still exist. Friedrichstrasse This popular street was named after Friedrich (English Frederick) King in Prussia (1657-1713). After the death of his father, the Great Elector, Frederick became in 1688 Elector of Brandenburg. In 1701 he crowned himself as Friedrich I. King in Prussia. Friedrichstraße Alexanderplatz The former cattle - and wool market got its name during a Berlin visit of the Russian Tsar Alexander I in 1805. Alexander I was a favorite of Queen Luise and an ally agai...

 The Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) The Brandenburg Gate is the best known and the most popular building in Berlin. It is also a symbol of the division and reunification of Berlin. From 1961-1990 it lay in no man's land - in East Berlin close to the wall. The Brandenburg Gate was built 1788-1791 by Carl Gotthard Langhans, as one of the 14 city gates which were part of the customs and excise wall. In 1794 the statue of the goddess of victory (the Quadriga) was placed on top. In 1806 Napoleon entered Berlin, kidnapped the Quadriga and brought it to Paris. Only in 1814 it returned to Berlin. Tip: If you need to rest and want to get away from all the sightseeing, visit the Raum der Stille (Room of Silence).  The Brandenburg Gate If you pass through the Brandenburg Gate from west to east you will come to Pariser Platz . The place was founded in 1734 and was initially named after its shape Quarre (rectangle). In 1814 the place was given its present n...

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 H...