15 Best Things to See & Do in Berlin Tiergarten Park
The Berlin Tiergarten Park is not just any urban park in the centre of Germany’s capital city.
No, this is an expansive green space spanning over 500 acres and is home to beautiful gardens, picturesque lakes, and winding pathways. It’s steeped in history and surrounded by iconic landmarks.
Tiergarten Park is a beloved destination for locals. At all hours of the day, you will find runners, bikers, families, and dogs visiting this park.
While living in Berlin, I visited Tiergarten Park two to three times a week. Being Berlin’s central park, I would opt to walk through it to visit nearby landmarks as well, as bring my dog here for some daily exercise. So, I’ve walked and biked every inch of this park.
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History of Berlin Tiergarten Park
Tiegarten’s history started way back in 1527 as a royal hunting ground for the nobility of Brandenburg.
Imagine kings and nobles galloping through the woods!
In the 1830s, landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné gave it a makeover, transforming it from hunting grounds to a public park with winding paths and peaceful meadows. It was his influence that can still be seen today as he designed it using a beautiful “English garden” style.
The park played a significant role during the Napoleonic Wars when it served as a military parade ground, leading from Unter den Linden Boulevard.
By the late 19th century, Tiergarten became a hotspot for embassies and government buildings, adding a touch of official grandeur that surrounded the perimeter of the park.
Unfortunately, World War II left its mark, with heavy damage and even people using the trees for firewood. The park was barren.
Since then, Tiergarten has been lovingly restored, with many trees replanted and cultural gems being added giving even more reason to visit the park.
Things to See in Berlin Tiergarten Park
Amongst the towering trees and sprawling lawns, you will find some of Berlin’s best landmarks, statues and memorials in this park.
1. Victory Column (Siegessäule)
Towering over the park at 67 meters, this iconic column commemorates Prussian victories in the 19th century. This is a must-see monument in Tiergarten. Not to mention, it offers one of the best vantage points in the city. Climb the 285 steps to see what I mean.
On the roundabout surrounding the Victory Column are these two statues:
- Moltke Monument: a life-size marble statue, created in 1891, honouring Helmuth von Moltke the Elder, a Prussian military strategist and field marshal. He is holding a map and sword, symbolizing his leadership during the wars of unification.
- Bismarck Monument: is a large monument of Otto von Bismarck, the influential Prussian statesman. It’s there as a tribute to his role in the unification of Germany.
📍Großer Stern 1
2. Amazon on Horseback (Amazone zu Pferde)
This statue is one of the highlights! Standing tall and in the centre is a bronze statue of an Amazon on horseback surrounded by a group of lifesized animals like moose, bear, and bison.
This is meant to represent nature. This is a must-see!
📍Enter the park at Str. des 17 Juni
3. Composers’ Memorial (Komponistendenkmal)
This monument, added in 1895, celebrates the works of three musical giants: Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Joseph Haydn.
Three bronze statues of the composers stand side-by-side, each holding a musical score.
📍Enter the park at Str. des 17 Juni
4. Soviet War Memorial (Sowjetisches Kriegerdenkmal)
Pay respects to this impressive monument dedicated to the Soviet soldiers who fell in World War II.
This grand monument honours the over 80,000 Soviet soldiers who died during the Battle of Berlin in World War II. Two massive red granite sculptures flank a soldier’s grave. Behind the monument is a free outdoor museum where you can read about the significance of this and the related events during World War II along with photos.
📍Str. des 17. Juni 4
5. Memorial to the Sinti and Roma Victims of National Socialism
This moving monument, added in 2012, remembers the Sinti and Roma communities and raises awareness of their exclusion and mass murder of this minority during the National Socialist reign of terror.
This is a must-visit.
Start by exploring the nine glass plaques. Each one tells the story of a different person from across Europe who was persecuted or murdered. You can also watch short films to learn more about their lives and the context of their experiences.
Next, step through the trees and into a clearing. Here, you’ll find a unique monument by artist Dani Karavan. It features a fountain with a stone that retracts each day, revealing a fresh flower. As you stand there, the sound of a violin playing softly fills the air, adding to the contemplative atmosphere.
📍Simsonweg
6. Goethe Statue
This monument, added to the park in 1880, pays tribute to the renowned German writer and poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
The white stone statue depicts him standing with prose in hand, surrounded by figures representing his literary works.
📍Ebertstraße 18
7. Memorial to the Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism
This triangular monument, added to the Park in 2008, acknowledges the persecution of homosexuals during the Nazi regime.
It’s a concrete block inscribed with the names of concentration camps and a pink granite triangle, a symbol used to identify homosexuals in Nazi camps.
This monument is easy to miss. It’s not as obvious as the others. This one is a bit more subdued.
Nearby, visit the Lessing Statute. This is an impressive monument of white and red marble honouring the German philosopher and writer Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. There are some benches to sit on that surround this monument.
📍Enter Park by Ebertstraße and Lennéstraße
7. Queen Louise Monument (Luisen-Denkmal)
This neoclassical monument, sculpted in 1810, honours Queen Louise of Prussia, known for her beauty, grace, and patriotism.
The statue depicts her kneeling in prayer, surrounded by four allegorical figures representing Faith, Hope, Love, and Charity.
This is a pretty area of the Tiergarten Park, with surrounding ponds and two other monuments of Prince Wilhelm-von-Preußen and Friedrich-Wilhelm-III.
A bit further along you will come across the larger-than-life Richard Wagner Monument commemorating the renowned classical music composer Richard Wagner.
📍Enter the Park from Tiergartenstraße on the path called Große Weg
9. Tritonbrunnen
If you are near the lovely Luther Bridge visit the Tritonbrunnen, a quiet spot in the Park.
The fountain features a sculpture of Triton, the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, and its centrepiece. The fountain wasn’t turned on during my visit.
📍Enter the Park John-Foster-Dunes-Allee
10. Rose Garden (Rosengarten Tiergarten)
Saving the best for last!
With over 2,000 rose bushes in over 70 varieties, the rose garden is especially beautiful during the summer months when the roses are in full bloom, followed by autumn.
The Rosengarten was designed in 1909 by Peter Lambert, a renowned rose breeder, and was originally intended to be a showcase for his new varieties of roses. Over the years, the garden has been expanded and renovated several times, but it has always retained its original charm and character.
If you love flowers as much as I do, another spot to visit is Rhododendronhain.
📍Enter by Str. des 17. Juni
Berlin Tiergarten Park Things to Do
Tiergarten Park in Berlin offers a mix of fun activities. Have a picnic on the grass, go for a bike ride on the paths, or join the other runners on the trails. Families can have playtime in special areas. It’s a place where you can relax or be active, offering something for everyone.
With most stores closed on Sunday, strolling this Berlin Park is a popular thing to do.
1. Tiergarten Zoo
Don’t forget to explore the amazing Tiergarten Zoo, the world’s oldest, while you’re in Tiergarten Park! Meet over 1,300 animals from around the world, from majestic lions to playful penguins, all within the park’s boundaries. This is also one of the oldest zoos in Europe.
📍Hardenbergpl. 8
2. Café am Neuen See
After you’ve strolled your way through the Park, refuel with a lakeside brunch or sip a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. We enjoyed a delicious weekend brunch with a view of water.
Seeing this is a popular spot on the weekend, I recommend you make a reservation to secure a table.
You can also grab lunch and a beer at the outdoor beer garden right next to the Cafe.
📍Lichtensteinallee 2
3. Boat Rowing at Neuer See
Rent a rowboat at Neuer See (New Lake) and spend a relaxing afternoon paddling on the water. It’s a serene experience and offers a unique perspective of the park and a chance to become your own captain (for a little while at least)!
📍Lichtensteinallee 2
4. Teahouse in English Garden
As soon as I learned there is a Teahouse (called Teehaus im Englischen Garten) in Tiergarten I added it immediately to my list of things to do.
On a rainy autumn day in Berlin, I treated myself to afternoon tea. I should have picked a nicer day, as they offer a stylish terrace.
The delicious finger sandwiches and fluffy scones paired perfectly with my warm fragrant Green Jasmine tea, all while basking in the serene park views.
It’s a busy spot on weekends, so be sure to make a reservation, but I highly recommend going there for a meal or the afternoon tea service. They also offer a seasonal beer garden.
📍Altonaer Str. 2
5. Gas Latern Museum
An interesting thing to do in Berlin is to visit this free museum, called Gaslaternen-Freilichtmuseum, an open-air museum dedicated to the history of gas lighting.
With nearly 100 gas lanterns from different eras, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of this once-ubiquitous form of street lighting. Learn about the different types of gas lanterns, how they work, and their role in the development of Berlin.
📍Str. des 17. Juni 17 (a short walk from the Tiergarten S-Bahn station)
Nearby Berlin Attractions
One perk of exploring Tiergarten Park? Its central location is surrounded by amazing places to see in Berlin!
While visiting the park’s main attractions, I loved popping into nearby sections to discover hidden gems. Since covering the whole park in one go is tough, I’m sharing some nearby landmarks you can easily add to your Berlin itinerary like I did!
- Reichstag Building: Neo-Renaissance parliament building topped by a glass dome with 360-degree city views.
- Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial): This sombre and impactful memorial consists of 2,711 concrete slabs, creating a powerful remembrance of the Holocaust.
- Carillon: Listen to the sweet melodies of the Carillon, a musical tower offering breathtaking city views from its top. Sunday at 3 pm is one of the best concerts you will hear as you stroll the nearby park.
- Haus der Kulturen der Welt: A stunning architectural building on the banks of the Spree River that offers artistic productions from around the world, with a focus on non-European cultures.
- Brandenburg Gate: A restored 18th-century gate and landmark with 12 Doric columns topped by a classical goddess statue.
- Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church: The damaged spire left as a ruin to serve as a poignant reminder of World War II.
- Bellevue Palace: An elegant Neoclassical white palace built in 1786 is the official residence of the German president.
- Potsdamer Platz: A vibrant square filled with modern architecture, shopping centers, and entertainment options. Explore the bustling atmosphere and catch a movie at the Sony Center.
- Kulturforum: This cultural complex near Tiergarten is home to world-class museums and concert halls, including the Gemäldegalerie and the Philharmonie. Perfect for art and music enthusiasts.
As a Holidaymaker
Some final tips about visiting Tiergarten Park in Berlin:
- Visit in the heat of the summer, and you will feel the relief of shade under the tree canopy paths
- Use the Berlin Tiergarten map posted near the street entrances and main pathways
- If you are curious about what is behind the Berlin Park name, the Tiergarten meaning is ‘animal garden’ in English
- If you are visiting Berlin in autumn, be sure to stroll this park as it is stunning
- And, a common question often asked by American travellers ‘What is Tiergarten vs Central Park size?” Central Park in NYC covers 843 acres (about 341 hectares) vs Tiergarten Park spans 520 acres (about 210 hectares).
If you enjoyed this article, I recommend you read the 15 best parks in Berlin.
