Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Park · Berlim, Berlim
Großer Tiergarten
Berlin's large central park, formerly the princes' hunting grounds. At its center stands the Siegessäule, the Victory Column, with an observation deck beneath the golden statue.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Großer Tiergarten
The Tiergarten is the main park in central Berlin, covering about 210 hectares of woods, lawns, lakes and canals between the Brandenburger Tor and the Charlottenburg district. It was the hunting grounds of the princes of Brandemburgo and became a public park in the 18th century. During the Second World War and the following winter, almost all the trees were cut down for firewood, and the park was replanted afterwards.
In its centre, at the roundabout of Großer Stern, stands the Siegessäule, the Victory Column, erected between 1864 and 1873 in memory of the wars that led to German unification. In 1938 and 1939 the column was moved from in front of the Reichstag to its current location. At the top is the golden statue of the goddess Victoria, which Berliners call the Goldelse.
A staircase of 285 steps, with no elevator, leads up to the observation deck beneath the statue, with views over the park and the avenue that runs to the Brandenburger Tor. Access is via underground passages, avoiding the roundabout traffic. There is a fee to climb.
Throughout the park there are paths for walking and cycling, the Neuer See, a lake with rowboat rentals in season, and open-air beer gardens that usually operate from April to October.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A walk from the Brandenburger Tor to the Siegessäule takes about 30 minutes. With the climb up the column and a stroll through the park, allow two hours.
Best time
From April to October, when the park is green and the open-air beer gardens typically open. The column's observation deck operates on different hours in summer and winter: check before you go.
How to get there
Bus 100 stops at the Großer Stern, next to the Siegessäule. The S-Bahn stations Bellevue and Tiergarten are on the park's edge. You can also walk from the Brandenburger Tor along the Straße des 17. Juni.
Tip
Use the underground passages to reach the column. On weekends, near Tiergarten station, an antiques market usually operates.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Großer Tiergarten
Can you climb the Siegessäule?
Yes. It's 285 steps to the observation platform under the golden statue, with no elevator. There is a charge to climb.
How to reach the Siegessäule without crossing traffic?
Via underground passages that start from the sidewalks of the Großer Stern roundabout.
How much time should you allow for the Tiergarten?
About two hours to walk from the Brandenburger Tor to the Siegessäule, climb the column and stroll through the park.
Why is the statue called Goldelse?
It's the nickname Berliners gave to the golden statue of the goddess Victory atop the column.