Berlin, the quirky and eccentric city that is, is known for it’s “poor but sexy” vibe. It is one of Germany’s most popular tourist cities, but ironically Berlin doesn’t fit the vibe for traditional Germany.
Sadly, World War II bombs blasted the city, leaving it ruins. Thanks to the “beauty” of 1950’s architecture, Berlin is a combination of the beautiful, the bold and the “fugly.” Post World War II architecture, in my opinion, isn’t the most glamorous style ever created. Combined with communist architecture, it’s no wonder why Berlin is a world of its own.
The Lemon Tree loves all things citrus. If your German is rusty, you may not realize that “Unter den Linden” translates to “underneath the lime trees.” Although limes do not exist, one can feel the deep roots of this city's remarkable history.
Today, Unter den Linden is Berlin’s most prominent and historic boulevard. The initial use was for a bridle path in 1573 and onwards that led from the city palace to Lietzow. In 1701, new architecture emerged alongside the street. And as fate had it during WW2, Unter den Linden was left in complete ruins.
Let’s take a walk together and discover the best sites, landmarks and statues along Unter den Linden.
Sadly, World War II bombs blasted the city, leaving it ruins. Thanks to the “beauty” of 1950’s architecture, Berlin is a combination of the beautiful, the bold and the “fugly.” Post World War II architecture, in my opinion, isn’t the most glamorous style ever created. Combined with communist architecture, it’s no wonder why Berlin is a world of its own.
The Lemon Tree loves all things citrus. If your German is rusty, you may not realize that “Unter den Linden” translates to “underneath the lime trees.” Although limes do not exist, one can feel the deep roots of this city's remarkable history.
Today, Unter den Linden is Berlin’s most prominent and historic boulevard. The initial use was for a bridle path in 1573 and onwards that led from the city palace to Lietzow. In 1701, new architecture emerged alongside the street. And as fate had it during WW2, Unter den Linden was left in complete ruins.
Let’s take a walk together and discover the best sites, landmarks and statues along Unter den Linden.
Start your journey at the Berliner Dome (Cathedral), which is nearby the bus stop, "lustgarden," for the buses 100, 200 & N2. The cathedral sits between the river and the lustgarden. This land had buildings constructed in the 15th Century. The cathedral underwent construction in 1894 and in 1905 the cathedral had its first ceremony. This is one of the most popular buildings in Berlin.
The Berliner Dome shares a green/public space called the “lustgarden” with the 1830 Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s Altes Museum. Children play in the several water fountains and street artists flock to the corners to share their magic tricks. At this museum, you’ll notice the damage of old bullet holes that shaved off parts of the pillar from WW2.
Here, Hitler conducted various speeches during the Nazi era. Today, the museum is home to ancient art and cultural artifacts including Greek, Roman and Etruscans art.
Here, Hitler conducted various speeches during the Nazi era. Today, the museum is home to ancient art and cultural artifacts including Greek, Roman and Etruscans art.
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Behind Altes Museum are four other museums, Pergamon, Bode, Neues and Altes Nationalgalerie.
Together, these five museums make up “Museum Island,” a term coined in 1870. Ancient artifacts like the wall of Babylon, the remains of Nefertiti and the Papyrus collection. These are world-class museums and check with the ticket counter for information regarding an all-day pass to these museums.
It is easy to spend an entire day, or afternoon exploring the museums. These museums are worth the visit and some of the best I discovered in Europe.
Besides historical paintings and grandiose sculptures, seeing the Babylonian Wall is one of the most amazing precious artifacts from human history. This is the point of human history that is fascinating, but least understood.
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Across the river from the Altes Museum is the Deutsches Historisches Museum, Zeughaus and a water taxi stand if you want to take a ride down stream. Admire the detailed gates alongside the river. Various historical figures, mainly Greco-Roman-like figures. Personally, I love mermaids so the symbolism of the half-man, half-creatures are symbolic to Germany's history that is steeped with Roman influence.
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Next, you’ll see a solo standing building called the Neue Wache. This “New Guardhouse” is the Central Memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany for the Victims of War and Dictatorship. This monument represents three phases of German history: The War of Liberation, victims of WW1 and the victims of fascism from GDR & WW2. Inside is the Käthe Kollwitz's Pietà statue of her holding her dead son. The underground room contains the remains of an unidentified soldier and resistance soldier and the soil from the battlefields and concentration camp.
Next to the memorial is the grand-standing Humboldt University campus, which is named after Alexander von Humboldt’s brother. Wrought iron gates, touched with hints of gold, guard the university’s ground.
Across the street from the main gates is Staatsoper, or the Berlin Opera House.
Built between 1741 to 1743, the opera house has over 250 years in traditions including some of the world’s best composers and musicians gracing their “notes” with the audience.
Built between 1741 to 1743, the opera house has over 250 years in traditions including some of the world’s best composers and musicians gracing their “notes” with the audience.
Make way toward Brandenburg Gate. You’ll walk past a shopping district chocked full of cafes, souvenir stores and banks. Vapiano is a European chain Italian café, and I recommend it for something quick and cheap. (The mista salad is my favorite!) Other than that I recommend eating and drinking at the museum cafes or at Humboldt University.
Nearby the gate is a center-street park. Enjoy the calm atmosphere in this walkway park chocked full of trees flowing in the wind and people relaxing on park benches.
Nearby the gate is a center-street park. Enjoy the calm atmosphere in this walkway park chocked full of trees flowing in the wind and people relaxing on park benches.
Nearby the Brandenburg Gate is a public square. Near the patch of grass and the water fountain is DZ Bank, a mixed-use building that contains the artistry from the popular architect, Frank Gehry.
Inside, the glass interior represents the common modern-style of architecture that is reflective in nature. Reflection plays a role in Berlin’s history, as their dark past is very reflective.
Proceed to Brandenburg Gate, which is one of the most photogenic spots in Berlin.
Be sure to discover the gate up, down and around.
Discover all areas of Brandenburg Gate and from here head right to the popular Reichstag. From here you can discover the park behind Brandenburg Gate, which contains Der Rufer and the Monument of Soviet soldiers statue. There is also a café pavilion that serves hot food and café drinks.
Next, head in the opposite direction and walk past the gate. End your walking tour on Ebertstrasse to check out the Jewish monument dedicated to those who died in the holocaust.
From here you are not too far from Alexander platz, which is accessible via foot. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and I recommend walking on both sides of Unton den Linden.
From here you are not too far from Alexander platz, which is accessible via foot. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and I recommend walking on both sides of Unton den Linden.
What's your favorite site along Unton den Linden? Let us know and we can add it to the list!
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Explore Berlin without getting lost with GPSmycity.com! Click here for the 10 Significant WW2 Sites to Visit in Berlin, Germany
Let's Connect! You can follow The Lemon Tree on Bloglivin' - click the link below the author's bio!
Explore Berlin without getting lost with GPSmycity.com! Click here for the 10 Significant WW2 Sites to Visit in Berlin, Germany
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