The Tiergarten
The official German name for the park known as The Tiergarten is Grosser Tiergarten, which helps to distinguish it from the district of the same name.
This huge park in central Berlin covers an area of some 520 acres roughly enclosed by the River Spree on its northern edge to the Tiergarten Strasse in the south, and from the Brandenburg Gate in the east to the zoo in the west.
The Strasse des 17 Juni runs through the centre of the park from east to west, and where it meets the Großer Stern (Great Star) the Siegessaule (Victory Column) stands sentinel over the whole park around it.
Only Templehofer Park (the former Templehof Airport) and the English Garden in Munich are larger so it’s best not to underestimate its size before deciding on where to go.
The name Grosser Tiergarten literally means ‘Large Game Park’ and gives a clue to its original use.
In the 16th century the Great Elector, Friedrich Wilhelm, turned this marshy ground into a hunting enclosure, but during the 17th and 18th centuries the area was gradually turned into more formal pleasure grounds for the people of Berlin – wide avenues were constructed, trees planted, and monuments erected.
WWII took its toll of course, but since then, and with the help of unification, the park’s appearance has gradually been changing back to its original grandeur.
No doubt everyone has their own particular part of the park that they’re fond of, and I have to admit that I’ve seen nowhere near enough of it, but some of the features that are worth seeking out are the Schloss Bellevue, The Carillon, the House of World Cultures, the Siegessaule, and the Soviet War Memorial.
Originally posted 2018-07-30 11:27:13.
This is some size of a park. it looks the kind of place you could spend a day in.
… Or a night if you’re of a dodgy disposition
Forgot to tick the ‘notify’ box so have to comment again!
I love Berlin but I haven’t spent a lot of time, on either of my two visits, exploring the Tiergarten – thanks for the introduction to its sights 🙂
Thanks for taking a look Sarah. The next couple of posts are about the Siegessaula and the Soviet War Memorial which will add a bit more info to the Tiergarten
Have not been to Berlin as yet, but this certainly looks like a nice park to be explored. Nice photos!
Berlin is a fascinating city to visit – in my opinion of course
I believe the Flea Market is open on weekends, but I haven’t been to it
This is a part of Berlin I haven’t been to very often (but I believe there is a flea market close by??) — must have a closer look next time.