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Unter den Linden

  • Pariser Platz

    The street Unter den Linden begins at Pariser Platz with the Brandenburg Gate.

  • Bebelplatz

    Bebelplatz on the street Unter den Linden.

  • Unter den Linden

    Cyclists ride on the street Unter den Linden in front of the Brandenburg Gate.

  • Weihnachtsbeleuchtung «Unter den Linden»

    Christmas lights illuminate the street "Unter den Linden" in front of the Brandenburg Gate. (Shot with long exposure)

The capital's grand boulevard and the stately heart of the former Prussian metropolis: Unter den Linden is Berlin's oldest promenade and stretches from the Brandenburg Gate to the Palace Bridge and Berlin Cathedral. Walk along the boulevard and you will discover numerous sights.

Unter den Linden connects the Brandenburg Gate with Museum Island in the center of Berlin. Created by Elector Johann Georg in 1573 as a bridle path between the City Palace and Tiergarten, Elector Friedrich Wilhelm had the street fortified in 1647. The name also dates from this time, as linden trees were planted next to the fortifications. However, Unter den Linden only became a real boulevard under Frederick the Great. An equestrian statue at the eastern end of the street commemorates him.

Sights on the boulevard Unter den Linden

Hotel Adlon and Russian Embassy

The street Unter den Linden begins at Pariser Platz with the Brandenburg Gate. On the right-hand side is the famous Hotel Adlon, which has been considered Berlin's classiest hotel since it opened in 1907. The most relaxing way to walk along Unter den Linden is to take a stroll along the central reservation. In summer, the lime trees provide shade and at Christmas time, the old trees are illuminated.

Not far from the Hotel Adlon is the impressive building of the Russian Embassy. The Stalinist building was erected in the mid-1950s and became a Stalinist showpiece.

State Library and Humboldt University

Equally impressive is the Staatsbibliothek Unter den Linden. This imposing building is home to Germany's largest universal academic library. The building itself is one of Berlin's architectural monuments.

In the immediate vicinity is another place of knowledge: the Humboldt University. The richly decorated façade of the main building reveals that the building was originally intended to be a royal palace.

Bebelplatz

Opposite is the Bebelplatz. The square became sadly famous due to the book burning by the National Socialists. It was originally the focal point of the Fridericianum forum commissioned by Frederick the Great. Many historic buildings line the square: in addition to the Staatsoper Unter den Linden and the Prinzessinnenpalais, there is the St. Hedwig's Cathedral, the Altes Palais and the Alte Bibliothek. Even if the facades of the historic buildings still look as they did before 1943, the interiors are often modern.

New Guardhouse and armory

Opposite Bebelplatz is the New Guardhouse. It serves as a memorial. Originally built by Schinkel as a guardhouse for the Royal Palace, it now houses the Federal Republic of Germany's central memorial to the victims of war and tyranny.

Next to the New Guardhouse, at the end of Unter den Linden, is the former Zeughaus, which is now home to the German Historical Museum.

Schloßbrücke

Schinkel's Schloßbrücke forms the end of the street Unter den Linden. With its historic railings and eight statues, the bridge built by Schinkel is one of Berlin's most beautiful bridges. It leads to the Spree Island, known as Museum Island.

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 Address
Unter den Linden 70
10117 Berlin

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Last edited: 15 January 2025