Unter den Linden is a famous boulevard in Berlin, Germany, that runs from the Brandenburg Gate to the Museum Island. It is lined with historical buildings, monuments, and museums, making it a popular tourist attraction. Here are some things you need to know before visiting it:
- Ticket: You don’t need a ticket to walk along Unter den Linden, but you may need to buy tickets for some of the attractions along the way, such as the Berlin Cathedral, the Neue Wache, or the Humboldt Forum. You can buy tickets online or at the entrance of each attraction. The prices vary depending on the attraction and the type of ticket you choose.
- Open and close: Unter den Linden is open to the public 24/7, but some of the attractions have specific opening and closing hours. For example, the Berlin Cathedral is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. The Humboldt Forum is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on Monday. You can check the official websites of each attraction for more details.
- Days and hours: The best time to visit Unter den Linden depends on your preferences and interests. If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful stroll, you may want to visit early in the morning or late in the evening. If you want to see the attractions in their full glory, you may want to visit during the day when they are open and illuminated. If you want to experience the festive atmosphere of Unter den Linden, you may want to visit during special occasions such as Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
- How to get: You can easily reach Unter den Linden by public transportation. The closest subway stations are Brandenburger Tor (U55), Französische Straße (U6), and Friedrichstraße (U6). The closest tram stops are Am Kupfergraben (M1 and M12) and Universitätsstraße (M4 and M5). The closest bus stops are Unter den Linden/Friedrichstraße (100, 200, TXL) and Lustgarten (100, 200).
- Tips and tours: If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Unter den Linden, you may want to join a guided tour. There are many options available, such as walking tours, bike tours, bus tours, or boat tours. You can book a tour online or through a local agency. Some tours also include visits to other nearby attractions, such as the Reichstag or the Potsdamer Platz. Alternatively, you can explore Unter den Linden on your own with the help of an audio guide or a map.
Prohibitions: When visiting Unter den Linden, you should respect the rules and regulations of each attraction. For example, you should not touch or climb on the monuments, you should not litter or damage the property, you should not smoke or drink alcohol in public places, and you should not disturb other visitors or staff members. You should also follow the instructions of the security personnel and the signs posted along the boulevard.
There are many things to see and do along Unter den Linden. Some of the highlights include:
- The Pariser Platz, a square that hosts the French and American embassies, as well as the Academy of Arts and the Hotel Adlon.
- The Berlin State Opera, one of the oldest and most prestigious opera houses in Europe, founded in 1742 by Frederick the Great.
- The Humboldt University, a renowned institution of higher education that counts among its alumni Albert Einstein, Karl Marx, and Otto von Bismarck.
- The Neue Wache, a neoclassical building that serves as a memorial for the victims of war and dictatorship.
- The Zeughaus, a former arsenal that now houses the German Historical Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits from German history from the Middle Ages to the present day.
- The Berlin Cathedral, a majestic baroque church that is the largest Protestant church in Germany and the burial place of many members of the Hohenzollern dynasty.
- The Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that comprises five museums: the Pergamon Museum, the Bode Museum, the Old National Gallery, the Old Museum, and the New Museum.
Unter den Linden is a must-see for anyone who wants to explore the rich history and culture of Berlin. You can walk along the boulevard or take a bus or a bike tour to enjoy its sights and sounds.
