Lustgarten: Berlin's Green Heart

Discover Berlin's Lustgarten: A historic park on Museum Island offering tranquility amidst iconic landmarks, reflecting centuries of Berlin's vibrant history and cultural evolution.

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Lustgarten

The Lustgarten, a verdant oasis in the heart of Berlin's Museum Island, boasts a rich and turbulent history. Originally a kitchen garden for the Berlin Palace in the 16th century, it transformed into a Dutch-style pleasure garden, a military parade ground, and even a site for Nazi rallies. Today, it offers a tranquil escape with manicured lawns, a central fountain, and the iconic 70-tonne granite bowl, affectionately known as the 'Berlin soup bowl'. Flanked by the Berlin Cathedral, Altes Museum, and Humboldt Forum, the Lustgarten is a perfect spot for relaxation, contemplation, and soaking in the city's vibrant atmosphere. Its central location and historical significance make it a must-see destination for any visitor exploring Berlin's cultural heart.

A brief summary to Lustgarten

Unter den Linden 1, Berlin, Mitte, 10178, DE
Visit website

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late in the evening for a quieter, more contemplative experience and to avoid the midday crowds.
Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxing lunch or afternoon snack on the lawn, soaking in the atmosphere.
Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi available in the area, courtesy of the nearby museums, to plan your next sightseeing stop.
Check for local events or performances that may be taking place in the Lustgarten during your visit, adding an extra layer of cultural enrichment.
Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the Berlin Cathedral and Altes Museum from within the Lustgarten, capturing the beauty of these iconic landmarks.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Lustgarten is easily accessible via public transport. Take the U5 U-Bahn line to the 'Museumsinsel' station, which is directly adjacent to the park. Alternatively, numerous bus lines (100, 200, 300, N5) stop at 'Lustgarten' or 'U Museumsinsel', just a short walk away. Tram lines M1, M4, M5, and M6 also have stops ('Am Kupfergraben' or 'Hackescher Markt') within a few minutes' walk of the Lustgarten. A single ticket for public transport in Berlin (AB zone) costs €3.50.
Walking

If you are already in the Mitte district, walking to the Lustgarten is a pleasant option. From Alexanderplatz, head west along Karl-Liebknecht-Straße, passing the Berlin Cathedral on your right. The Lustgarten will be on your left, just before the Altes Museum. From the Brandenburg Gate, walk east along Unter den Linden for approximately 20 minutes. The Lustgarten will be on your left, just before you reach the Berlin Cathedral. This allows you to see other landmarks along the way.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber, Bolt) are readily available in Berlin. Simply request a ride to 'Lustgarten' or 'Am Lustgarten 1, 10178 Berlin'. Be aware that direct vehicle access to Museum Island is limited, so you may be dropped off on a nearby street, such as Unter den Linden or Am Kupfergraben, requiring a short walk to the park. A short taxi ride from Alexanderplatz to Lustgarten typically costs between €8 and €12, depending on traffic.
Driving

While driving to the Lustgarten is possible, it is not recommended due to limited parking in the immediate vicinity. If you choose to drive, be aware that there is no dedicated parking directly at Lustgarten. Nearby parking garages include Q-Park Unter den Linden/Staatsoper (approx. 8-minute walk) and Dom Aquarée (approx. 10-minute walk). Parking fees at these garages typically range from €3 to €5 per hour, with daily maximums between €20 and €30. Given the parking challenges, using public transport is highly advisable.

Discover more about Lustgarten

The Lustgarten, meaning 'pleasure garden,' is a prominent park located on Museum Island in the heart of Berlin. Its story is as layered and complex as the city itself, reflecting centuries of shifting power, artistic vision, and social change. Originally conceived in the 16th century, the area served as a humble kitchen garden for the Electors of Brandenburg, who resided in the adjacent Berlin Palace. This practical space provided fresh produce for the royal table. However, the devastation of the Thirty Years' War left the garden overgrown and neglected. In the mid-17th century, under the direction of Friedrich Wilhelm, the Great Elector, and his wife, Luise Henriette, the Lustgarten underwent a dramatic transformation. Inspired by Dutch design, it was reimagined as a formal pleasure garden, complete with geometric pathways, vibrant flowerbeds, ornate fountains, and even an orangery. This new incarnation became a popular gathering place for Berliners, a space for leisure and social interaction. The garden's fortunes shifted again in the 18th century when Friedrich Wilhelm I, the 'Soldier King,' prioritized military might over horticultural beauty. He converted the Lustgarten into a parade ground, covering the lush greenery with sand and utilizing it for military drills. This utilitarian phase lasted until the late 18th century when the space was once again landscaped and planted with trees. The 19th century saw further enhancements to the Lustgarten, particularly with the construction of the Altes Museum (Old Museum) by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Peter Joseph Lenné, a renowned landscape architect, redesigned the park to complement the museum's neoclassical architecture. He divided the area into distinct lawns and added a striking 13-meter-high fountain. In 1831, the massive granite bowl, still a prominent feature today, was installed. This bowl, weighing 70 tonnes, was transported to Berlin via the River Spree and quickly became a beloved symbol of the city. The 20th century brought further upheaval to the Lustgarten. During the Weimar Republic, it served as a venue for political rallies and demonstrations. The rise of the Nazi regime marked another dark chapter in the park's history. In 1934, the Nazis paved over the Lustgarten, transforming it into a space for mass rallies and propaganda events. The granite bowl was removed, and the park's original purpose was completely subverted. Following World War II, the Lustgarten found itself in East Berlin, becoming part of the Marx-Engels-Platz. It continued to be used for parades and political gatherings under the communist regime. The granite bowl was eventually reinstalled in 1981. After German reunification in 1990, the Lustgarten was returned to its original name and underwent a significant redesign. Atelier Loidl was commissioned to restore the park as a green space for public enjoyment. Today, the Lustgarten offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of Berlin. Visitors can relax on the lawns, admire the central fountain, and marvel at the iconic granite bowl. The park's location, surrounded by world-class museums and historical landmarks, makes it a perfect place to take a break from sightseeing and soak in the city's atmosphere. The Lustgarten's enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend history, art, and nature. It is a place where visitors can reflect on Berlin's past while enjoying the beauty of the present. Whether you're seeking a quiet moment of contemplation or a vibrant gathering place, the Lustgarten offers something for everyone. Its central location makes it easily accessible and a must-see destination for any visitor to Berlin. The park serves as a reminder of Berlin's resilience and its commitment to creating spaces for public enjoyment and cultural enrichment. Visiting the Lustgarten provides a unique opportunity to connect with Berlin's history and experience its vibrant present. The park's central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Museum Island and the surrounding area. Take a stroll through the manicured lawns, admire the central fountain, and marvel at the iconic granite bowl. Be sure to take some time to reflect on the park's rich history and its significance to the city of Berlin. The Lustgarten is more than just a park; it is a living testament to Berlin's enduring spirit and its commitment to creating spaces for public enjoyment and cultural enrichment. It's a place where history and nature intertwine, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for all who visit.

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Lustgarten: Berlin's Green Heart

A brief summary to Lustgarten

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Walking

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Lustgarten

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Lustgarten

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Springbrunnen im Lustgarten

Am Lustgarten

Herbert-Baum-Denkmal

Schlossviertel

Kolonnadenhof

Friedrichsbrücke 1

Equestrian statue of Frederick William IV

Three Girls One Boy Statue

Three Girls and a Boy

Crown Prince's Palace

Schinkelpl.

Schlüterhof

Neue Wache

Adolph-Diesterweg-Denkmal

Friedrichswerdersche Church

Unmissable attractions to see

Altes Museum

UNESCO Weltkulturerbe Museumsinsel

Schlossbrücke

Humboldt Box

Berlin Cathedral

Neues Museum

German Historical Museum

James Simon Gallery

Humboldt Forum

DDR Museum

Alte Nationalgalerie

Freedom and Unity Memorial

Pergamonmuseum

Berlin State Opera

James-Simon-Park

Essential places to dine

Alt-Berliner Gasthaus Julchen Hoppe

Restaurant FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Restaurant Dae Mon

Mutter Hoppe

Zur Gerichtslaube

Restaurant Balthazar 2

Charlotte & Fritz

BLESS Restaurant

Dreh-Restaurant Sphere im Berliner Fernsehturm

Nante-Eck

Bocca di Bacco

Grill Royal

Boulevard Friedrichstrasse

acht&dreissig

Berliner Republik

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Shop Passage im Humboldt Forum

Redbear Berlin

ausberlin

The Square Berlin East

Hackesche Höfe

AMPELMANN shop in the Hackescher Markt

Galeries Lafayette

BERLIN Store - MUDDASTADT GmbH

Wolford Boutique Berlin

Pick'nWeight - Vintage Kilo Store

BERLIN STORE

Kauf Dich Glücklich Mode

I LOVE BERLIN - MUDDASTADT GmbH

REBECCA Concept Store

RAU Berlin Boutique

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

TheCoven Bar

Knutschfleck Berlin