Lustgarten
The Lustgarten (which means Pleasure Garden in English) is a pleasant neoclassical park on Museum Island. It is smack dab in the midst of several iconic landmarks.
The rectangular park faces the spectacular Berliner Dom and Altes Museum. It is across the street from the Berlin Palace, across the Spree River from the German Historical Museum. You can easily see the Fernsehturm TV tower from here.
The central location makes this a popular people space to show up and relax on the green grass or benches. You can enjoy music played by buskers, sit and read a good book, or simply people watch. It is close enough to the museums that you can connect with their free WiFi too.
A water fountain forms a focal point near the center of the garden.
Closer to the Altes Museum stands a giant solid granite bowl weighing in at 70 tonnes. A primary attraction in 19th century Berlin, it was transported up the River Spree in 1828 and inaugurated in 1834. Berliner’s often refer to it as the Berlin soup bowl.
History
Lustgarten had a lengthy and turbulent history.
It appeared in the 16th century as a vegetable garden for the adjacent City Palace. Friedrich Wilhelm converted it to a Dutch style royal garden featuring flower gardens, aviaries, fountains, and sculptures.
In the 18th century, Friedrich Wilhelm I had other ideas. He paved it over to create a military parade square. It wasn’t until 1790 that green lawns were planted again.
When the Altes Museum opened in 1830, the garden was further enhanced to present a pleasing landscape in front.
But that was not going to last. Military aspirations of the Nazis led to the park being paved again in 1934. With opposition to the regime now outlawed, Hitler addressed mass rallies of nearly one million people here. Immediately following WWII the park was nothing but a bombed wasteland.
Stuck in East Germany following the war, it wasn’t until after the reunification of Germany in the late 1990s that the park was at last restored to closely match its design prior to the WWII.
There are good bus connections to the Lustgarten with a stop right in front. The U-Bahn and S-Bahn are only a short walk.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoLustgarten Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Address: Unter den Linden 1, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Phone: 030 250025
Official Website: Lustgarten
Lustgarten Reviews
Rated out of 5
This small but beautiful garden is located opposite Berlin Cathedral and provides an amazing opportunity to capture the beauty of the cathedral with park as its added attraction.
Ravindra Vangipuram - a month ago
Lustgarten is a beautiful and peaceful green space right in the heart of Berlin, perfect for relaxing after exploring the nearby landmarks. Located between the Berlin Cathedral and the Museum Island, it offers a scenic setting with well-kept lawns, fountains, and plenty of open space to unwind.
It’s a great spot to sit, enjoy the view of the magnificent Berliner Dom, or simply watch the city life unfold around you. Many people gather here to relax, take photos, or have a quick break, especially on sunny days. The atmosphere is calm despite being in such a central location.
While it can get a bit crowded during peak tourist seasons, it still manages to feel spacious and enjoyable. Overall, Lustgarten is a lovely place to pause, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of Berlin’s historic center.
Karthik Narne - a month ago
Very beautiful architecture and historical place, must visit place in berlin with huge green area and hot spot for tourists and hop on hop off bus around the Berlin main attractions.
alez nain - 5 months ago
Lustgarten on a sunny afternoon the trees still holding their last leaves, benches empty, long shadows across the ground. Everyone moving through like they had somewhere to be.
Daren Ng - 2 months ago
A lovely open square, surrounded by iconic buildings, most of which you can visit should you choose.
Mark Godson - 2 months ago
Directions
How to get to Lustgarten by U-Bahn, S-Bahn
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn Line(s): S1, S2, S3, S5, S7, S9, S25, S26, S75, U6
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn Station(s): S+U Berlin Friedrichstraße
Exit from Friedrichstraße Station. Walk one block south on Fredrichstrasse and go left (east) onto Dorotheenstrasse. When you get to the river, go right onto Am Kupfergraben and cross the bridge just ahead. Lustgarten is on your right.
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Accommodations near Lustgarten:
Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr
