Image by Pieter Walsweer
Pictured above is the most well known park in Berlin. The Tiergarten lies deep within the heart of the city, sandwiched between the Reichstag building and the Brandenburg gate.
Originally, this area was used as a private hunting ground for royals. Today, the very public Tiergarten is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Bikes can be rented to explore the inner-city park, or you can walk the trails and paths. During winter, if the weather cooperates, it is sometimes possible to ice skate on the ponds.
Image by David Hodgsen
The Tiergarten is also home to many memorials. The Soviet War Memorial stands to honor those Soviets who died during the Battle of Berlin. World War II memorials honoring the Sinti and Roma and persecuted homosexuals are also spread throughout the park. There are also monuments to Otto Von Bismarck, and composers Beethoven, Haydn, and Mozart.
Arguably the most important aspect of the Tiergarten is it’s environmental importance. The park regulates the temperature of the inner city as well as serves as ventilation. The many trees provide essential fresh air for the bustling city. It is also home to many groups of plants and animals that are not naturally found elsewhere in Berlin. It is reported that the Tiergarten is home to over 1,400 different species, a number of which are endangered enough to be on the red list.