Why go
It is named after its linden (basswood in American English, lime in British English) trees that line the grassed pedestrian mall between two carriageways. It is named after its linden (basswood in American English, lime in British English) trees that line the grassed pedestrian mall between two carriageways.
What to look for
- Unter den Linden is a boulevard in the Mitte district of Berlin, the capital of Germany.
- It is named after its linden basswood in American English, lime in British English trees that line the grassed.
The full story
The western continuation behind Brandenburg Gate is Straße des 17. Major north–south streets crossing Unter den Linden are Friedrichstraße and Wilhelmstrasse. Unter den Linden, which sits at the heart of the historic section of Berlin, developed from a bridle path laid out by Elector John George of Brandenburg in the 16th century to reach his hunting grounds in the Tiergarten. It was replaced by a boulevard of linden trees planted in 1647, extending from the city palace to the gates of the city, by order of the "Great Elector" Frederick William. While the western part of the boulevard retained its character, the area around present-day Bebelplatz was integrated into the fortification of Berlin in the aftermath of the Thirty Years' War, visible until today as there are no trees.
Useful to know
- Verify current opening hours, closures and timed-entry rules on the official site before setting out.
- Allow extra time for security or ticketing when the visit includes an interior collection or viewing platform.