Brandenburg Gate Berlin: The City’s Most Popular Landmark

Before we start with what to expect when you are at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, let’s dive a little deeper into its history and get an insight into its past. 

History Of Brandenburg Gate Berlin

The Brandenburg Gate was constructed between the years 1788 to 1791 and was Berlin’s first Greek revival building. The Cathedral was designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans, who was an architect of the Prussian Court. The architecture of the Brandenburg Gate Berlin has been inspired by the Gateway entrance to the Acropolis in Athens, making it a historical place in Berlin.

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is 65.5 meters long 26 meters high and 11 meters deep, supported by two rows of six Doric Columns.

In the year 1793, the gate was crowned by the Quadriga statue, which was designed by the architect Johann Gottfried Schadow. When the Berlin Wall went up in the year 1961, the gate stood as an exclusion in the arc of the Wall and was inaccessible to locals and visitors as well, making it among the most popular places to visit in Berlin.

Quadriga On Top Of Brandenburg Gate Berlin

As time passed, the statue was taken down from the Brandenburg Gate three times. In the year 1806, after the defeat of Prussia, Napoleon took the Quadriga to Paris but the victory allowance allowed it to be brought back and to be placed in the same place eight years later. 

However, during the Second World War, the Brandenburg Gate and Quadtiga were severely damaged due to the excessive bombing, as a result of which the structure had to be disposed of in the year 1956 in the course of reconstruction of the gate and replaced by a copy, making it among best tourist site in Berlin. 

Restoration Of The Brandenburg Gate

After having a restoration phase of almost two years, The Brandenburg Gate was restored in the year 2002, and from that onwards it has been a major tourist place in Berlin, attracting people from all over the world.

Suggested Read: Berlin Cathedral: A Glimpse Into History

Brandenburg Gate Opening Hours

Timings: 10:00 to 18:00

Brandenburg Gate Tour Tickets

If you wish to avoid crowded places, you should visit in the early morning or late at night to have the best time with your friends and family.

How To Reach Brandenburg Gate

Public Transport

• U-Bahn(Subway): The nearest subway station to the Brandenburg Gate is the U-Bahn, which is just a short walk away from the landmark. 
• S-Bahn(Above Ground Trains): The S1, S2, S25, and S26 lines stop at the Brandenburger Tor station, offering easy access to the gate. 

Buses 

• The TXL bus line runs from Berlin Tegel Airport with a stop near the Brandenburg Gate, which is the Brandenburger Tor. 
• 100, 147, and 200 are the other bus lines that stop at the Brandeburger Tor. 

Trams

Trams may be less common among tourists, but if you are up for something new, then you can take the M1,12 lines, which is the nearest spot to the Gate. 

By Car

If you are planning to drive, you should know that the area is a low-emission zone, so ensure that your vehicle will be eligible for parking. You can park your car near the Potsdamer Platz Car Park. 

Useful Tips Before Visiting Brandenburg Gate

• You can use the Berlin Welcome Card which offers unlimited public transport network and several discounts as well. 
• The Brandenburg Gate is located in the city centre, which makes it close to other important landmarks, including the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Reichstag Building and Tiergarten Park.