New Guardhouse (Neue Wache)
The basics
The Neue Wache memorial today is the Central Memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany for the Victims of War and Tyranny. Visit the memorial to see a large sculpture in the center of the site called “Mother with her Dead Son” by Käthe Kollwitz. In 1969, the remains of an unknown soldier and an unknown concentration camp prisoner from World War II were buried at the memorial. The landmark is a popular stop on Berlin city tours including walking tours.
Things to know before you go
- Neue Wache is a must-see attraction for travelers interested in history and families seeking educational opportunities.
- The memorial is a quiet place of contemplation and meditation.
- Admission is free.
How to get there
Neue Wache is located in the center of Berlin at Unter den Linden 4. It is a short walk from other popular Berlin attractions including the German Historical Museum and Bebelplatz. The memorial is accessible by public transportation; take the U-Bahn to Französische Strasse and Friedrichstrasse.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The memorial is open daily from 10am to 6pm and admission is free. Some visitors stay only for a few minutes, while others linger to take in the temple-like setting. The winter season is particularly quiet and weekdays are more peaceful than weekends.
Exposed to the Elements
The “Mother with her Dead Son” statue by Käthe Kollwitz is a striking element of this memorial. The sculpture is located under a large opening in the roof of the building, which leaves it exposed to a range of weather conditions from rain to snow. This exposure is said to signify the suffering of the victims of war and dictatorship.
- Things to do in Potsdam
- Things to do in Rostock
- Things to do in Poznan
- Things to do in Hamburg
- Things to do in Karlovy Vary
- Things to do in Prague
- Things to do in Wroclaw
- Things to do in Copenhagen
- Things to do in Nuremberg
- Things to do in Gdansk
- Things to do in Munich
- Things to do in Warsaw
- Things to do in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Things to do in Northern Germany
- Things to do in Bohemia
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum)
- Bebelplatz
- Altes Museum (Old Museum)
- Neues Museum (New Museum)
- Museum Island (Museumsinsel)
- Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie)
- Pergamon Museum (Pergamonmuseum)
- Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)
- Bode Museum
- Gendarmenmarkt
- DDR Museum
- Unter den Linden
- Deutscher Dom
- AquaDom & SEA LIFE® Berlin