S-Bahnhof Brandenburger Tor

Originally named “Unter den Linden” when it opened in 1936, this S-Bahn station sits directly beneath the Brandenburg Gate. During the Cold War, Western trains passed through the sealed platform while East German guards stood watch. Renamed “Brandenburger Tor” in 2009.

The station’s location made it perhaps the most notable ghost station of all. Above, the Brandenburg Gate stood inaccessible in the death strip; below, Western trains passed through through the sealed station while East German guards stood watch. The station represented both the literal and figurative depth of Berlin’s division, the most famous landmark in the city, unreachable on every level.

The station was renamed “Brandenburger Tor” in 2009 to better reflect its location and to avoid confusion with the new U-Bahn station of the same name on the U5 line. It reopened on 1 August 1990, becoming once again a normal transit stop beneath the gate that symbolises Berlin’s unity.

 Show me on the map

Gallery