Tränenpalast, Historic border crossing museum at Friedrichstrasse Station, Berlin, Germany
Tränenpalast is a former border checkpoint building at Friedrichstrasse that served as a processing station during Berlin's division. The structure now displays exhibitions with over 500 original objects from the separation period, including documents, luggage, and personal items from travelers.
The building opened in 1962 to process East German citizens traveling to West Berlin. After the Wall fell in 1989, such border checks became unnecessary.
The name comes from the tears families shed when saying goodbye at the border, forced to separate from loved ones. Visitors today encounter personal belongings and photographs of people who experienced this difficult moment.
Visitors should plan to spend time exploring the exhibitions at a relaxed pace, as there is much to discover. The location is easily accessible by public transport and sits directly on Friedrichstrasse.
The building sat abandoned and deteriorating for years after the Wall fell before reopening as a museum. Its architecture with large windows was deliberately designed to allow officials to watch waiting people from above.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
