Guide to Visiting Topography of Terror in Berlin

One of the most important aspects of Germany’s history is the Nazi era and World War II. So when you visit Berlin, it’s worth checking out some of the sights and attractions that teach you more about this history. Visiting the Topography of Terror Museum in Berlin is one of the best ways to learn about the horrors of the Gestapo and the Nazis.

Topography of Terror is a museum that sits on the former Gestapo headquarters. It’s an important place to learn the harsh reality of what happened in Germany in the 1930s and 1940s, and a place for remembrance so we can avoid letting these mistakes happen again.

Chances are this is on your list of things to do in Berlin. Keep reading to find out more about visiting Topography of Terror in Berlin, including tips, history, how to get there, and more.

History and facts about Topography of Terror

Between 1933 and 1945, the headquarters of the SS (Schutzstaffel) and the Gestapo (Secret State Police) was located on Niederkirchnerstr where the Topography of Terror Museum stands today. This is where they organized the persecution and killings of Nazi opponents, and where they coordinated the genocide of Jews, homosexuals, Roma, and Sinti and others.

Today this location is home to the Topography of Terror Museum where you can learn about events that led to the rise of Hitler and the Nazis as well as the SS and Gestapo. You’ll find plenty of info on the history from post World War I, the early years of the Nazis, World War II, the years after the war, and even some of the beginnings of the Cold War.

>>Read: 47 Interesting Places to See Cold War Sites in Berlin

There’s an incredible amount of documentation in both indoor and outdoor exhibits where you can learn about the organizations that operated here. You can read about different changes led to Hitler’s position as dictator and the horrible events of the Holocaust.

Some of the info panels have history relating to Hitler and the German government, while others have stories about people who were persecuted by the Nazis. Along with the text, you’ll see plenty of photos.

Note: You will see photos of people doing the Nazi salute, swastikas, and other things like this. In general, it is illegal to use Nazi symbols in Germany, and the only exception is with historical photos and documents like you’ll see at Topography of Terror Museum.

>>Read: 27 Meaningful Places to See World War II Sites in Berlin

How to visit Topography of Terror Museum

Start at the outdoor exhibit, working from left to right. The info is all in chronological order, so when your back is to the building, you want to start at the left end of the exhibit.

Then move on to the indoor exhibit. Some of the information and themes are repeated, which makes it a little easier to skip a few things here and there.

Topography of Terror is a lot of reading. There are photos and a few interactive displays, but the vast majority of the exhibits are text and text with accompanying photos.

There is an audio guide in German and English. If you happen to be spending a weekend in Berlin, Topography of Terror offers a free one hour guided tour at 3:30pm on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

If you decide to walk around without the audio guide, look out for numbers, like 1 or 2.2 for example, in the top corners of the displays. These will help you go in the right order since the indoor exhibit is also in chronological order.

The indoor exhibit goes into more detail about the events of World War II including Germany’s invasion into other countries in Europe. There’s also more information about the Holocaust and those who were taken to concentration camps.

What to wear on your visit

Since Topography of Terror is likely just one stop on a long day of sightseeing in Berlin, you’ll be on your feet a lot. Wear comfortable shoes, and dress for the weather at the time of year you’re visiting Berlin.

>>Read: What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List

How to get to Topography of Terror

Topography of Terror is located at Niederkirchnerstraße 8, 10963 Berlin. You can also get to it from the intersection with Wilhelmstr.

If you’re coming on foot from other nearby attractions, Topography of Terror is a short walk from Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie.

There are several transport stations within 10-15 minutes from the Topography of Terror Museum. They are S&U Potsdamer Platz, U Kochstr, S Anhalter Bahnhof.

From Potsdamer Platz: Walk south on Stresemannstr and turn left onto Niederkirchnerstr.

From Anhalter Bahnhof: Walk north on Stresemannstr and turn right onto Niederkirchnerstr.

From Checkpoint Charlie (U Kochstr): Walk west on Zimmerstr, which becomes Niederkirchnerstr a block later.

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Have questions about planning your trip to Berlin?

Join the Facebook group here to chat with Ali (she runs this site) and other people who have been to Berlin for tips.

Things to know before you go

Before you visit the Topography of Terror Museum, here are a few more pieces of advice to help you enjoy one of the most popular World War II sites in Berlin.

How much does it cost to visit Topography of Terror?

The Topography of Terror Museum is free to enter and does not require tickets. This is one of the more popular free things to do in Berlin, so come early if you can, and be patient if it’s busy while you’re visiting. It’s one of many Berlin free museums.

Topography of Terror Museum opening hours

The museum is open daily from 10am to 8pm. If you’re visiting during the holidays, be aware that they are closed December 24th and 31st, and January 1st.

How much time do you need to visit Topography of Terror?

There’s a lot of info here and a lot of signs and info panels to read, so it really depends if you want to read every single thing. I’d recommend a minimum of one hour, but that would just give you a glimpse of the information on display at Topography of Terror.

I spent roughly 45 minutes at the outdoor exhibit and a little over an hour at the indoor exhibit. This was reading lots of the info panels but certainly not all of them.

For a real thorough visit to Topography of Terror, I’d give yourself at least two hours, maybe more if you know you like to read as much as possible at museums.

Things to do near Topography of Terror

With so many other things to do near Topography of Terror, you’re spoiled for options. And besides the things I’ve listed below, you’ll have easy access to public transport at three different stations nearby (S&U Potsdamer Platz, U Kochstr, S Anhalter Bahnhof) so you can get to another part of the city for sightseeing.

Berlin Wall

Right on Niederkirchnerstraße near the outdoor section of Topography of Terror is a long section of the Berlin Wall. You can also walk up to Potsdamer Platz and see a few more pieces.

If you go the other direction, past Checkpoint Charlie, there are a few more pieces of the Berlin Wall at the end of Zimmerstr. Read more about where to see the Berlin Wall.

Checkpoint Charlie

Although Checkpoint Charlie is on a lot of Berlin bucket lists, it’s quite underwhelming and cheesy. This important crossing point between East and West Berlin is simply a hut in the middle of the street now.

You may have seen photos of people posing with uniformed guards. These fake guards are no longer permitted to stand there.

Stop by for a photo if this is important to you, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it. It’s not far from Topography of Terror, and there are a few other interesting Cold War related museums nearby that are worthwhile.

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Checkpoint Charlie Wall Museum

At this museum, see chaotically displayed photographs that document the escape of East Germans and the tragedies at the Berlin Wall. These images, videos and miniatures all tell stories of how the inhabitants of East Germany struggled to cross the border.

Although some of the stories told are sad, this historical museum has ensured that the bravery of these escapees and the kindness of the Checkpoint Charlie guards (those who refused to comply with the orders to shoot escapees) are not forgotten.

>>Check out these top sights in Berlin.

Die Mauer – The Wall Panorama Museum

This museum focuses on the Berlin Wall and what it was like to live in Berlin at that time. It’s an immersive experience that shows you what it was like to live near the death strip in the 1980s.

Disgusting Food Museum

This museum explores the emotion of disgust through food with exhibits from around the world. What’s disgusting in one culture might be a delicacy in another.

Speaking of food, have you seen my article about 51 Tasty German Foods to Try: What to Eat in Germany?

Weltballon

This is a giant helium balloon located near Checkpoint Charlie and Topography of Terror. Take a 15 minute ride with the balloon rising 500 meters above the ground.

The balloon doesn’t run in certain weather conditions, but when the weather is calm, this a such a cool activity to do in Berlin. It’s also a really interesting Berlin viewpoint.

Potsdamer Platz

In about 10 minutes, you can walk from Topography of Terror to Potsdamer Platz where you’ll find shopping centers, the Spy Museum, a few slabs of the Berlin Wall, a replica of the first traffic light, and lots of restaurants.

Also nearby is Panorama Punkt, an interesting place for views of Berlin from above that you reach by taking a ride in the fastest elevator in Europe.

Anhalter Bahnhof

A little south of Topography of Terror is Anhalter Bahnhof, the remains of what was once one of the most important train stations in Berlin. During the Nazi era, it was one of three stations in Berlin used to deport Jews to concentration camps.

Despite WWII damage, it was still operational for several more years. Anhalter Bahnhof is in the former East, and when the Soviets started using Ostbahnhof as the main train station in the East, Anhalter Bahnhof was no longer needed. Operations ceased in 1952.

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this guide to visiting Topography of Terror Museum in Berlin is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!