Although this location isn't necessarily one of Berlin's most popular attractions, it's known as a photographer favorite. The bright orange tiles are an unexpected pop of color underground along this passageway and with a model in your shot, it makes for the perfect place to capture a one-of-a-kind lifestyle shot.
Plan
Overview
Skill level
Easy
Accessbility
Public Location
Hours
Anytime
Fee
Free
Pack
Wide-angle lens (11mm)
Tripod
Model
How to get there
N52° 30' 12.4992"E13° 16' 46.668"
This image was taken inside the International Congress Center ICC Berlin underpass tunnel. There are a variety of ways to reach this well-lit tunnel, but to get to this exact spot, you'll want to enter the underground passageway off of Am Westkreuz. Once you're underground, reference the GPS coordinates to get to the exact spot where I took this image.
By public transportation:
- Closest station: Westkreuz (via S3, S5, S7, S9, S41, S42, S46 lines)
- Head north on Am Westkreuz and then enter the tunnel in about 100 meters
Tips
When to go
Best season
All months
Best time
Night, Midnight+
The image of the ICC Berlin Underpass Tunnel can be photographed year round. The tunnel is always well illuminated and is unaffected by the seasons.
If you're a fan of getting clean shots, nighttime will be the best time of day to visit this location. During the day, the sunlight will come through the tunnel and reflect on the tiles. Because of this, you won't really be able to capture the nice orange color of the tiles.
Field tips
I recommend shooting with a wide-angle lens (11mm) to capture the entirety of the tunnel and its length.
Make sure to utilize the tunnel's lights as leading lines. It'll help you to create a more balanced image with the eye naturally looking to the end of the tunnel, guided by the lights.
Situate your model in the middle of the passageway, right before the tunnel bends, to add a human element to your shot.
Try capturing the different perspectives of the tunnel by walking back and forth.
Current weather
Berlin
Partially cloudy
75o
F
Tue
73o
55o
Wed
65o
57o
Thu
72o
59o
Fri
71o
57o
Sat
66o
59o
Blue Hour
02:42
75o
Partially cloudy
Sunrise
03:24
75o
Partially cloudy
Golden Hour
18:13
75o
Partially cloudy
Sunset
19:04
75o
Partially cloudy
Do nearby
Emerge from the tunnel and visit the International Congress Center (ICC) Berlin. It's one of the largest conference centers in the world and it has an amazing carpark that's definitely worth checking out.
Check out the nearby Funkturn Berlin, which is a radio tower that offers a restaurant and viewing platform with panoramic views of the city.
If you're looking for additional opportunities for architecture photography, visit the Haus des Rundfunks. This broadcasting house is opposite the ICC and it offers historical and architectural guided tours, too.