When we talk about Berlin, many iconic symbols come to mind: the TV Tower, the Brandenburg Gate, the murals of the East Side Gallery. But there’s one unique and iconic detail that often goes unnoticed… until you spot it on the street: Ampelmann, the most famous pedestrian traffic light figure in Germany.
A story that starts long ago
Ampelmann was born in 1961 in East Berlin, thanks to Karl Peglau, a traffic psychologist who wanted to make pedestrian signals safer. The idea was simple yet brilliant: to create a character that was instantly recognizable, friendly, almost human — something that could speak to both children and the elderly.
The result? A stylized little man wearing a wide-brimmed hat, confidently walking when the light is green and stretching out his arms to say “stop” when it’s red. Two silhouettes that over time became not just symbols of urban traffic, but true cultural icons.
After the fall of the Wall and the reunification of Germany, many symbols of the GDR were removed. Ampelmann also risked disappearing. But Berliners weren’t ready to let him go: protests, petitions, and a public campaign saved the figure and turned it into a key element of the new Berlin identity.
Today, he’s much more than a traffic light — he’s design, merchandising, and visual storytelling. And also a great souvenir.
The best part of Berlin? You really spot Ampelmann while walking through the city. The original traffic lights are mostly found in neighborhoods that were once part of the GDR, like Friedrichshain, Prenzlauer Berg, and Lichtenberg.
But if you want to fully dive into his world, don’t miss the Ampelmann Stores. You’ll find everything there: mugs, t-shirts, bags, home goods, and even collectible items. All with that irresistible retro design that instantly lifts your mood.
📍 Useful addresses:
Ampelmann Store Unter den Linden 35 – just steps from Museum Island
Ampelmann Shop Hackesche Höfe – Rosenthaler Straße 40–41
Ampelmann Store Potsdamer Platz – in the Sony Center
And if you’re in the mood for a break, there’s also a lovely Ampelmann Café at Hackescher Markt, featuring themed sweets and a cozy, curated atmosphere.
Fun facts
There’s also a female version of Ampelmann — Ampelfrau — with pigtails and a little skirt, introduced in some German cities.
Ampelmann has been used in educational campaigns for road safety.
Temporary Ampelmann traffic lights have even appeared in cities like Tokyo, Copenhagen, and Sydney for special events.
The entire brand was founded in 1999 and is now available online at ampelmann.de.
Why it’s worth searching for
Ampelmann is one of those details that reveal the authentic side of Berlin — a city made of history, design, and small everyday revolutions. He’s proof that even a traffic light can become culture, icon, and urban poetry.
If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, take the time to find him, snap a photo, and maybe even bring him home as a souvenir. It’s a small gesture that’ll make you feel part of the city.