1. FC Union Berlin Tickets & Matchday Guide
Stadion An der Alten Försterei • Berlin2025/26 Season
How to Buy 1. FC Union Berlin Tickets
We cover every path into the stadium: official club channels, officially authorized hospitality partners, and vetted resellers. Each evaluated honestly with realistic expectations so you know exactly what to expect.
Official 1. FC Union Berlin Tickets
Union Berlin has over 70,000 registered members - more than three times the stadium's capacity of around 22,000. Membership is required to enter the official ticket lottery and to use the Zweitmarkt (club secondary market). For international visitors, the Zweitmarkt is typically the most accessible route to a ticket.
Quick reality check for visitors:
- • Big matches (Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Hertha BSC): Lottery places go almost entirely to members with long history. Visitors should target hospitality or secondary market for these fixtures
- • Mid-table Bundesliga: Lottery still competitive given the member-to-seat ratio, but Zweitmarkt usually has availability closer to match day
- • DFB-Pokal (cup) and Europa League: Better lottery odds. Good targets for first-time visitors planning ahead
- • Zweitmarkt opens approximately a week before each match and is the most practical official route for visitors who are already members
Union Berlin's membership and lottery system:
- • Paid annual club membership is required to enter the ticket lottery and access the Zweitmarkt. Membership can be taken out via fc-union-berlin.de
- • Season ticket holders have priority for all home league matches. Remaining tickets go into a lottery, with results announced around two weeks before the match
- • Each membership gives access to apply for one ticket - groups need multiple memberships
- • The member-to-seat ratio is extremely high, making lottery success uncertain even for established members on popular fixtures
How the lottery and Zweitmarkt work:
- • Lottery applications open around two weeks before each match via the official ticketing platform at tickets.union-zeughaus.de
- • Results are typically announced within a few days. If unsuccessful, check the Zweitmarkt when it opens approximately a week before the match
- • The Zweitmarkt allows season ticket holders who cannot attend to list their personal tickets for sale at face value (plus a 15% fee) to other members
- • Tickets purchased on the Zweitmarkt cannot be relisted - they are tied to the buyer
Personalized tickets - important for visitors:
- • All Union Berlin tickets are name-personalized and tied to the purchaser's ID. Carry the same ID you used to buy the ticket to the match
- • Resale outside official club channels risks entry denial - the club actively warns against using unauthorized platforms
- • The club prohibits selling tickets on platforms such as viagogo and StubHub. Buyers using those platforms risk being turned away at the turnstile
What's realistically accessible without prior membership:
- • Official channels require active membership - you cannot enter the lottery or Zweitmarkt without it
- • For first-time visitors, hospitality packages (see below) offer the most reliable guaranteed entry for any fixture
- • Secondary market platforms (see Marketplaces section) carry risk due to personalization rules, but are widely used by international visitors
- • Consider joining as a member if you plan to visit regularly - the small annual fee is the only path into the official system
Ticket Strategy for Visitors
- The Zweitmarkt is the best official option for visitors - it opens around a week before match day and is refreshed whenever a season ticket holder lists their seat
- Check the Zweitmarkt multiple times in the week before the match, as availability fluctuates as season ticket holders list and withdraw seats
- DFB-Pokal and UEFA Europa League group stage matches typically offer better lottery odds than Bundesliga - plan around these if flexibility allows
1. FC Union Berlin Official Hospitality & Packages
Union Berlin offers VIP and hospitality packages at the Alte Försterei directly via the club, with options ranging from individual VIP day tickets to private lodge rental. P1 Travel (now part of Seat Unique) is an established hospitality and ticket partner operating across Bundesliga clubs. For sold-out matches, hospitality is the most reliable route to a seat.
Official Union Berlin Hospitality
Direct From ClubUnion Berlin offers VIP day tickets, executive boxes (Logen), and dedicated lounge access at the Alte Försterei. Hospitality areas include the Forsthausloge, which combines a rustic hunting-lodge aesthetic with modern facilities. Packages include premium seating, catering, and private lounge access. Contact the club directly for availability and current packages.
View VIP Packages →P1 Travel
Official PartnerHospitality and ticket packages for Union Berlin home fixtures in the Bundesliga and cup competitions. P1 Travel (now part of the Seat Unique group) offers packages including premium seats and hospitality access. Provides a reliable route to entry for high-demand fixtures where standard tickets are not available.
Browse Packages →When to Choose Hospitality
- For the biggest Bundesliga fixtures (Bayern Munich, Dortmund), hospitality is often the only realistic option for visitors without established membership history
- The club's lodge and lounge packages suit groups and corporate visitors who want guaranteed entry with premium service
- Book well ahead of popular fixtures - Union's small stadium means hospitality inventory is limited compared to larger Bundesliga clubs
1. FC Union Berlin Ticket Marketplaces
Secondary market platforms with availability for sold-out fixtures. Given the tight member-to-seat ratio at Union Berlin, these platforms are widely used by international visitors - but the personalization risk is real and should be understood before buying.
Ticket resale platforms operate independently of 1. FC Union Berlin and Matchday Guide. Clubs reserve the right to refuse entry for unauthorized tickets. All purchases are at your own risk. We recommend choosing vendors with buyer protection and checking ratings on Trustpilot.
LiveFootballTickets.com
150% Refund PolicySpecialized football platform with 150% money-back guarantee and transparent pricing focused on European matches.
Browse Tickets →HelloTickets
Curated network of vetted professional sellers with multilingual support and refund protection if events are canceled or tickets do not arrive on time.
Browse Tickets →Eventim Fansale
Germany's main ticket exchange platform integrated with Eventim. Prices are capped at or below face value, making it the safest secondary option when inventory is available.
Browse Tickets →Marketplace Safety Tips
- Union Berlin tickets are name-personalized. If buying via secondary platforms, understand that ID may be checked against the ticket at entry - this is the core risk of secondary market purchases here
- Eventim Fansale caps prices at face value and is the safest secondary option when tickets are listed
- Compare prices across platforms before buying - premiums on popular fixtures can vary significantly
- For peace of mind on important trips, hospitality packages offer guaranteed entry without the personalization risk
Your Matchday at Stadion An der Alten Försterei
Hotels near the ground, the best transport routes on matchday, pre-match pubs the locals go to, and how to book a stadium tour.
Where to Stay for Union Berlin Matches
The Alte Försterei is in Köpenick (southeast Berlin), around 30 minutes from Alexanderplatz by S-Bahn. Köpenick has its own small hotel scene near the castle and old town. For a wider range, staying in central Berlin (Mitte or near Alexanderplatz) gives better restaurant and nightlife options while still keeping the stadium accessible via the S3 line.
Browse All Nearby Hotels
Interactive map showing available hotels near Stadion An der Alten Försterei with live prices.
Notable Hotels
Unique to Berlin
NYX Hotel Berlin Köpenick by Leonardo Hotels
2.1 km from Alte Försterei, 10-minute walk or short tram ride
The only 4-star design hotel in Köpenick, positioned directly on the Dahme river facing Köpenick Castle - a setting no other hotel in the district can claim.
Vibe: Design-led / Riverside | Rating: 8.7 | Matchday: Closest hotel to the Alte Försterei in the area. A short walk or tram ride to the stadium. The riverside location near Köpenick's old town makes it the most characterful base for staying local to the ground.
View Hotel →Classik Hotel Alexander Plaza
Near Hackescher Markt S-Bahn, 30-35 minutes to stadium via S3
A 4-star boutique hotel inside a converted 1900 factory building in Berlin Mitte, 100 metres from Hackescher Markt - one of the most atmospheric corners of central Berlin.
Vibe: Boutique / Historic conversion | Rating: 8.7 | Matchday: Excellent base for a Berlin city break built around the match. Hackescher Markt is on the S3 line, which runs direct to Köpenick without changing. The surrounding area has a high concentration of bars and restaurants for pre-match and post-match evenings.
View Hotel →Mid-Range and Luxury Ladder
Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz S-Bahn, 30 minutes to stadium via S3
Reliable 4-star chain hotel on Alexanderplatz with 37 floors - a straightforward, well-reviewed base with panoramic city views and direct S3 access to the stadium.
Vibe: Mid-range | Rating: 8.0+ | Matchday: Alexanderplatz is on the S3 line, making the trip to Köpenick a straight one-train journey. Plenty of restaurants and bars nearby for the evening. Good central base at consistent chain standards.
View Hotel →Radisson Collection Hotel, Berlin
Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse, near Alexanderplatz, 30 minutes to stadium via S3
A 5-star hotel on the banks of the Spree with an atrium lobby, indoor pool, and spa - the premium tier option in central Berlin with the same direct S3 access to the stadium.
Vibe: Luxury | Rating: 8.5+ | Matchday: The splurge option in central Berlin. Spa and pool provide a contrast to the standing-terrace atmosphere of the Alte Försterei. S-Bahn access to Köpenick is straightforward from the nearby Hackescher Markt or Alexanderplatz stations.
View Hotel →Berlin Hotel Strategy for Union Matches
- Staying in Köpenick puts you closest to the stadium but limits your evening options - the district is quiet and low-key after matches
- Central Berlin (Mitte, Alexanderplatz, Hackescher Markt) is the better base for a city-break built around the match - the S3 line runs direct to Köpenick in around 30 minutes
- Book well in advance for fixtures against Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, or when Union are hosting European games
Getting to the Alte Försterei
The Alte Försterei is in Köpenick, southeast Berlin, around 30 minutes from the city centre. Two transport options work well for matchdays: the S3 S-Bahn to Köpenick station (15-minute walk to the stadium), or tram lines 60/67 to the dedicated Alte Försterei stop, which is about 3 minutes' walk from the gates.
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S-Bahn S3
RecommendedBVG S-Bahn
• S Köpenick
15-minute walk to stadium gates | S3 | S3 runs from Erkner in the east through Ostkreuz, Ostbahnhof, Hackescher Markt, and Alexanderplatz to the west. From central Berlin, take S3 direction Erkner and get off at S Köpenick. From the station, turn left out of the main exit, cross the road, and follow Hammerlingstrasse (along the railway embankment) for around 10-15 minutes until the forest path leads to the stadium.
Journey time: Around 30 minutes from Alexanderplatz or Hackescher Markt to S Köpenick.
Frequency: Every 10 minutes on most services. Frequency increases on matchdays.
Cost: Standard BVG single ticket covering zones AB (check bvg.de for current fares). A BVG day ticket covers all S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and tram trips.
Tips:
- S3 runs direct from central Berlin (Ostbahnhof, Hackescher Markt, Alexanderplatz) to Köpenick without changing trains
- Trains get crowded approaching kickoff. Aim to arrive at Köpenick at least 30 minutes before the match
- After the match, the walk to S Köpenick takes around 15 minutes. Trains fill quickly in the first 10-15 minutes after the final whistle - waiting a few minutes at the platform helps
Tram 60 / 67
Direct to Stadium StopBVG Tram
• Alte Försterei (Tram Stop)
3-minute walk to stadium gates | 60, 67 | Trams 60 and 67 both stop at the dedicated Alte Försterei tram stop, which is around 200 metres from the stadium gates. This is the closest public transport option. Board trams 60 or 67 at S Schöneweide (S-Bahn S9/S45/S46 from Berlin Hauptbahnhof, BER Airport, and south Berlin) or at other stops along the route. From S Schöneweide, the tram journey to Alte Försterei takes around 15 minutes.
Journey time: Around 15 minutes from S Schöneweide to Alte Försterei tram stop.
Frequency: Regular service. BVG runs additional tram capacity on matchdays.
Cost: Covered by standard BVG ticket (zones AB). Day ticket valid across all BVG services.
Tips:
- Trams 60 and 67 serve the Alte Försterei stop directly - the shortest walk of any public transport option
- From BER Airport, take S9 or S45 to S Schöneweide and transfer to tram 60 or 67
- After the match, trams fill up quickly. Waiting 5 minutes before boarding or walking to the next stop helps
Pre-Match Pubs and Bars
Pre-match drinking for Union fans centres on Köpenick, the S-Bahn neighbourhood surrounding the stadium. The three main fan pubs are within 10-15 minutes' walk of S Köpenick station and the Alte Försterei. Note that Union Tanke (Am Bahndamm 31), a popular open-air fan meeting point for many years, closed permanently at the end of 2024 and has since been demolished.
Abseitsfalle Fankneipe
Right at the stadium perimeter on Hammerlingstrasse, 3-minute walk to turnstiles
Atmosphere: Traditional fan pub, dedicated Union bar, TV screens, memorabilia
The closest dedicated Union fan pub to the stadium, with framed Union shirts on the walls, live football on multiple screens, and a genuine supporter-bar atmosphere. Opens for matchdays and away games. Open Tuesday-Thursday evenings and on matchdays - check ahead on non-standard fixture dates.
Entry notes: Home fans. Away supporters should be aware this is strongly Union-aligned territory.
Tusches Kick & Rush
Am Generalshof 3-5, midway between Köpenick old town and the stadium - around 8-10 minutes' walk from S Köpenick station
Atmosphere: Football sports bar, Union-themed, large back room with screens
Part-owned by former Union Berlin club legend Torsten Mattuschka ('Tusche'). The bar is full of Union and general football memorabilia including a large selection of framed shirts. Small front area opens into a big back room with long tables and large screens. A natural stop on the walk from S Köpenick toward the stadium.
Entry notes: Open to all. Strongly Union-affiliated. Multiple screens showing all major football.
Bierstübchen Hauptmann von Köpenick
Opposite S Köpenick station, around 10-minute walk to the stadium
Atmosphere: Traditional corner bar, matchday atmosphere, local regulars
A classic Köpenick corner bar whose back room is covered in decades of match posters from Union fixtures. Located directly opposite the S-Bahn station exit, making it an easy first stop on arrival. Popular with local Union supporters and a good option for those arriving by train who want a pre-match drink before walking to the ground.
Entry notes: Open to all. Home fan territory. Fills up early on matchdays.
Pre-Match Strategy
- Arrive in Köpenick 90 minutes before kickoff if you want a seat at Hauptmann von Köpenick or Abseitsfalle - both fill up quickly on the approach to matchday
- Tusches Kick and Rush (Am Generalshof 3-5) is worth a stop on the way to the stadium - the back room seats a good crowd and fills but rarely reaches the crush of the closer fan pubs
- Bratwurst and beer are available from stalls outside the stadium in the final 45 minutes before kickoff - a good option if the pubs are too crowded
Matchday Traditions and Atmosphere
Pre-Match Build-Up
The walk from Köpenick S-Bahn station to the Alte Försterei takes around 15 minutes through a residential area bordering Wuhlheide forest. Supporters fill the bars around the station and along the route, and bratwurst grills fire up outside the stadium well before kickoff. The stadium sits in a forest clearing in southeast Berlin, and arriving on foot gives a sense of how removed from the city centre the Alte Försterei feels. Note that construction work on a new training centre and parking structure near the stadium has been underway since summer 2025 - allow a few extra minutes on the approach as some sections of Hammerlingstrasse are affected. The Abseitsfalle fan pub is right at the outer edge of the stadium complex on Hammerlingstrasse, and fills quickly on matchdays.
Inside the Alte Försterei
The Waldseite (forest side) terrace, behind one goal, is the loudest end. The ultras groups Wuhlesyndikat and HammerHearts are based in Sektor 2 on the Waldseite and lead the chants from kick-off. Before the teams enter the pitch, the opening of Rammstein's self-titled track plays over the PA - this is the cue for the whole ground to hold scarves aloft. When the Rammstein intro gives way to Nina Hagen's voice, the stadium sings the club anthem 'Eisern Union' in full. The chant then bounces call-and-response between the Waldseite and the Gegengerade (the opposite terrace) before both sides applaud in unison. The entire stadium is predominantly standing, with just 3,617 seats in the Haupttribune (main stand) out of around 22,000 total capacity. In 2008-09, more than 2,300 volunteers contributed 140,000 hours of work to rebuild the crumbling stadium - a column of iron girders bearing every volunteer's name stands in the beer garden on the south side of the ground.
Post-Match
After the final whistle, most supporters head back along Hammerlingstrasse to the S-Bahn at Köpenick or take tram 60 or 67 from the Alte Försterei stop. The bars around Köpenick station remain lively for an hour or two after home wins. The tram fills up quickly - waiting a few minutes at the stop before boarding helps avoid the initial crush.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive at least 45 minutes before kickoff. The Alte Försterei is in a compact forest setting and the approach paths narrow near the gates
- The Waldseite is standing only and produces the loudest atmosphere - the Haupttribune is the seated option if you prefer a seat
- Beer is sold inside the stadium, which is standard at Bundesliga grounds. There are also grill stalls serving bratwurst and other food outside the stadium before matches
Alte Försterei Stadium Tour
Official stadium tours at the Alte Försterei give visitors behind-the-scenes access to one of the most distinctive grounds in European football. Tours include the players' tunnel, dressing rooms, and the memorial column bearing the names of the 2,333 volunteers who rebuilt the stadium in 2008-09.
Duration
Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
Schedule
Tours run on selected dates throughout the season, on a public booking calendar. No tours on match day or the day before home fixtures. Group tours can be arranged by email to touren@altefoersterei.berlin.
What you'll see
Official Tour
Book direct through the club for the full experience and member discounts. Book well in advance — sells out fast in peak season.
Book Stadium Tour →Local Expert Stadium Tours
Tour the stadium with a local expert guide — small groups, flexible times, and often available when the official tour sells out.
Find expert stadium tours →Berlin Experiences for Football Fans
Unique Berlin Experiences
You're already making the trip — make the most of every hour around the match.