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Thursday, 25 May 2006, 15:46 GMT 16:46 UK

In pictures: Berlin's new station

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As Germany prepares for the football World Cup, the wraps come off a new landmark - Berlin's central railway station.

Berlin Hauptbahnhof

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The five-storey steel and glass structure has taken more than eight years and millions of euros to complete.

Berlin Hauptbahnhof

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Featuring vast glass panels it is Europe's largest station and will handle more than 1,100 trains a day.

Berlin Hauptbahnhof

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The station has 54 escalators and 34 lifts - some offering views over the city, looking out at the Bundestag.

Berlin Hauptbahnhof

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It is located next to the River Spree, a few metres west of the no-man's-land where the Berlin Wall once stood.

Berlin Hauptbahnhof

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Deutsche Bahn chief executive Hartmut Mehdorn has described it as "the most beautiful station in the world".

Berlin Hauptbahnhof

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Chancellor Angela Merkel is to arrive on the first high-speed train to pull in at the station - the express from Leipzig on Friday.

Berlin Hauptbahnhof

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A sound and light show will crown a weekend of celebrations to mark the opening.

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