Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)
Located next to Lustgarten on Museum Island, The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom in German) is one of the most prominent landmarks in Berlin. The largest church in the city, it is an important Protestant church serving a congregation from Berlin and the surrounding community.
History
It is advantageous to know some history behind the iconic buildings we visit. The Berlin Cathedral has roots dating back to the 15th century when it comprised several buildings that were part of the Berlin City Palace.
Early in the nineteenth century, architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel changed the church into a neoclassical building. When Wilhelm II became emperor in 1888, he stood firm on creating a new church to better reflect the prestige of the monarchy.
It took three attempts at designing the new church for architect Julius Karl Raschdorf to satisfy the vision of Wilhelm II. He was looking for something comparable in grandeur to St Pauls Cathedral in London and St Peter’s in Rome. Construction of the new church took place between 1893 and 1905.
The Berlin Cathedral, like many buildings in Berlin, suffered heavy damage in the Second World War. Being in East Berlin after the war, some restoration work did take place starting in 1975, but a full restoration did not begin until the fall of the Berlin Wall. The restoration was substantially completed 1993, but the mosaics in the dome where not finished until 2002.
Architecture and Features
The Berlin Cathedral is recognized by its massive Dome topped with a lantern and gold cross. The top of the Dome is nearly 100 metres in height. Four towers, one on each corner, are topped with smaller domes.
The architecture is influenced by neo-renaissance and baroque styles.
You will find magnificent baroque ceilings here and from there you enter the splendid nave. The arches and ceilings are beautifully wrought and medieval in their design. Four towers surround the nave, and it is filled with sculptures that are mostly stylized in forms of animals and birds.
The Hohenzollern Crypt, beneath the cathedral, is the most important dynastic burial site in Germany.
Inside the cathedral, a museum features drawings and models illustrating its history. Walk in models give a sense of the church’s interior.
The cathedral's massive pipe organ is over a hundred years old. It has an incredible 7269 pipes.
For a splendid view and up-close look at the exterior you can climb 270 stairs to reach the outer walkway of the Dome. For many, this is the highlight of their visit.
Visiting the Berlin Cathedral
Visitors can enjoy seeing the outside of the Berlin Cathedral at any time. You can see the interior without charge by joining in on any of the scheduled worship services.
Outside those times, there’s an entrance fee that includes a guided tour. These tours run every 20 minutes when worship service or other events are not occurring.
Another way to experience the interior of the cathedral is to attend one of over a hundred concerts and events that take place every year. You can visit the official website to learn more about these events and when they are taking place.
Facts For Your Visit
Berlin Cathedral Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Address: Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Phone: 030 20269136
Official Website: Berlin Cathedral
Berlin Cathedral Reviews
Rated out of 5
We went on a very warm and sunny day.
You have to leave backpacks in a locker (you need 1 euro coins which you get back when you return). We managed to get the last open locker as it was a busy day.
Going into the cathedral you are met with a quiet and serene space with some fantastic murals and carvings on the huge dome.
We spent 15-20 minutes just gazing around and admiring the huge organ (they have specific times when it's played but not when we had visited).
You can then climb up 267 steps which starts very normal and wide and then later becomes narrow and winding metal stairs. There are places to stop and catch your breath but there are warnings everywhere that you have to commit once you start and it's not a trivial climb.
Once up top you have fantastic views across the entire city and can walk around the entire dome admiring the 360 views. There was enough space to stop, admire the views and take plenty of pictures. As it was a very warm day, the side away from the sun was cooler and hence more busy.
Once you have taken in the views you walk back down a different set of stairs (another 250+ steps) to a cafe area.
Don't forget to go around the corner and fetch your bags.
Overall a great place to learn the history, spend time in quiet contemplations and then get a workout for both your feet and your eyes.
Highly recommend the 10 euro or so entrance fee (we bought online).
The local area there is full of museums and other sights not to be missed.
Ganesh Swaminathan - a month ago
Definitely a place to visit. Wonderful architecture, stunning murals and religious furniture.
Not forgetting the 228 steps to the top of the Dome and panoramic views of Berlin
There's also a lovely cafe to end your visit
€10 entry fee or €7 with a City Pass.
Stephen King - 2 months ago
Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is stunning from the outside. We were there on Friday, 22 August 2025. We didn’t go inside; we just took a photo of the exterior. The building is amazing and very pretty—the grand facade and the copper dome look fantastic in photos. It’s worth a quick stop if you’re in the Museum Island area.
The Twinkle - a month ago
Stunning architecture, rich history, and an unforgettable experience! The interior is breathtaking with its grand dome and intricate details. Don’t miss the climb to the top it's about 283 steps, but the panoramic view of Berlin is absolutely worth it. You can see the TV Tower, Museum Island, and the Spree River from above. One of the highlights of my Berlin trip!
Nelson de Leon - 2 months ago
Stunning cathedral with incredible architecture and rich history. The interior is beautifully detailed, with grand altars, mosaics, and a massive organ. The highlight is definitely the climb to the dome—about 270 steps, but absolutely worth it for the breathtaking 360° panoramic view of Berlin. You can see the TV Tower, Reichstag, and the Spree River from the top. Great spot for photos and a unique perspective of the city. Definitely visit on a clear day for the best experience. One of the top landmarks in Berlin—both spiritually moving and visually unforgettable. Highly recommended!
Mahesh Kara - 3 months ago
Directions
How to get to Berlin Cathedral by U-Bahn, S-Bahn or MetroTram
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn or MetroTram Line(s): S5, S7, S75, U2, U5, U8, M2, M4 ,M5, M6
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn or MetroTram Station(s): Alexanderplatz
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Photo Credit: @bastique - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: @bastique - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: @bastique - cc license via Flickr
