Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)

Berlinliner Dom
Berlinliner 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: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM

Address: Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Phone: 030 20269136

Official Website: Berlin Cathedral

Berlin Cathedral Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Nice cathedral with fabulous views over Berlin if you dare the walk to the dome. It's a lot of steps, but well worth the effort. Has a cafe which seemed well stocked and the normal shop selling bits, bobs and CD's. We went summer on a hot day, so had no issues getting in or to the top. Dome walk in included in the €10 entrance fee, which is nice. Recommended 👍
Tom Ward - a week ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating Didn't visit inside, but even outside it is beautiful and monumental. Definitely will go inside next time and go up to the viewing platform. If you have free time, you can enjoy laying on the grass or sitting on the benches across the cathedral, great view.
Elīna - a month ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating Beautiful cathedral that is an easy visit. It is beautiful outside and inside and it is not too large so easy and pleasant tour. They also have services if one opts to join. There are about 270 steps to climb up to the top and the view was magnificent. The climbing up was also not too difficult compare to many other cathedrals because the lower stairs are wide and there are sections to take breaths if needed.
Elise L - a month ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating Located perfectly in an area with many other sights of Berlin, this cathedral should also be put on your must-see in the city. It is beautiful inside as well as a viewing area after a climb up a staircase (a bit of a climb). The views are not better than the tower bit still are very nice for the area. Stop by the audio kiosks to hear about the history of church and religion - very well done. Thanks.
Troy Chiasson - 2 months ago

Show More
Show Less

4 Star Rating Our visit to the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) was a memorable and enriching experience, deserving of a solid four stars. The cathedral stands majestically on Museum Island, showcasing stunning baroque architecture that captivates from the moment you approach. Its impressive dome, often considered one of the largest in Germany, provides a stunning backdrop to the surrounding landscape, making it a sight to behold. However, I must admit that the €10 entrance fee to the cathedral felt somewhat unwarranted, especially when compared to other iconic religious sites like the Vatican, where entry is free. While I understand that maintenance and preservation of such historic structures require funding, it still feels a bit disheartening to pay for access to a place of worship. Despite my initial reservations about the entry fee, once inside, we were truly enchanted by the cathedral's grandeur. The interior is breathtaking, adorned with intricate mosaics, beautiful stained glass windows, and remarkable sculptures that highlight its historical significance. The chance to explore the crypt, where numerous Prussian kings and notable figures are buried, added a fascinating layer to our visit. We also climbed to the dome’s observation deck, which offers stunning panoramic views of Berlin and is absolutely worth the effort. Standing atop the dome, you can truly appreciate the city's blend of history and modernity. In conclusion, while the entry fee remains a point of contention, our visit to the Berlin Cathedral was still an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. The architectural beauty, rich history, and captivating views make it a must-see when in Berlin. Just be prepared to consult your budget before entering!
Joshua Veres - 4 weeks ago

Show More
Show Less

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

Map & Instant Route Finder

Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.

Finding Your Route - Please Wait

Accommodations near Berlin Cathedral:

Photo Gallery

Video

Please provide consent and/or disable ad blocker to view the video.


Berlin Hotel Deals


Book Now, Pay Later
Price Matching
2,563,000+ Properties Worldwide
24/7 Support
booking.com logo
Booking.com sale banner link

Visiting Berlin?
Here's why we use Booking.com for our hotel bookings.
Best Selection
Daily Deals
Price Matching
Pay at the Hotel
24/7 Support
Share on Pinterest
Share on Pinterest
Help us grow! Please Share
Thanks for Visiting!