Charlottenburg Palace
Charlottenburg Palace was built in the late 1600s as a vacation home for Sophie Charlotte, wife of Friedrich III an Elector of Brandenburg. The structure of the building has a rich baroque style. It was formally named Lietzenburg. When 36 year old Sophie Charlotte died unexpectedly in 1705, from pneumonia. Her husband renamed Lietzenburg to Charlottenburg in her honour.
Over the years generations of royals whom inherited the castle expanded and renovated it to their tastes and styles. These renovations represent the eras they lived, giving the beautiful palace unique styles throughout all the rooms.
Missing from the original structure is the Amber Room which Frederick William gave to Peter the Great: Tsar of Russia in 1716 as a symbolic seal of Prussia’s alliance with Russia. The room had a baroque style that shone beautifully with golden tones of amber. Precious stones, mirrors and golden leaf panels embellished its walls. Some labelled this room the eighth wonder of the world. Sadly, during the end of the second world war it was dismantled and hidden for safe keeping never found again.
Significant restorations were done to the palace after World War ll greatly damaged it.
Today Charlottenburg Palace is the largest castle in Berlin and the only remaining royal residence in the city that dates back to the Holenzollern family. Portraits of the Holenzollern family are exhibited on an oak panel wall in the Oak Gallery.
An equestrian statue of Friedrich Wilahelm l was saved during the War by hiding it in storage at the bottom of lake Tegeler. This magnificent statue now stands centered of the courtyard at the front of the palace. At the bottom of the statue are four chained warriors symbolizing the four temperaments describing personalities: sanguine, choleric, phlegmatic and melancholic.
This exquisite palace, with its beautiful formal gardens and surrounding woods, is a renowned tourist attraction creating a lovely oasis in the city. For an admission fee visitors may enter and browse through sections of the Palace. There’s plenty of beautiful rooms to view such as the famous porcelain cabinet room located in the original section. This alluring room is adorned with many fascinating, and exquisite porcelain ornaments that show off their authentic influence from the Orient. The crown jewels, rare royal silver from the Hohenzollern family collection, the famous snuffboxes from Frederick the Great and porcelain dinnerware full of rich colours and form are exceptionally displayed.
The oldest section of the palace features a baroque style. Enjoy gazing upon the rooms of Queen Sophie Charlotte and Frederick l.
The new wing located on the east side of the Palace is designed in a rococo fashion. Here you will find the luxurious chambers of Frederick the Great as well as Friedrich Wilhelm II’s more modest winter lodgings. These rooms have been restored and displayed for everyone to enjoy with admirable French furnishings and artwork that belonged to the monarch.
The west side of the palace accommodates two rococo style grandiose ballrooms. The White Hall with its renowned acoustics was once used as a royal dining room and the Golden Gallery, a 42 metre long opulent ballroom, lavishly decorated with mirrors, marble and gilded ornaments. This royal ballroom displays a grand show of French paintings from Frederick’s private collection from the turn of the century as well as additions from other royals with marble sculptures from the area of the nineteenth century.
This wing also contains the impressive orangery built with a baroque style, once used to store rare citrus trees through the winter. In the summer around 500 orange, lemon and sour orange trees adorn the premises creating refreshing fragrants and scenic atmosphere for royal festivities. A large vestibule and dome tower; crowned by a gilded statue weather vane; representing fortune and luck were added later. Today these illuminated grandiose ballrooms are frequently used for concerts, weddings, banquets or art events. The palace former theatre; now a museum, is an extension to this wing leading out to the famous formal gardens. When strolling along these spectacular grounds you will come across structures such as the 1810 neoclassical Mausoleum of Queen Louise, the New Pavilion; this classical style pavilion displays furniture, sculptures and artwork conjuring up the style and era of the 1800’s, front of it are two pillars topped with statues that symbolize victory as well as the Belvedere. This structure’s exterior is that of a tiny castle. It was built in the late 18th century, originally as a teahouse for the royals. Today the belvedere houses famous collections of royal Porcelain.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: You can visit the grounds and gardens for free. Some interior portions are subject to an admission fee.Charlottenburg Palace Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Address: Spandauer Damm 10-22, 14059 Berlin, Germany
Phone: 030 320910
Official Website: Charlottenburg Palace
Charlottenburg Palace Reviews
Rated out of 5
Visited Charlottenburg Palace in May with my family, and it was an extraordinary journey into Prussia's royal heritage. The palace's magnificent architecture and lavish interiors transport visitors back to the elegance of the Neoclassical era.
Every room is adorned with intricate Baroque-style wall coverings, dazzling crystal chandeliers, magnificent portraits, and priceless works of art, each reflecting remarkable craftsmanship and centuries of history. The beautifully preserved state rooms and galleries create a seamless and deeply immersive experience, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the culture, grandeur, and artistic legacy of this remarkable palace. A must-visit landmark for anyone wishing to experience Berlin's royal past in all its splendor.
Mustafa Sutarwala - 3 months ago
The palace is stunning, with impressive architecture. The surrounding gardens are peaceful and perfect for a relaxing walk. The atmosphere is calm, and the entire area is very well maintained. Whether you’re interested in history or simply want to enjoy a beautiful setting, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Aida - 3 months ago
We had a lovely experience visiting here, especially as a refreshing escape from the summer heat in Berlin! The interior felt pleasantly balanced—not overly crowded or cluttered with displays. The palace features gorgeous rooms filled with fine antique paintings, period furniture, and exquisite jewelry. Out back, you'll find expansive gardens that connect directly to a massive, peaceful park—perfect for a relaxing walk.
Pasan Sensouk - 2 months ago
The Old Palace is magnificent and well worth the €12 entry fee. The chapel and the ceremonial rooms are stunning and highly impressive.
We met very friendly staff throughout our visit, especially an older man at the garderobr who made us feel very welcome.
The only negative point was that audio guides were unavailable, making it a bit harder to follow the history of the castle. Overall, it was a great experience, and the free gardens outside are perfect for a stroll afterwards!
Oana Bianca Jelnean - 4 months ago
It was an eye opening experience, lots of well preserved elements. Easy access to the place via public transport. The place also offers different ticket options - depending on which section of the palace you wish to explore. The front area is currently under construction and accessibility may be confusing.
Addy X - 3 months ago
Directions
How to get to Charlottenburg Palace by U-Bahn, S-Bahn
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn Line(s): U7, S41, S42, S46
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn Station(s): Berlin Westend, Richard-Wagner-Platz
From Westend Station head east on Spandauer Damm.
From Richard-Wagner-Platz head northwest on Otto-Suhr-Allee the slight left onto Sammlung Scarf-Gerstenberg.
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Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr
