Spandau Citadel
Take a long journey back in history with a visit to the Spandau Citadel, one of the best preserved renaissance fortresses remaining in Europe.
The history of the Citadel goes back to at least 1197, the earliest mention of Spandau Castle at the junction of the Havel and Spree rivers. In the early 13th century the Julius Tower was added to help defend the castle. Between 1559 and 1594 the four-bastioned fortress was built around the tower to defend the city of Berlin.
Zitadelle Spandau, as it is called in German, has lived through a number of conflicts over the centuries. In 1675 it was besieged by the Swedes. In 1813, seven years after being surrendered to the French under Napoleon, it was taken back by Prussian and Russian fighters, but not without considerable damage that had to be restored. Although it was used as a defense at the end of the Second World War, it escaped bombing because Soviet forces negotiated its surrender.
Visiting the Citadel is an immersive experience. Many visitors enjoy an entire day exploring the historic site.
We suggest starting with the museum as it will give you a strong point of reference for understanding and exploring the rest of the property.
If you are able, be sure to climb the 153 steps to the top of the Julius Tower for spectacular views of the fort, the river, the countryside and the city beyond. This activity is included in your admission and available during all opening hours.
Another fascinating thing to see at Spandauer Zitadelle are the bat vaults. Over 10,000 bats winter in the brick walls of the citadel every year making this one of the most important winter habitats for bats in all Europe. In early spring there are popular guided bat tours.
In more recent times, the Citadel has become a cultural and event center. Music festivals and concerts and other events are scheduled on a regular basis. Most music events are scheduled in the evenings, so they don't normally impede on the regular opening hours. Too see what's happening visit the events tab on the official website.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesZitadelle 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: 1:00 – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Am Juliusturm 64, 13599 Berlin-Bezirk Spandau, Germany
Phone: 030 3549440
Official Website: Zitadelle
Zitadelle Reviews
Rated out of 5
A really nice place - so many layers of history: the oldest parts of the fortress (the tower) is from the 14th century, and newesr from 19th century. The castle is very impressive and beautiful.
All kinds of museums and expositions, history, arts and crafts on the premises - and a cellar with live bats!
Easily accessible with U-bahn from Berlin, definitely worth a visit.
Henri Salmi (Henkka) - 2 months ago
Our favorite castle/fortress/citadel that we saw while visiting the Berlin area. So glad we found it and made the trip.
A lot of the areas are open to the public and they let you go and see what you are willing to do. Great history lesson included and the museum does a great job incorporating its uses throughout the eras of its inhabitants.
Aldo glad they’re using the space as an event center or for concerts, but also an art school and gallery. Also glad they have a coffee shop on site!
Adam Schroeder - 2 months ago
An awesome citadel where you can walk around and explore. You only need tickets to see the history of Spandau, so if you only want to go up the tower or around, it is free.
Parking:
Closest parking is free however, it seems like a sketchy area to be at, at night.
Sebastian Waldsee Laurila (Snowyloo) - 2 months ago
We visited the Zitadelle on a sunny weekend. We went to exhibition about Spandau, Spandau Prison(which is open until May), saw the old Statues and climed the Juliusturm.
Well worth a visit and was free on the day we visited. The guards in costume were a nice touch.
Jon Kernow - 4 months ago
I love a fort...
This is a great way to spend the afternoon learning about the oldest building in Berlin going back to 1230. Definitely get the audio tour for 2 euro as it's critical to knowing what is going on.
I wish they hadn't converted a lot of it into current uses - club/concert area and art studios but I get it too.
There are some nice art exhibits in the old barracks but it would been cooler to see what the original barracks looked like.
Wild to think of the gas testing before/during WW2 and all of the history that came before it.
Dylan King - 8 months ago
Directions
How to get to Zitadelle by U-Bahn
Nearest U-Bahn Line(s): U7
Nearest U-Bahn Station(s): U Zitadelle
From Zitadelle Station on the U7 line it is only a 5 minute walk west on Am Juliusturm to the entrance.
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.
Accommodations near Zitadelle:
Photo Gallery
-
Photo Credit: Magdeburg - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Cederskjold Photo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rosmarie Voegtli - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: YouEs - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: YouEs - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: YouEs - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: YouEs - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: YouEs - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: YouEs - cc license via Flickr
