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, Germany
Phone: 030 3549440
Official Website: Zitadelle
Zitadelle Reviews
Rated out of 5
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 - 2 months ago
Very nice citadel. Visiting it with the snow (early January) makes it even more magical.
There are several buildings to see, and they all have some interesting pieces of history to tell. It’s advisable to have a guide (the audio guide suffices).
While there, it’s worth visiting Spandau too.
Yulai Danieli - 2 weeks ago
The tower is the main attraction of this place, in my opinion. The historical museum area nearest the tower is interesting as well and has some good information about the site and some artifacts to look at. There are other parts of the site you can visit -- eg, an art museum/exhibit, and also other parts of the site where you can see its old structures and architecture. It's not exactly "exciting", but it has some historical value and the entrance fee is low enough that it is of decent value despite its lack of "fireworks".
The climb to the tower is something kids can do (toddlers might get tired of the climb), and the view of the town from the top is a great reward. There is a viewing-scope (telescope) at the top that I think you can use a coin to use. It was a great experience for me to walk around the inside of the tower and imagine how it must have been to be an ancient person using the tower in a similar way long ago in the past. What fun!
Sophia Alethes (Alethes Sophia) - 4 months ago
Amazing experience, we spent a few hours exploring and did not see all of it. So worth the trip!
Jens Peill - 3 months ago
Great historical place in Spandau with amazing differnet exhibitions and events happening during the year including Xmas markets. The tower gives an amazing view and the courtyard exhibitions are great for history lovers.
Sam - 2 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.
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Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: Magdeburg - cc license via Flickr -
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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
