Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)
Am Lustgarten, Berlin, DEU
The imposing Berlin Cathedral dominates the eastern end of Unter den Linden and Museum Island. With its three copper-roofed domes and richly decorated interior with gilded decorations, Berliner Dom (as it’s called in German) is one of the few landmark buildings in the area that was not destroyed in World War II.
Berlin Cathedral was finished in 1905, although there has been a church on this site since the 1500s. At the time of construction, the neo-Renaissance structure was considered the Protestant equivalent to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, and was the parish church of the Prussian royal family—some of whom are interred in the Hohenzollern crypt under the church. The interior is highly decorative, with carved walls, gilt edges, and large-scale paintings; one of the cathedral’s most famous works is the marble and onyx altar by Friedrich August Stüler. Many visitors come to marvel at the enormous domed ceiling, which you can climb for panoramic views of the area. There is also an on-site museum that details the church’s construction.
Many guided bus and walking tours of the city visit the cathedral, sightseeing cruises pass by its facade, and hop-on hop-off tours stop here. Entry is via paid ticket, which is covered by a Berlin Pass. Self-guided audio tours are available, and 20-minute guided tours are included with the entry fee; special organ tours and demonstrations are for an additional fee.
The Berlin Cathedral is a must-visit for religious architecture enthusiasts and first-time visitors to the city.
Look for the American-made elevator, installed at the wish of Kaiser Wilhelm II when the cathedral was built.
The church is accessible for wheelchair users.
Berlin Cathedral is located on Museum Island in the Mitte district. The nearest S-Bahn station is Hackescher Markt.
The cathedral is open daily for visits and guided tours. Visitors are not permitted to enter during church services unless they are attending the service.
A stroll along the tree-lined Unter den Linden is a must for first-time visitors to Berlin. The shady boulevard draws locals and travelers alike to its cafés and restaurants, and in the evening the illuminated trees create a romantic atmosphere. Many of the city’s top attractions and monuments, including the State Opera House and German Historical Museum, are found here.
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