Guide to Visiting Berlin Cathedral
Author: Janice Vazquez | Last updated: January 24, 2025
The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom in German), situated on Museum Island, is the largest Protestant church in Berlin and a masterpiece of Baroque Revival architecture. Originally built in the 15th century, the cathedral has undergone several transformations over the centuries. Its current grandeur was realized between 1894 and 1905 under the reign of Emperor Wilhelm II, with architect Julius Carl Raschdorff at the helm. Dominating Berlin’s skyline, its striking dome remains an iconic feature of the city.
To ensure you get the most out of your visit, planning ahead is essential. This travel guide provides general information to get tickets, hours of operation, and things to see when visiting the Berlin Cathedral.
How to visit the Berlin Cathedral
The Berlin Cathedral is open every day as shown in the list below. However, visitation isn’t allowed during church services or events. Please note that the last admission is 45 minutes before the end of opening hours.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Sunday: Noon – 5:00pm
To enter the museum, you can purchase a ticket online through the official booking website (tickets are valid for one year). If you’re unable to purchase tickets online, tickets are available at the Ticket Office on the day of your visit.
| Ticket Type | Admission* |
|---|---|
| Regular | 10 euros |
| Students, Handicap (proof required) | 7.5 euros |
| Welcome Card | 7 euros |
| Family ticket (1 adult and up to 3 children under 18 years old) | 10 euros |
Family ticket reduced (1 adult with proof of discount and up to 3 children under 18 years old) | 7.5 euros |
Time Needed: 1.5 hours
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YuRPP9VrCzs7hUXa9
*Note: The ticket price includes short guided tours (usually on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at lunchtime), other guided tours such as group tours, organ tours and guided tours for the blind and visually impaired can be booked.
What to do at Berlin Cathedral
The Berlin Cathedral offers a mix of stunning architecture, rich history, and cultural. Here’s what you can do during your visit:
The Main Sanctuary
When you step inside the Berlin Cathedral, you’ll be captivated by its stunning Baroque Revival style, showcased through the lavish decoration, gilded details, and intricate artwork. At the heart of the sanctuary stands the exquisite marble and onyx altar, crafted in 1850. As you explore, don’t forget to look up to see the magnificent dome, adorned with mosaics of Biblical scenes and symbolic figures. Lastly, make sure to marvel at the large pipe organ, which features over 7,000 pipes!
Climb to the Dome
Climb 270 steps to the dome’s viewing platform for panoramic views of Berlin. From this vantage point, you can see iconic landmarks like the TV Tower, Brandenburg Gate, and the Spree River.
The Hohenzollern Crypt
The historic crypt is located in the basement of the cathedral. Nearly 100 members of the Hohenzollern dynasty (royal family that ruled in Europe for centuries) were buried there. The Hohenzollern dynasty members were buried in the cathedral because it was the royal court church and a symbol of their religious, political, and cultural significance in Prussia and later in the German Empire.
Enjoy Your Time in Berlin
Berlin offers an exciting mix of history, culture, and museums. I hope that you’ll find these tips to be useful when visiting the Berlin Cathedral. Don’t hesitate to drop a comment to let us know what you think.
Read our relevant posts to learn more about additional attractions to visit in Berlin.
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