Berlin's Stunning Castles: A Tour of the City's Majestic Monuments
Castles of Berlin: A Royal Tour Through History
Hey there, here's a fun and informative guide to some of Berlin's most magnificent castles. This city might not have a Versailles or Neuschwanstein, but it's got plenty of majestic architecture and rich history that'll make you feel like a kings and queens.
Berlin's royal roots date back to 1701 when Elector Frederick III was crowned King Frederick I of Prussia in Königsberg, making Berlin the royal residence ever since. Even before that, in the days of the electors, many stunning buildings graced the city, some of which remain today.
Charlottenburg Palace
Our first stop is the Charlottenburg Palace. Originally built as a small garden and pleasure palace for Sophie Charlotte, wife of Elector Frederick III, it was later expanded into a grand representational seat modeled after Versailles. The palace has undergone numerous alterations and enhancements over time. Post-WWII devastation, the palace underwent a two-decade-long reconstruction, and today, it stands as a museum filled with authentically furnished rooms and halls, art collections, treasures from the Hohenzollern silver chamber, and more. After your museum visit, take a leisurely stroll through the grand palace garden.
- April - October: Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- November - March: Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Entrance Fee: €12, reduced €8
- Location: Spandauer Damm 10
Berlin Castle (Humboldt Forum)
Next on our list is the Berlin Castle, also known as the City Palace. Frederick II laid the foundation for a medieval fortress on the Spree Island in the 15th century. The castle became the symbol of the German Empire (1871-1918) before it was destroyed in WWII and later demolished. After German reunification, the castle was rebuilt based on its historical appearance, with three of the four facades and the dome. Today, it houses the Humboldt Forum, which showcases the Ethnological Museum Berlin, the Museum of Asian Art, parts of the previously housed collections of non-European art in Dahlem, and an exhibition on Berlin's history. Don't miss the chance to check out the rooftop terrace, offering a stunning view of the city's landmarks.
- Entrance Fee: Varies by exhibition
- Location: Schlossplatz, Mitte
Pfaueninsel Castle
Friedrich Wilhelm II had a small summer castle built on Pfaueninsel between 1794 and 1797 in the romantic ruin style of the time. The castle, intended to resemble a decaying Roman country house, was later restored and underwent a renovation period that ended in 2025, reopening it for visitors.
- April - October: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- November - March: Daily 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: €6, reduced €5
- Location: Pfaueninsel, Wannsee
Friedrichsfelde Castle
The Friedrichsfelde Castle was built in 1685 by Benjamin Raule, a Dutch marine director who received the land from Elector Frederick William of Brandenburg. The castle underwent multiple architectural changes over the years. After the founding of the zoo in 1955, the castle served as the director's building, animal accommodation, and clinic. From 1970 to 1981, it was extensively renovated and today shines in its old early-classical glory. Visitors can tour the castle, and classical concerts are also held in the festival hall.
- Location: Am Tierpark 41, Lichtenberg
Bellevue Castle
Prince August Ferdinand commissioned a castle in the northern part of the Tiergarten in 1785, which was completed in 1787. The castle served as an art museum from 1844, displaying contemporary Prussian works as the Fatherland Gallery. During WWII, the castle was destroyed down to a few outer walls. After rebuilding from 1955 to 1959, the federal government initially used it as the second official residence of the federal president (besides Bonn), and from 1994 as the first official residence.
- Location: Spreeweg 1, Tiergarten
Grunewald Hunting Lodge
Grunewald Hunting Lodge started as a castle built in 1542 by Joachim II of Brandenburg for his hunting stays. Today, 30 artworks created by Lucas Cranach the Elder and Younger can be found in the lodge. Apart from that, various events, including classical concerts and children's theater performances, take place here.
- Opening Hours: November – March: Sa/Su 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, April – October: Tu-Su 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Entrance Fee: €6, reduced €5
- Location: Huttenweg 100
Schloss Glienicke
Architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel realized Prince Carl of Prussia's dream of a piece of Italy in the Grunewald estate of Glienicke on the Havel in 1823. Today, the Hofgärtner Museum is located in the west wing of the castle. Numerous special guided tours, lectures, and concerts take place in the castle.
- April – October: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM, November – March: Sa/Su 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: €8, reduced €6
- Location: Königstraße 36, Wannsee
Schloss Britz
Schloss Britz was built at the beginning of the 18th century and served as the rural residence of high-ranking Prussian court officials and state ministers. In the 19th century, the estate came into bourgeois ownership. The museum in the castle displays "Residential Culture of the Gründerzeit," which showcases the darkly ornate furniture that embodies the new self-confidence of the German bourgeoisie after 1871.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: €5, free for children under 12
- Special Exhibition Fee: €5, guided tour €3
- Location: Alt-Britz 73
- For those seeking a blend of history and home-and-garden escapades, wonder through the beautiful gardens of the Charlottenburg Palace during your visit to Berlin.
- For those interested in a cultural exploration, travel to the Humboldt Forum, located within the rebuilt Berlin Castle, showcasing diverse art collections from around the world, offering a unique travel experience.
