The impressive Berlin Cathedral, with its magnificent dome, is a landmark in central Berlin. Also known as the Berliner Dom, the church sits among the stately museums on Museum Island, with the Spree River flowing nearby. The Berlin Cathedral is the largest Protestant church in the area and is well worth a visit.
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Berliner Dom history
A church was first built on this site in the fifteenth century. This was the court church to the Hohenzollern dynasty, the Prussian rulers, and then the German Emperors. Due to fires and restorations that destroyed earlier churches, the baroque-style Berlin Cathedral on the island today dates from 1905. Kaiser Wilhelm II decided to build a cathedral to rival St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London. And he did. 
The Kaiser’s church suffered damage from bombing in WWII. It fell behind the Wall in East Germany. Restoration to its present form wasn’t completed until 1993.
Berlin Cathedral interior
Today, you can take in the beauty of the sanctuary. Be amazed at the exquisite pipe organ. And gaze up at the light coming through the dome.
Martin Luther looks down kindly on the congregation. 
Explore the Berlin Cathedral dome
Climb the 267 steps to the dome, where you can take in iconic views of Berlin as you wind around the circle. Museum Island and the Spree River lie below, with swaths of lawn and stands of trees to beautify the scene.
Venture to the Berlin Cathedral crypt
Be sure to include a visit to the crypt in your tour. Here, as well as in the main sanctuary, you will find the burial place of monarchs. Family members who died as children are also buried here, and there are a surprising number. So sad. 
Your Berliner Dome visit
You can attend church services here, and concerts are also offered. I happened to hear an organist rehearsing on the elaborate pipe organ during my visit. What a treat!
Berlin is so rich with sights to see. The Berlin Cathedral is one worth exploring, especially for the climb to the dome and the views! 
Visitor information
The cathedral is generally open:
Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 – 5 p.m.
Check the website for information on times the church is closed for concerts or services.
General admission is 10 Euro. Purchase tickets ahead of your visit. You will not be able to purchase tickets at the cathedral.
The cathedral gift shop carries a wide variety of items that I found are better than standard souvenirs.
Allow up to two hours for your visit if you plan to climb the dome.
Where to stay near Central Berlin and Potsdamer Platz
Staying in the heart of Central Berlin allows you to move to any area by public transportation. You can also walk to the Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, the Reichstag, and the Brandenburg Gate. Several hotels near the transportation hub of Potsdamer Platz offer a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Restaurant and shopping options are all within blocks, too. Here are a few hotels that are in close proximity to Potsdamer Platz:
The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin: This luxury hotel, located right at Potsdamer Platz, offers elegant rooms, a spa, multiple dining options, a cigar lounge, and a rooftop terrace.
Stay at the exquisite Ritz-Carlton Berlin for its top-notch service and décor and central Berlin location.
The Mandala Hotel: This boutique hotel, just a short walk from Potsdamer Platz, provides stylish and spacious rooms, a wellness area, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
Stay at the stylish Mandala Hotel in Berlin and enjoy views of the city from the rooftop terrace.
Mövenpick Hotel Berlin: This hotel is located within walking distance of Potsdamer Platz and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace.
Stay at the Movenpick Hotel Berlin and easily walk to the sights you most want to visit.
Grand Hyatt Berlin: This luxury hotel situated adjacent to Potsdamer Platz, offers well-appointed rooms, a spa, multiple dining options, and an indoor pool. I stayed here and especially enjoyed the breakfast. Book it the night before with the front desk.
Stay at the Grand Hyatt Berlin for modern decor, comfortable rooms, and to be within walking distance of major sites.
Take a walking tour of the highlights of central Berlin with the excellent company, Context Tours.
Book your train tickets with Rail Europe for easy and reliable service.
Rail Europe partners with more than 230 train services such as SCNF, DB, and Swiss train lines. So, you can always find the transportation you need for your trip.
Renting a car? I can recommend renting with Auto Europe.
Learn more about Berlin
Touring the Reichstag
Exploring Potsdamer Platz in Berlin
Berlin’s Topography of Terror Center
The Berlin Wall Memorial
Visiting the Berlin Holocaust Memorial
Relaxing in the Tiergarten
Exploring Berlin — 5 Favorites
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32 Comments
I have seen this Cathedral before, but did not go to the top. My husband would love to I know for sure! He enjoys always going up to the top of these buildings. Have a great week! Can’t wait to see where you feature next week!
That’s quite a building isn’t it. I have been to Berlin twice, but never made inside the Dom as the lines were so long. Guess I will have to put it on my list for next time!
#MondayEscapes
Oh wow! That architecture!!
What an absolutely stunning building
Mollyx
Wow, Sharon! You take my breath away with the beautiful imagery. What a magnificent building.
Wow a beautiful cathedral and the inside is GORGEOUS!!!. You captured it so beautifully.
I visited Berlin for the first time a few weeks ago but didn’t go inside the Cathedral. I’ll definitely add this to my list for the next time! #MondayEscapes
It seems that wherever we live, we don’t see the inside of those museums! In Eastern Europe Domes are more common than towers it seems, also for Protestant churches. Like most things in Berlin, very impressive! There are many Protestant churches in this city. Love Berlin for all of its art and international atmosphere. There are also two huge botanical gardens, very worth seeing. Thanks you for the pleasant memories of Berlin, and sharing them with All Seasons (at the time, we lived there, I didn’t even have a camera). Have a beautiful week, Sharon!
I loved Berlin!
I don’t know if its possible to build cathedrals this opulent nowadays. How incredible.
Worth a Thousand Words
Truly Amazing. Great pics.
Great architecture…well captured.
A visit to the Berliner Dom is something very special. I was very lucky to attend an organ concert there… goosebumps! It is also really beautiful to see the cathedral from the water. #citytripping
Oh this is magnificent. So beautiful. Impossible not to feel called to worship in such a building.
Thank you for linking up at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/10/blacksmiths-at-work.html
It is absolutely sunning! Oh how I would love to see it. Your photos are marvelous! Thank you for sharing it.
A fantastisc Post again… I enjoyed the pictures and your words.
Heidrun XO
What a stunning place. I love visiting places with so much history. Berlin is on my bucket list and this has juts been aded to the itinerary! #MondayEscapes
Wow – superb shots.
Wow, wow, wow! What an awesome place to visit. I just love the details in the architecture and the colors are just fantastic! Your photos certainly show off the beauty of this place.
Initially I felt the entrance fee of 7 euros is steep but looking at the architecture, interior and views from the top of the cathedral, I guess it’s worth the money spent. Looks like a marvellous cathedral to visit! #Citytripping
Hi Sharon, that is some impressive looking cathedral and I think €7.00 is a fair price to pay for a visit. Stunning photos too, The angry sky in some of the photos really adds a dramatic feel…. Popped over from #ThroughMyLens
xx
Just lovely! I love Berlin!
It’s such a gorgeous building! I wish I’d made my way up to the dome now, the views look stunning! #citytripping
It certainly warrants a visit. Very majestic and with an organ to match! Great views too! Thanks for linking #citytripping
Berlin is truly rich in sights. Your post reminded me of this beautiful cathedral, I loved the city sights from the top.
I have seen the cathedral from the outside but never thought about going in for some reason. It looks really impressive, You photos are lovely. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
I live about four hours drive from Berlin and I’ve been there several times. But I haven’t been to Berlin Cathedral, but I will soon have to look at your member. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Yes, I saw the dome when I was in Berlin but I was too busy to visit the cathedral. After looking at your photos (inside and out), I wish I could return to experience this place in person. The colours are so vibrant.
What a stunning building. I always feel amazed at the beauty of such places but a little saddened at all the money spent on them. Real conflict. I always visit though and adore the architecture. Thanks for linking up to #MondayEscapes
I love visiting different churches around Europe. They’re so grand and majestic. This one is absolutely stunning!
What a beautiful church. Plus views from the dome? Very impressive. But I’m sure that’s what the Kaiser was going for! 😉 That is quite an impressive pipe Organ too. How neat that you got to hear it in action! Hopefully, we will be so lucky. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
How did I miss this? Time to revisit #MondayEscapes