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Charlottenburg Palace: A Prussian Jewel

Explore Berlin's largest palace, a stunning showcase of Baroque and Rococo architecture, opulent interiors, and expansive gardens.

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Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin's largest palace, began as a summer residence for Queen Sophie Charlotte in the late 17th century and evolved into a magnificent representation of Prussian royalty. Visitors can explore opulent Baroque and Rococo interiors, stroll through expansive gardens, and discover the mausoleum, belvedere, and New Pavilion.

A brief summary to Charlottenburg Palace

  • Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase the Charlottenburg+ ticket for access to all the attractions within the palace gardens, including the Old Palace, New Wing, Belvedere, Mausoleum, and New Pavilion.
  • Visit the palace gardens for free and enjoy a relaxing stroll through the expansive green space, admiring the geometric designs and serene atmosphere.
  • Allow at least 2 hours to fully explore the palace interiors and gardens.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they vary depending on the season.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Charlottenburg Palace is easily accessible via Berlin's efficient public transport system. Take the U7 U-Bahn line to Richard-Wagner-Platz or Sophie-Charlotte-Platz stations, both within walking distance of the palace. Alternatively, use the S-Bahn (S41, S42, or S46) and alight at Westend station, followed by a short walk. Several buses, including the 109, 309, and M45, stop near the palace at Luisenplatz/Schloss Charlottenburg. A single public transport fare within Berlin (AB zone) is typically €3.50.

  • Walking

    From the S Westend S-Bahn station, exit and walk east along Spandauer Damm for approximately 10 minutes to reach Charlottenburg Palace. From Richard-Wagner-Platz U-Bahn station, walk west along Otto-Suhr-Allee, then turn left onto Schloßstraße, continuing for about 15 minutes until you reach the palace. The walk is straightforward and well-signposted.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Berlin. A taxi ride from the city center (e.g., Alexanderplatz) to Charlottenburg Palace typically takes 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between €21 and €26. Taxi fares start at €4.30, with a per-kilometer charge between €2.10 and €2.80. Be sure to check that the taxi is licensed and uses a meter.

  • Driving

    If driving, Charlottenburg Palace is located at Spandauer Damm 10-22, 14059 Berlin. Limited paid parking is available in the vicinity. Consider parking at the Theaterparkplatz am Schloss Charlottenburg, where rates are approximately €2.00 per hour. Parking spaces can be challenging to find, especially during peak season. Consider using online platforms like Mobypark to book parking in advance.

Unlock the Best of Charlottenburg Palace

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Discover more about Charlottenburg Palace

Charlottenburg Palace, located in the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf borough of Berlin, is the city's largest and most significant palace complex. Originally commissioned in 1695 by Friedrich III, Elector of Brandenburg, as Lietzenburg Palace, a summer retreat for his wife Sophie Charlotte, it has been expanded and remodeled over the centuries, reflecting the changing tastes and ambitions of Prussian rulers. After Sophie Charlotte's death in 1705, Friedrich I, King of Prussia, renamed the palace and its surrounding estate Charlottenburg in her honor. The palace's architecture showcases a blend of Baroque and Rococo styles. The Old Palace (Altes Schloss) features lavishly decorated rooms, including the Porcelain Cabinet, housing thousands of porcelain objects, and displays of crown jewels and royal tableware. The New Wing (Neuer Flügel) boasts the opulent state apartments of Frederick the Great and the more modest winter chambers of Frederick William II. The extensive palace gardens, initially designed in 1697 in the Baroque style, feature geometric designs, a carp pond, and a moat. Later redesigned in the English landscape style, the gardens provide a serene escape. Within the gardens, visitors can explore the Mausoleum, built as a tomb for Queen Louise, the Belvedere, housing a collection of Berlin porcelain, and the New Pavilion, an Italianate villa designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Badly damaged during World War II, Charlottenburg Palace has been meticulously restored to its former glory and stands as a testament to Berlin's resilience and commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Today, visitors can take guided tours through the Old Palace and New Wing, explore the gardens, and visit the various museums located within the palace grounds.

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