Schlossviertel: Berlin's Historical Heart

Explore Berlin's Schlossviertel: Where history and modernity converge in a vibrant district, home to the Humboldt Forum and Museum Island, offering a unique cultural experience.

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Schlossviertel

The Schlossviertel, or Palace Quarter, is a vibrant district in Berlin-Mitte, steeped in history and undergoing constant evolution. Once the core of old Berlin-Kölln, dating back to the 13th century, it's now a captivating blend of reconstructed landmarks and modern architecture. Dominated by the imposing Humboldt Forum, which stands on the site of the former Berlin Palace, the area offers a compelling glimpse into Berlin's past and present. Explore the iconic Museum Island, stroll along the Spree River, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of this dynamic neighborhood. Despite wartime devastation and subsequent reshaping under East German rule, the Schlossviertel has re-emerged as a must-see destination, offering a unique perspective on Berlin's complex history and its ongoing transformation. The area is easily accessible and provides a central location for exploring many of Berlin's most famous attractions.

A brief summary to Schlossviertel

Humboldt Box, Schloßpl. 5, Berlin, Mitte, 10178, DE

Local tips

Visit the Humboldt Forum's rooftop terrace for panoramic views of Berlin, including the Berliner Dom and Museum Island.
Explore Museum Island early in the morning to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the world-class museums.
Take a stroll along the Spree River to enjoy the scenic views and discover hidden gems along the waterfront.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Schlossviertel is easily accessible via Berlin's extensive public transport network. The U Museumsinsel station (U5 line) is directly adjacent to the Humboldt Forum. Several bus lines (100, 147, 300, N5) also stop nearby at the Berliner Schloss or Lustgarten bus stops. A single BVG ticket for a short trip (Kurzstrecke) within Berlin costs €2.00 and covers a few stops, while a regular single ticket costs €3.50.
Walking

If you are already in the Mitte district, walking to the Schlossviertel is a pleasant option. From Alexanderplatz, it's approximately a 15-minute walk west along Spandauer Straße. From Unter den Linden, head east towards the Berliner Dom; the Schlossviertel is located just behind the cathedral. Walking allows you to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems along the way.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Berlin. A short taxi ride from Alexanderplatz to the Schlossviertel typically costs between €8 and €12, depending on traffic. Be sure to specify 'Schlossplatz' or 'Humboldt Forum' as your destination.
Driving

While driving to the Schlossviertel is possible, parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging and expensive. Limited parking is available south of the Humboldt Forum on Schlossplatz. Several parking garages are located within a 10-15 minute walk, including Dom Aquarée, Bebelplatz, and Rathauspassagen. Parking fees typically range from €3 to €5 per hour.

Discover more about Schlossviertel

The Schlossviertel, historically known as the Schloßviertel, is one of the original quarters in Berlin's historic Alt-Kölln district, now part of Berlin-Mitte. Its name, dating back to at least 1727, references the Berlin Palace, now the site of the Humboldt Forum. This area's history stretches back to the founding of Berlin-Kölln around 1230. In 1443, the Hohenzollerns began constructing their first palace north of Kölln's city wall, in what would become the Schlossviertel's central section. Following the construction of Schlüter's palace in 1713, the ruler acquired land south of the palace to establish Burglehn and free houses for court officials. The Marstall (Royal Stables) was located south of the Schlossplatz on the Spree River, occupying half of the block in the 19th century. Besides the grand Breite Straße, the Brüderstraße, also part of the Schlossviertel, was home to significant palaces. After World War II, the palace was a ruin, and many buildings were destroyed. However, numerous buildings, especially south of the Schlossplatz along the Sperlingsgasse, were rebuilt. In 1951, the palace ruins were controversially demolished for political reasons. During East Germany's reconstruction of the city center as its capital, most historic buildings were torn down, with few exceptions. Since the early 1990s, the Schlossviertel has been part of the Hauptstadt Berlin – Parlaments- und Regierungsviertel development area. A 1993 study emphasized the importance of the historical city layout. While a palace reconstruction was initially rejected, the German Bundestag decided in 2002 to build the Humboldt Forum with replicas of the baroque palace facades on the north, west, and south sides, as well as the Schlüterhof, necessitating the demolition of the Palast der Republik. The Humboldt Forum opened in 2021 as a center for art, culture, science, and education. From 2007 to 2009, Breite Straße was narrowed to its original width, and archaeological excavations on the street's west side revealed the cellars of former houses, which are preserved and integrated into new residential buildings as an archaeological window, including the cellar of the Ermelerhaus at Breite Straße 11. Today, the Schlossviertel is a vibrant area with numerous attractions. The Humboldt Forum, standing on the footprint of the former Berlin Palace, serves as a major cultural hub, housing collections of Asian art, ethnological artifacts, and temporary exhibitions. Visitors can explore the building's architecture, courtyards, and the rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the city. Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located just north of the Schlossviertel. It features five world-renowned museums: the Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, and Pergamon Museum. Each museum houses extensive collections of art and artifacts from various periods and cultures. The Berliner Dom, Berlin's iconic cathedral, is situated on Museum Island, near the Humboldt Forum. Visitors can admire its impressive architecture, explore the interior, and climb to the top of the dome for stunning views of the city. The Staatsratsgebäude, the former State Council Building of East Germany, is located east of the Humboldt Forum. It is a notable example of socialist architecture and now houses the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT). The Alter Marstall, the former Royal Stables, is located south of the Humboldt Forum. It has been repurposed into a library and is an example of Berlin's architectural history. The Schlossviertel offers a blend of historical significance and modern attractions, making it a compelling destination for tourists. Its central location provides easy access to many of Berlin's most famous landmarks and cultural institutions. The area's ongoing development ensures that it remains a dynamic and evolving part of the city, offering new experiences for visitors with each visit. Whether you're interested in history, art, architecture, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of Berlin, the Schlossviertel has something to offer every traveler. Its blend of reconstructed historical buildings and modern structures creates a unique urban landscape that reflects Berlin's complex past and its vibrant present. The area is easily accessible by public transportation, making it a convenient base for exploring the rest of the city. With its rich history, cultural attractions, and central location, the Schlossviertel is an essential destination for anyone visiting Berlin.

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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

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Essential bars & hidden hideouts

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Schlossviertel: Berlin's Historical Heart

A brief summary to Schlossviertel

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Walking

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Schlossviertel

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Schlossviertel

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Schlossviertel

Schlüterhof

Am Lustgarten

Schinkelpl.

Three Girls One Boy Statue

Three Girls and a Boy

Friedrichsbrücke 1

Friedrichswerdersche Church

KURFÜRSTENHAUS

Equestrian statue of Frederick William IV

Neue Wache

Berlin

Friedrichsgracht am Kupfergraben

Adolph-Diesterweg-Denkmal

Denkmal für den Völkermord an den Armeniern

Unmissable attractions to see

Herbert-Baum-Denkmal

Humboldt Labor

Humboldt Forum Dachterrasse

Springbrunnen im Lustgarten

Schloßplatz

Humboldt Forum im Berliner Schloss

Humboldt Forum

Schlüterhof des Berliner Schlosses

Lustgarten

Berlin Cathedral

Schlossbrücke

Museum Island

BERLIN GLOBAL

Humboldt Promenade am Berliner Schloss

Granitschale im

Essential places to dine

Alt-Berliner Gasthaus Julchen Hoppe

Restaurant FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Mutter Hoppe

Zur Gerichtslaube

Restaurant Balthazar 2

Restaurant Dae Mon

BLESS Restaurant

Dreh-Restaurant Sphere im Berliner Fernsehturm

Charlotte & Fritz

Nante-Eck

Bocca di Bacco

Zur letzten Instanz

Grill Royal

Boulevard Friedrichstrasse

acht&dreissig

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Shop Passage im Humboldt Forum

Redbear Berlin

ausberlin

The Square Berlin East

Hackesche Höfe

BERLIN Store - MUDDASTADT GmbH

AMPELMANN shop in the Hackescher Markt

Galeries Lafayette

Wolford Boutique Berlin

I LOVE BERLIN - MUDDASTADT GmbH

Pick'nWeight - Vintage Kilo Store

BERLIN STORE

ALEXA Berlin

Kauf Dich Glücklich Mode

REBECCA Concept Store

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Berlin Icebar

TheCoven Bar