Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg)

Schloss Charlottenburg is Berlin's largest and most significant former royal palace — a Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical ensemble built from 1695 for Queen Sophie Charlotte. Managed by the SPSG foundation, it offers lavishly restored state rooms, the famous Golden Gallery, a Porcelain Cabinet, and free-entry gardens spanning over 50 hectares.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is the garden free to enter?

Yes, the palace gardens are free to enter and open to the public year-round. The 55-hectare park includes formal baroque parterres, a carp pond, and several garden buildings. Note that the Mausoleum, New Pavilion, and Belvedere require a separate or combined ticket.

What other buildings can I visit on the palace grounds?

The charlottenburg+ ticket covers the New Pavilion (a Schinkel-era jewel), the Mausoleum (burial place of Queen Luise and Hohenzollern monarchs), and the Belvedere tea house, which now houses a porcelain collection. Some buildings are only open during the summer season (April/May–October), so check the SPSG website before visiting.

Should I book tickets in advance?

Yes, especially for the Old Palace. Purchasing the charlottenburg+ ticket online assigns a fixed timed-entry slot, allowing you to skip the queue at the palace registers. Walk-up tickets are available at the palace ticket office but waits can be long in peak season.

How do I get to Charlottenburg Palace by public transport?

The most convenient option is bus M45, 109, or 309 to 'Luisenplatz/Schloss Charlottenburg', just 2–3 minutes' walk from the gates. Alternatively, take U7 to Richard-Wagner-Platz (~10 min walk) or S-Bahn (S41/S42/S46) to Westend (~15 min walk).

What are Charlottenburg Palace's opening hours?

The Old Palace and New Wing are open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–17:30 (summer, 1 Apr–31 Oct) and 10:00–16:30 (winter, 1 Nov–31 Mar). The palace is closed every Monday. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

How much does it cost to enter Charlottenburg Palace?

A ticket for the Old Palace and New Wing costs €12 (reduced €8), with an audioguide included. The all-in-one charlottenburg+ day ticket — covering the Old Palace, New Wing, New Pavilion, and Mausoleum — costs €19 (reduced €14); a family ticket (up to 2 adults + 4 children) costs €25–€45 depending on the option. Children under 7 enter free.

What are the highlights inside the palace?

The Old Palace showcases Baroque parade apartments including the Porcelain Cabinet (lined with over 1,500 pieces of Chinese porcelain), the Palace Chapel, and Frederick I's bedchamber. The New Wing features the dazzling Golden Gallery, Rococo royal apartments, and paintings by Antoine Watteau — the most extensive collection of French 18th-century painting outside France.

What is the history of Charlottenburg Palace?

Construction began in 1695 as a modest summer residence for Electress Sophie Charlotte of Brandenburg, designed by Arnold Nering. After Frederick I was crowned King of Prussia in 1701, the palace was greatly expanded. It served as a Hohenzollern royal retreat for seven generations, was severely damaged in WWII, and was subsequently rebuilt and refurnished.

Nearby in Ask Berlin

• Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg)Attraction0.02 km · 0 min walk
• Schlosspark CharlottenburgPark0.4 km · 5 min walk
• CharlottenburgNeighborhood0.75 km · 9 min walk
• RogackiRestaurant1.09 km · 14 min walk
• Strandbad HalenseeBeach3.12 km · 39 min walk