Berlin Architecture Tour: Experience Buildings as Works of Art
Request a private event
Request specific dates for this event. Also for company events and private groups. Get a non-binding quote.
Team events and private groups
What's included
Location
Duration
Languages
Class description
The tour starts at Brandenburg Gate/Pariser Platz and ends at Gendarmenmarkt.
From Brandenburg Gate, we take the U5 to Museum Island for two stops. A single ticket is required for this trip.
Karl Friedrich Schinkel is considered one of the most influential German architects of the 19th century and a companion of modernism in architecture.
It is a fortunate fact that many of his major architectural works are preserved in Berlin's historic center. In addition to looking at innovative architecture, the tour also shows the significance of the buildings for Berlin's history and the long-lasting influence of the 'Schinkel School'.
Nevertheless, this is not a classic 'architecture' tour: Schinkel was not just an architect — he was also a painter and also designed stage sets. For me, this is the main aspect of looking at the buildings that have been preserved today:
It is often said that you can read your buildings like works of art and this interpretation is particularly inspiring for me as a city leader artist and is the common thread of this tour. I'm not an architecture specialist but an art enthusiast and I LOVE these buildings — and Schinkel's amazing life story.
The tour also includes many general facts and anecdotes about the history of Berlin before and after Schinkel.
Your guide: Klaus Wehner
How does this activity work?
Tour stops:
- Meeting point: Brandenburg Gate
- 'Museum Island' underground station
- Neue Wache
- Schloßbrücke
- Old museum
- Schinkel's redesign of the pleasure garden, including its changes to the old cathedral
- Schinkelplatz
- Bauakademie
- Friedrichswerder Church (depending on the time of day of the tour, this will be visited briefly)
- Schauspielhaus (now Konzerthaus) am Gendarmenmarkt
Distance: approx. 3 km on foot | 3 hours
Who should definitely take part?
The tour is suitable for inquisitive and architecture enthusiasts who are in the mood for an interesting and entertaining experience. Whether Berliners or visitors, everyone can learn a lot of new things on our tour.
For larger groups, we are also happy to make you an individual offer and can also individually coordinate the route and program with you.
Details to remember
What to bring?
- Curiosity and interest in Schinkel's architecture and the history of Berlin
- Sturdy and comfortable footwear
- weatherproof clothing
- A BVG ticket (can also be purchased at the station)
- drinks, if necessary
What is included?
- An interesting and entertaining city tour along some of Schinkel's main architectural works
- A lot of knowledge and facts about Schinkel's architecture and Berlin
Kontext Berlin
Hello! My name is Klaus Wehner and I offer various interesting, entertaining, informative city tours in Berlin at Kontext Berlin.
