Berlin switches off illuminations of sights and landmarks

Lights are off at Charlottenburg Palace.

To save energy, several public buildings and landmarks in Berlin will no longer be illuminated for the time being.

"In view of the war against Ukraine and Russia's energy policy threats, it is important that we handle our energy as carefully as possible. This also and especially applies to the public sector," said Senator for the Environment Bettina Jarasch (Greens) on Wednesday, according to a press release.

200 buildings are no longer illuminated at night

The 200 buildings under the jurisdiction of this Senate Department that will then no longer be illuminated at night include, for example, the Victory Column, the Berlin Cathedral, the Memorial Church, Berlin City Hall and Charlottenburg Palace. A total of about 1400 spotlights were in operation for the lighting of sights, electricity costs amounted to about 40,000 euros per year.

Gradually switching off illuminations

The lights are not to be switched off everywhere immediately, but gradually. Three to four weeks are planned for this. The buildings that are to be switched off in the course of Wednesday and will therefore no longer be illuminated after dark include the Cathedral, St. Mary's Church, the Old Palace and the equestrian statue on Unter den Linden.