Walking Tour of the Historical Spandau

Anyone who strolls through the historic center of Spandau feels transported back to the Middle Ages. But there is much more to discover on a walk through the district.

Spandau and Berlin - an ambivalent relationship. The people of Spandau have their very own special ties to their district and not infrequently refer to themselves more as Spandauers than as Berliners. This self-image stems from the district's history: the origin of Spandau's old town, called Der Kolk, is older than Berlin. Anyone who strolls through this historic part of Spandau feels transported back to the Middle Ages. But there is much more to discover on a walk through Spandau.

Start: From Spandau S-Bahn Station to Spandau Town Hall

Our walking tour, which is about four kilometers long, starts at Spandau station (1), which can be reached by both S-Bahn and U-Bahn. Looking north, you walk a short distance along Altstädter Ring. Take the first right (Carl-Schurz-Straße), and Rathaus Spandau (2), the district's town hall, appears on your right. The building's 80 meter high tower with its four clocks is particularly striking and can be seen from afar. Thanks to the tower, Spandau Town Hall is the highest building in the district.

Part 2: From Spandau Town Hall to the Gothic House

The route continues straight ahead along Carl-Schurz-Straße. If you're in the mood for a little shopping spree, this is the place to be, but a window shopping through the small but lively street is just as fun and much more budget-friendly. Keep walking until you reach Mönchstraße. Turn right here and after a few hundred meters turn onto Breite Straße. On the left side, after a short walk, you will reach the Gothic House (3), which houses a museum of the district's history. The building is said to have been constructed as early as the 15th century and is considered the oldest preserved town house in Berlin. Those looking for more information about Spandau will find it in the tourist information located inside the Gothic House. Its museum also includes a living room in the Biedermeier style as well as a kitchen from the Wilhelminian period.

Part 3: From the Gothic House to St. Nikolai Church

Now, turn your back on the Gothic House and walk into the opposite Kirchgasse. After a few minutes' walk, you arrive directly in front of the imposing St. Nikolai Church (4). The church dates back to the 14th century and has a 77-meter tower with a viewing platform almost 54 meters above the ground.

Part 4: From St. Nikolai Church to the Kolk

Spandau, Altstadt, Kolk

Now walk past the church and onto Carl-Schurz-Straße again. Follow the street further up to the right until you reach the large multi-lane street Am Juliusturm. Cross the road and walk along Hoher Steinweg. After a few meters you will cross the street Der Kolk, into which you turn. Now you have arrived in the oldest part of Spandau. Take your time strolling through the small historical neighborhood. Its cobblestone alleys and tiny houses make visitors feel like they are back in the Middle Ages.

Part 5: From the Kolk to Spandau Citadel

Gasse Behnitz, which departs from Der Kolk on the right, leads back to the larger road Am Juliusturm. Turn left here and cross the Havel River. A couple of meters and you arrive at the famous Spandau Citadel (6). If you have a little time left, this impressive Renaissance fortress and the many historic buildings inside are well worth a visit. The Julius Tower inside the citadel is the oldest building in all of Berlin. During the summer months, concerts, markets and other exciting events take place in this historical setting. All throughout the year, the Spandau Citadel offers a variety of guided tours and exhibitions ... and also a bat cellar.

Part 6: From the Citadel to the Jewish Memorial

Walk back along Am Juliusturm, but this time on the other side of the street. You will cross the Havel River again. Walk directly down the bank of the Havel to the left. You will pass the Generationengarten and then reach the memorial on Lindenufer, which commemorates the Spandau synagogue that was destroyed in the night of the pogrom (7). The memorial consists of a curved wall, in the stones of which the names of Jewish Spandau residents who fell victim to the deportation are inserted. Two large stones symbolize the destroyed synagogue that once stood here.

Part 7: From the Jewish Memorial Back to Spandau Station

Our walk continues along the riverbank. Enjoy the view of the Havel River and the surrounding greenery. The Lindenufer boat landing stage is also located on the river bank. Steamboat tours of varying lengths to the surrounding area depart from here during the warmer month. Just before the bridge with the train tracks, turn right and walk, following the tracks, back to Spandau station.