St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche) Tours
Inaugurated in the year 1230, St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche) is the oldest building in Berlin. It played a huge role during the Reformation as the site of the first Protestant public worship service, following Martin Luther’s religious reforms. The former church now houses a museum dedicated to the German capital’s 800-year history.
The Basics
St. Nicholas Church is home to the Berlin City Museum (Stadtmuseum). The basement rooms, considered to be the oldest in the city, feature a permanent exhibition about the history of the church and the Nikolaiviertel, Berlin’s oldest district. Many guided tours, including hop-on hop-off bus tours and bicycle tours, pass by the Nikolaikirche. Museum admission is also included with the Berlin Pass, which covers entry to over 50 attractions and museums in the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Nikolaikirche is located in Berlin’s Mitte district. To get there by public transit, take U-Bahn line 2 to Klosterstrasse, a 5-minute walk from the church, or bus 248, M48, or N42 to Berliner Rathaus or Nikolaiviertel.
When to Get There
St. Nicholas Church is open daily, and as the museum is rarely busy, it’s a good option for peak daytime hours. One of the best times to visit is Friday afternoon just before closing, when Berlin musicians give a 30-minute concert that includes music played on the church’s Jehmlich organ. In November and December, the square outside the church hosts a festive, intimate Christmas market favored by locals that includes open-air films and concerts.
The Restorations of St. Nicholas
Nikolaikirche is almost 800 years old and has seen many alterations since its founding in 1230. The stone basilica was added in 1380, the Marienkapelle in 1452, and in 1876 a second tower with two spires was added. Severely damaged during World War II, the church underwent massive renovations for Berlin’s 750th anniversary in 1987, which restored the structure to what we see today.
The Basics
St. Nicholas Church is home to the Berlin City Museum (Stadtmuseum). The basement rooms, considered to be the oldest in the city, feature a permanent exhibition about the history of the church and the Nikolaiviertel, Berlin’s oldest district. Many guided tours, including hop-on hop-off bus tours and bicycle tours, pass by the Nikolaikirche. Museum admission is also included with the Berlin Pass, which covers entry to over 50 attractions and museums in the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Stadtmuseum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Berlin and Martin Luther’s religious reforms.
- Admission to the museum is free on the first Wednesday of each month and for those under 18.
- Audio guides, included in the price of admission, are available in English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Italian.
How to Get There
Nikolaikirche is located in Berlin’s Mitte district. To get there by public transit, take U-Bahn line 2 to Klosterstrasse, a 5-minute walk from the church, or bus 248, M48, or N42 to Berliner Rathaus or Nikolaiviertel.
When to Get There
St. Nicholas Church is open daily, and as the museum is rarely busy, it’s a good option for peak daytime hours. One of the best times to visit is Friday afternoon just before closing, when Berlin musicians give a 30-minute concert that includes music played on the church’s Jehmlich organ. In November and December, the square outside the church hosts a festive, intimate Christmas market favored by locals that includes open-air films and concerts.
The Restorations of St. Nicholas
Nikolaikirche is almost 800 years old and has seen many alterations since its founding in 1230. The stone basilica was added in 1380, the Marienkapelle in 1452, and in 1876 a second tower with two spires was added. Severely damaged during World War II, the church underwent massive renovations for Berlin’s 750th anniversary in 1987, which restored the structure to what we see today.
Address: Nikolaikirchplatz, Berlin 10178, Germany
Admission: Varies
6 Tours and Activities to Experience St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche)
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Berlin Bike Tour
Get to know the best of Berlin on this guided bike tour. Learn the history of the city, from its beginnings to its role as capital of the Nazi Third Reich, to the divided city of the Cold War, to the modern-day capital of a unified Germany. This tour includes a trip to the Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate and more. Choose from a half- or full-day tour, with a stop for lunch at a beer garden on the longer tour (own expense).
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From
$67.56
From
$67.56
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
All-In-One Bike Tour
Step off the tourist trail and explore the German capital on two wheels on this 3-hour bike tour in Berlin. Spin along Berlin’s bustling streets and soak up the atmosphere in iconic squares such as Leipziger Platz and Potsdamer Platz. Admire landmarks including Brandenburg Gate — a powerful symbol of German reunification — the German Historical Museum, the Holocaust Memorial and St Nicholas’ Church. Learn of city life from Prussian rule through the Weimar Republic, the Third Reich and the Cold War, and discover the beating heart of the modern city today.
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From
$29.88
From
$29.88
3-Hour Berlin Highlights Bike Tour
Pedal around Berlin like a local on this half-day highlights tour. Perfect for cycling enthusiasts who are short on time, this tour introduces you to the must-see attractions in Berlin, including the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, and others. No worries about navigation; you'll follow your guides on a carefully curated route while listening to engaging narration on Berlin's culture and history.
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From
$34.39
From
$34.39
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Small-Group Historical Bike Tour in Berlin
Explore the streets of Berlin on a 4-hour historic tour. Pedal past famous monuments such as the TV Tower, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and the Brandenburg Gate as you learn about Germany’s history from the Prussian monarchy to the unification of the country after the Cold War. Snap some photos along the way and take in the city scenery as you whizz by on your bike.
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From
$39.85
From
$39.85
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Berlin’s Old Town - Private Live Virtual Experience
This interactive virtual experience transports you back to the very beginning of Berlin’s story, visiting the Nicholas Quarter – the oldest part of the city. Explore charming cobblestone streets, learn how Berlin got its name and how it developed from a fishing village built on a swamp to one of the most visited cities in the world.
This is a live virtual tour from the streets of Berlin– our professional local tour guide will meet you virtually via the Zoom app and take you on a private tour where you can ask any questions you like. The entire tour is interactive and we will be showing you relevant historical photos and videos as well to enhance the experience.
The video calling software used for the tour is called Zoom. You will need to have it downloaded on your laptop, tablet or cellphone – with a connection to speakers or headphones – in order to participate in the tour.
For bigger group bookings of over 15 persons please contact us directly for a price quote.
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From
$48.52
Price varies by group size
From
$48.52
Price varies by group size
Private Berlin Photography Walking Tour with a Professional Photographer
Capture the beauty of Berlin after the sun sets on a 3-hour private photography walking tour. Snap photos of famous landmarks such as the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag building as the city starts to come alive. Learn night photography techniques from your guide and create beautiful, long-lasting memories with this Berlin photoshoot.
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From
$159.68
Price varies by group size
From
$159.68
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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