St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche) Tours and Activities

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

• 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.