jewish berlin walking tour

The Jewish heritage Tour of Berlin

A walk through a lost world.

The Jewish Berlin Tour

Greetings! I’m Eyal Roth, a historian, Holocaust researcher and a guide in Berlin with over ten years of experience. My focus is the Jewish Berlin Tour. For more about me visit my about me page.     -לעברית לחצו כאן-

About the Jewish – German history of Berlin

“Everything should be made as simple as possible but not simpler”

Albert Einstein, a resident of Berlin (1914-1933).

How does one experience history and how does one separate reason from circumstance?

Berlin is a historically dense city, full of remnants of different epochs standing alongside each other with no easy way to tell them apart; From the Prussian monarchy to the Kaiser times. From the Weimar Republic to the Third Reich. The division between east and west and finally the reunification.

Die tragende (Will lammert) – Jewish quarter Berlin

The different periods in Berlins history all left behind memorials, some are official and some are as modest as a street lantern design.

In 1933, Berlin was home to over 160,000 Jews. The Jews of Berlin were well integrated and had a crucial part of the cities academic cultural and political scenes. Of Those 160,000 around 80,000 were able to escape prior to the beginning of the “Final Solution”, 55,000 of them were sent to concentration camps starting October 1941.

The Jewish girl school 1934 – Berlin

After liberation there were about 8,000 Jews still living in Berlin.

Who were the Jews of Berlin? How did they live? and what did they leave behind?

Proceeding through this historical treasure hunt and integrating the clues into a narrative is a challenging task, one that I had the pleasure of undertaking for over seven years.

Feel free to contact me with any question and join me on the  Berlin Jewish heritage tour.

Jewish tour of Berlin – About me – Articles  –  Useful sites and blogs

Plan Your Stay In Berlin

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Shalom and Welcome

History is not just about what's true. Our past is made of endless events that truly happened, but that does not make them history.

For the historian, just like for the tourist, the important question is: What is important?

This is what guides us as guides.

Shalom and Willkommen! We are Yoav and Noa (Natalie) Sapir, professional history guides in Berlin. If you want to know more about our backgrounds, take a look here . On our website, you'll find information not just about our tours, but also about planning your time in Berlin, with useful ideas for your vacation, as well as some articles for those we have the time and desire to read ahead of (or after) their visit.

As history guides, we wish to help you to unravel the Berlin complex. During the 20th century, this city has witnessed seven totally different political systems, making it an explosive set of contradictions: Monarchy, anarchy, democracy, dictatorship and foreign occupation, capitalism and communism all colliding in one city. Today, as the Western Europe's most eastern city Eastern Europe's most western city , it is packed with juxtapositions and contradictions.

On top of all that, there's Jewish Berlin. Our main focus lies on Berlin's Jewish history - perhaps we should say “Berlin's Jewish histories", in the plural, as there were many of them. But as you know, that richness of spirit and intellect was violently destroyed by the Nazis. To a great extent, therefore, the Jewish story of Berlin has to do with the Holocaust. There is actually no other city in the world that offers more Holocaust memorials than Berlin, making it a part of the city’s everyday life. We would be honored to take you on a meaningful journey, unfolding these stories with you: Our history tours are not just about seeing the sights, but also about understanding them. We are quite flexible and try to find on every tour the right balance for our guests between quantity (how much we see) and quality (how deep we go).

For your convenience, we created an Itinerary Advisor that will help you get your bearings and prioritize the options. We can tailor the itineraries to suit your personal needs and interests. In case you're coming with a cruise ship and have only one day in Berlin, we also provide all the relevant information about shore excursions to Berlin .

We'd be happy to help you in your planning, so you could make the most out of your time in our fascinating city: You can find information about Kosher food in Berlin and about Berlin's synagogues as well as many other ideas for your stay in Berlin .

Guiding tours in Berlin is our profession, but not just. To us, professionalism means having a certain philosophy behind what you're doing and knowing what you're doing it for. You can read about our guiding philosophy here .

Last but not least, you'll also find here concise answers to frequently asked questions about our tours .

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us - we're happy to assist!

Free Walking Tour Berlin

When:  Every day 10am & 12pm every day Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance. Price:  Free

Walk Through History: Discover Berlin’s Jewish Heritage

by Original Berlin Tours | Mar 7, 2024 | Original Berlin

Uncover Berlin’s Jewish Legacy

Berlin is a city with a rich and complex history, and part of that history includes its significant Jewish heritage. From the vibrant Jewish community that thrived before World War II to the tragic events of the Holocaust, exploring Berlin’s Jewish heritage offers a profound and rewarding experience.

Understanding Berlin’s Jewish History

Before embarking on a Jewish heritage walking tour, it’s important to have a basic understanding of Berlin’s Jewish history. Jewish communities have existed in the city for centuries, contributing to Berlin’s artistic, scientific, and cultural achievements.

However, this history also includes dark chapters such as discrimination, persecution, and ultimately, the Holocaust. Understanding this context will allow you to appreciate the significance of the landmarks and memorials you’ll encounter during the tour.

Begin at the Jewish Museum

A great starting point for your walking tour is the Jewish Museum. This architectural masterpiece not only houses a vast collection of artifacts but also offers thought-provoking exhibitions that delve into the history and culture of Berlin’s Jewish population.

As you explore the museum’s various wings and installations, you’ll gain insights into the everyday lives of Jewish Berliners and witness the struggles they faced throughout history.

Visit the Hackesche Höfe

From the Jewish Museum, make your way to the Hackesche Höfe. This meticulously restored complex of interconnected courtyards is not only a beautiful example of Berlin’s architectural heritage but also holds significant historical importance.

During the tour, you’ll learn about the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived in this area, with its bustling markets, shops, and cafes. Listen to tales of Jewish intellectuals, artists, and entrepreneurs who left an indelible mark on Berlin’s cultural landscape.

Pause at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

A sobering and essential stop on your tour is the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also known as the Holocaust Memorial. This striking monument serves as a powerful reminder of the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust.

As you walk through the maze-like field of concrete slabs, the enormity and gravity of the tragedy become palpable. Take a moment to reflect on the past and pay homage to the victims.

Explore the Rykestrasse Synagogue

Continuing your journey, head to the Rykestrasse Synagogue, Berlin’s oldest and largest synagogue. Though heavily damaged during World War II, it has been restored to its former grandeur and stands as a symbol of resilience and hope.

Immerse yourself in the stunning architecture and the peaceful atmosphere of this sacred place. While there, you can also visit the adjoining Jewish cemetery, which predates the synagogue itself.

End at the Grunewald Train Station Memorial

Your walking tour concludes at the Grunewald Train Station Memorial, which commemorates the deportation of thousands of Berlin’s Jews to the concentration camps. This site serves as a stark reminder of the horrors endured by the Jewish community during World War II.

Take a moment to reflect on the individual stories of those affected and consider the importance of remembrance in preserving the memory of those who suffered.

Exploring Berlin’s Jewish heritage through a walking tour allows you to connect with the city’s past and gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of its Jewish community. From the Jewish Museum to the Holocaust Memorial, each stop on the tour provides an opportunity for reflection and remembrance.

By immersing yourself in Berlin’s Jewish history, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the enduring spirit of a community that has faced immense challenges throughout the centuries.

Table of Contents

Thank you for reading. If you're inspired by the stories of Berlin and want to delve deeper, why not join us on our Free Berlin Walking Tour ? It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• 3.5 hours walking tour
• Berlin’s major highlights
• Brandenburg Gate
• Reichstag and Berlin Wall
• Historical sites

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Jewish Berlin Tour | Self-Guided

This self-guided Jewish Berlin Tour gives a short overview of the major sights in Jewish history in Berlin. For centuries, Berlin had a vibrant Jewish culture and was the birth place of important Jewish movements such as the Jewish Enlightenment in the 17th Century and the Reform and Modern Orthodox movements. Despite times of hardship, the community was thriving right up until the rise of the Weimar Republic in the 1930’s. The 1933 census counted 160,000 Jews living in Berlin, but in less than 15 years, the Jewish population of Berlin was reduced to 8,000. Hitler’s ‘Final Solution’ – the carefully planned extermination of Jews – had decimated the Jewish population of Berlin and most of Europe. In addition to the massive loss of life, many of Berlin’s Jewish institutions, synagogues, schools and cultural sites were destroyed during the war.

Since the reunification of East and West Germany, Berlin’s government has strived to make Berlin a city that once again welcomes Jews and their unique culture.  The city as well as individual foundations have made it a point to create sites and memorials throughout the city to honor the 6 million Jews who were murdered by Hitler’s Germany.

Today, surprisingly, the city that is regarded with disdain by many people as the command center Hitler’s Third Reich, is now home to more than 45,000 Jews and continues to grow. Jews are moving to Berlin from places like Australia, Eastern Europe, Russia, France and United States. There are signs once of Jewish life once again and though this tour focuses on the past and the terrible loss of life, the existence of the memorials you will see is a testament to the hopeful future for Jews in Berlin.

Click to enlarge or for  movable map  for the self-guided Jewish Berlin Tour and be sure to check out our full list of self-guided Berlin walking tours .

Helpful resources: Jewish institutions and contacts and kosher restaurants or markets .

Memorial Information Center and Museum  (A) Cora-Berliner-Strasse 1, lower level. For a more in-depth understanding of the Holocaust, you can visit the Information Center and small museum located beneath the memorial.  Here you can see several permanent exhibits that display individual testimonies from survivors and photographs of the events of the Holocaust. There is a room in which a continuous audio-loop reciting the name of every known Holocaust victim. It takes six years for the audio loop to complete one cycle. There are also fascinating  rotating exhibitions on special topics. Admission : Free Hours :   Apr-Sept: Tue-Sun, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (last admission 7:15 p.m.); Oct-Mar: Tue-Sun, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (last admission 6.15 p.m.); Closing days Dec. 24 to 26, Dec. 31 from 4 p.m. The Information Centre is open on all the other holidays including Easter Monday, Pentecost Monday and May 1.   For more background information see our blog post on the Memorial.

On November 9-10, 1938, Nazi Party members, Hitler Youth and some non-Jewish civilians went on a government sanctioned rampage against Jews throughout Germany and Austria. Jewish owned businesses, schools, hospitals and synagogues were set on fire, ransacked and had their windows smashed (hence the name “Night of Broken Glass”). Approximately 96 Jews were killed during Kristallnacht and 30,000 Jews were arrested and deported to “work” camps (soon to become death camps). Within two days, over 7,000 Jewish businesses destroyed or damaged and 1,000 synagogues throughout Germany and Austria were burned down. The New Synagogue narrowly escaped being in destroyed, but in the end it could not survive the massive bombings by the Allies toward the end of the war. Today, the synagogue is not a house of worship (there are two other synagogues and 10 houses of prayer in Berlin, compared to the 33 synagogues in pre-war Berlin). Instead the synagogue houses the Centrum Judaicum foundation which opened in 1995, an institution for the preservation of Jewish memory and tradition. There is also a community congregation center for study and teaching and a museum and information center with exhibits including Torahs and scrolls. Admission : Free. Hours : Sun-Friday although times vary throughout the year. See the synagogue’s website   for more information.

“The Abandoned Room” sculpture (F) Koppenplatz and Linienstrasse. U-Bahn to Rosenthaler Platz. On the north end of a small playground at Koppenplatz is a bronze sculpture by Karl Biedermann made in 1996. The sculpture depicts a simple everyday scene of a table and two chairs on a ‘parquet’ floor. One of the chairs is lying on the floor, as if the person who had been sitting there had to suddenly leave, accidently knocking the chair over on their hurry. This scene is to remind us of the many Jews who had to flee for their lives, often with no notice. Around the border of the floor of the scene are lines from poems by Nobel Prize winner Nelly Sachs. The English translation of the lines are: “ Oh the houses of death; invitingly appointed, for the landlord of the house who was once a guest.  Oh you fingers, Laying the threshold, like a knife between life and death. Oh, you chimney stacks, Oh you fingers; And the body of Israel going up in smoke! ”

“Street of Tolerance and Death” Grosse Hamburger Strasse from Auguststrasse to Oranienburger Strasse Unlike the massive Memorial to the Murdered Jews (the first stop on this tour), a walk down this small stretch of street provides a sense of intimate connection with the Jews of Berlin who were arrested, deported and murdered by the German Third Reich and Hitler’s ‘Final Solution’.  Prior to Hitler’s rise to power, this street was known for its tolerance- here Jewish sites existed peacefully alongside other religious institutions such as St. Hedwigs Catholic Hospital and the Protestant cemetery of the Sophien Church. Below are the sites to see along this street.

Across the street is a school, on the site of the former Jewish School for Boys   (I) founded in 1862. Down the block was the first Jewish Old People’s Home which opened in 1844. Both these revered institutions were closed down and confiscated by the Gestapo in 1942 and converted into Judenlager (meaning literally Jewish camp, but were actually holding centers) where Jews were detained prior to their deportation. It was from these two buildings on this small street that more than 55,000 Jews were held and then sent to their deaths at concentration camps. The Old People’s Home was destroyed, but the school building was able to reopen 50 years later and is now a co-ed school for Jewish and non-Jewish children.

One museum, the Gedenkstatte Stille Helden (Silent Heroes Memorial Center) honors and commemorates local non-Jewish civilians who risked their lives to aid and rescue persecuted Jews. The center exhibits documents, photographs and oral testimonies that tell the tales of heroic successes but also tragic failures. Hours : Daily from 10-8pm; closed December 24 th . Admission : Free.

At a second museum, you can learn about one of the success stories at the Otto Weidt Blindenwerkstatt  (N)  (Otto Weidt Workshop for the Blind). Otto Weidt had a small broom and brush factory here. Prior to the war he had employed Jewish workers, many of whom were blind, already a noble gesture. In 1942, the Gestapo arrested these Jewish workers, but Weidt managed to convince the authorities to release some of them. Weidt then hid these Jews in a back room until the end of the war, risking his own life to save theirs. Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-8pm.  Closed on December 24 th .  Admission : free. Public Tours: Sundays at 3pm (no prior registration required).

Lastly, there is the Anne-Frank-Zentrum   (M) and its permanent Anne Frank Exhibition .  This is an engaging exhibition that expands on the life and themes of the well-known Jewish girl who hid in a house in Amsterdam. Hours : Tues-Sun 10am-6:00pm. Admission:   Adults 5€, children under 10 free, reduced charges 3€, Family Ticket 12 €.

  Rosenstrasse Protest Site and Memorial (O) Rosenstrasse 2-4. S-Bahn: Hackescher Markt; U-Bahn: U8 to Alexanderplatz. Until 1943, Berlin’s Jews who were married to non-Jews were exempted from deportation to concentration camps. But in early 1943, this policy was changed and the Nazi regime began its Fabrikaktion   (Operation Factory), the deportation of Jewish men in these mixed-marriages.  On February 28, 1943, between 1,500 and 2,500 Jewish men were taken to a Jewish community building on Rosenstrasse and detained inside. Fearing that the next step would be immediate deportation of their husbands, the non-Jewish wives and relatives protested at the site. After 5 days of demonstrations, unexpectedly and amazingly the men were released. Some say the Nazi regime wanted to avoid growing demonstrations and the attention they would draw. The building where the men were held was destroyed during the war but you can read about the events of the protest and see photographs on a red kiosk pole the intersection of Rosenstrasse and Heidereutergasse. In nearby park across from the City Stay Hostel is a sculpture entitled Block der Frauen (Block of Women) (P) dedicated in 1995 and carved by sculptor Ingeborg Hunzinger. The inscription reads: " The strength of civil disobedience, the vigor of love overcomes the violence of dictatorship; Give us our men back; Women were standing here, defeating death; Jewish men were free. " You can see the kiosk and sculpture 24 hours daily.

Schönhauser Allee Cemetery  (Q) Schönhauser Allee 23-25. U-Bahn: U2 Senefelderplatz After the closure of the Old Jewish Cemetery on Grosse Hamburger Strasse, the Jewish community opened this 12 acre cemetery in 1827.  Over 20,000 individuals are buried here. The cemetery was closed in 1880 with the opening of the larger cemetery in Weissensee. The list of prominent scientists, entrepreneurs, writers, academics and artists laid to rest in the cemetery is quite long. The cemetery is overgrown with ivy and many tombstones are broken and piled up. This damage was not due to any deliberate Nazi acts of destruction but rather bombing hits during the World War II destroyed most of the cemetery buildings and devastated many burial sites. All that remains today of the main portal is the round-arched side entrance on the right and the double grille of the central entrance. In 2005, a lapidarium (a place that exhibits archeological artifacts of stone such as broken columns, stone monuments and tombstones) was created and contains 60 gravestones separated from their original location. On display are also illustrations about Jewish cemetery culture and Jewish mourning rituals. Admission : Free. Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-4pm, Fri: 7:30am-2:30pm.

Rykestrasse Synagogue  (R) Rykestrasse 53. U-Bahn: U2 Senefelderplatz. Opened in 1904, this is the largest synagogue in Germany. Like the Neue Synagogue, Rykestrasse had been spared complete destruction during Kristallnacht because the Nazis did not want to risk endangering the surrounding houses of non-Jews. But two years later, the synagogue was confiscated by the Nazis in April 1940.  After the war ended in July 1945, it reopened for services, but as it was located in communist East Berlin, there were few Jews who used the undamaged parts of the synagogue for prayer. After Germany and Berlin’s reunification, renovations began and after multiple periods of renovation, the synagogue was fully restored on its 100th anniversary. The Neo-Romanesque style interior with its large stained glass windows and splendid embellishments is able to accommodate 2000 people attending prayers. Admission : Free. Hours : Open to the general public on Thursdays from 2-6pm & Sundays 12-4pm.

Weissensee Cemetery  (S) Herbert-Baum-Strasse 45. S-Bahn: Berlin Greifswalder Strasse then take Tram M4. For directions from any location, use the Visit Berlin transportation finder. If you plan to visit this largely intact historic cemetery, give yourself plenty of time. Opened in 1880 on 1000 acres of land, this is the second largest Jewish cemetery in Europe. Over 115,000 people are buried here. Throughout the Nazi era of death and destruction and then years of neglect under the East Berlin communist government, the cemetery and its beautiful structures has survived mostly intact. Approximately 4000 graves were damaged by Allied bombing during the war. After the war ended and until German reunification, the few remaining Jews of Berlin continued to use the cemetery. In the 1970s, plans to build an expressway over part of the cemetery were considered, but due to strong objections from the Jewish community, the plan was dropped.  Among the sites to see in the cemetery are the burial plot for 90 of cemetery’s Torah scrolls which were desecrated during 1938’s Kristallnacht .  There is also a monument honoring the 6 million Jews who were victims of the Holocaust and also a memorial to the Jews who lost their lives during World War I. Admission : Free. Hours : Always closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Seasonal hours: April-September Mon-Thurs 7:30am-5pm, Fri 7:30am-2:30pm, Sun 8:00am-5pm. October-March Mon-Thurs 7:30am-4pm, Fri 7:30am-2:30pm, Sun 8:00am-4pm.

FARTHER OUT OF BERLIN

Gleis 17 (Platform 17) Memorial at Grunewald (T) S-Bahn: S7 to Grunewald station. Exit station and follow signs to Gleis 17. Once a functional track, today this platform track is a memorial commemorating the deportation of approximately 50,000 Jews from this site between 1941 and 1945.  The memorial is composed of plaques next to the railroad tracks that list every transport the number of deportees and their final destination. Many of the transports brought these Jews to the Jewish ghettos in Theresienstadt, Minsk, Riga, Kaunas and Łódź, where most of them died. Starting in July 1942 several transports went directly to Auschwitz-Birkenau and other death camps. The Memorial is open to the public.

Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum  (V) Strasse der Nationen 22, Oranienburg. For detailed directions to the Memorial, see the Memorial information website. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp was one of the largest camps established by the Third Reich and used by them between 1936 and 1945.  Approximately 200,000 people from all over Europe were imprisoned here and forced into ‘slave labor’ for the surrounding industrial companies. Tens of thousands of prisoners died due to inhumane working and living conditions.  Prisoners were tortured and used for unusual and deadly medical experiments. Thousands more were murdered in gas chambers. Between 1945 and 1960 the Russian KGB used the site and its existing prison buildings as a so-called ‘silencing camp’ for enemies of the communist regime. In those years, around 60,000 prisoners lived here under the most severe conditions. Around 12,000 of these died due to the terrible conditions in the camp, starved to death or fell victim to disease. In 1993, the Memorial and Museum were established. Admission : Free. Hours : Closed on Mondays. For open hours (which vary by season) see the Memorial information website.

Written by Courtney Shapiro

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In Search of Jewish Berlin

3-Hour Tour

Reflect on the Victims of Nazi Genocide

Discover Berlin’s Vibrant Jewish Community from Medieval to Modern Times

Your Jewish Berlin tour begins at the remaining foundations of the so-called Old Synagogue, where your guide, a Jewish Studies scholar, will help you to grasp the challenges faced by German Jews during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Our major focus, however, will be the main sites of Berlin’s 19th- and 20th-century Jewish history : the districts of Spandauer Vorstadt and Scheunenviertel (known as the “Barn Quarter”) in Berlin-Mitte. Here we learn of the profound contribution of Berlin Jews to German culture even as they faced centuries of persecution , tragically culminating in the Holocaust. You’ll leave this tour with a new appreciation of the Jewish experience in Berlin and of the forces of antisemitism and Nazi fascism that led to modern genocide.

Reflect on Jewish philanthropy and community in the former Jewish orphanage in Auguststraße and the Jewish Cemetery on Große Hamburger Straße.

Learn about the leading roles that assimilated Jews played in every field of German culture: journalism, education, science, literature, art, music, and business.

Discuss the sinister events leading to Hitler’s “Final Solution” while visiting memorial sites such as the Missing House graphic, the Abandoned Room, and some of the city’s 1,400 Stolpersteine (stumbling cobblestones).

Take in the Neue Synagoge, built 1859-1866 to celebrate Jewish assimilation in Germany, where we outline the growing revival of Berlin’s Jewish community today.

End by paying our respects at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial, while exploring its symbolism and present-day Germany’s often-impressive policies towards responsibility and acknowledgment.

Tour Details

Private tours – $415 USD (1-10 persons) *your guide all to yourself

Small groups – $125 USD per person *still intimate with 8 persons or less

Departure time

Private tours daily at 10 AM and 2 PM

Small groups

• Tuesday 10 AM
• Wednesday 2 PM
• Thursday 2 PM
• Sunday 10 AM

Meeting point

Private tours include a pick-up at your central hotel or flat

Small groups: Restaurant Hackescher Hof, Rosenthaler Strasse 40-41, 10178 Berlin

Availability

Private tours: 1-10 persons Groups of over 10 should contact us at [email protected] in order to get a special rate for their party.

Small groups: 2-8 persons

Participation requirements

As this is a walking tour, please contact us if you have any mobility issues or concerns

Not included

Metro fare: You will need to use public transport a few times since the distances between some key sites are too far to walk. If you do not have a multi-day visitor’s transit pass to Berlin already, we suggest that you purchase the day metro pass. If you cannot purchase it in advance, your guide will help you purchase it at the first metro station on the tour.

What to bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Cash or credit card for the metro fare

About your guide

Read about  our Berlin guides

Cancellation policy

For cancellations 48 hours prior to your scheduled tour, Insight Cities offers a full refund. We cannot refund cancellations within 48 hours of a scheduled tour as we need to pay our guide.

Overview of Your Tour

Although the Jewish experience in Berlin began in the 13th century, intolerance was so entrenched that it took hundreds of years before the city’s first synagogue was erected in Heidereutgasse in 1714. Your tour begins at the remaining foundations of this so-called Old Synagogue, where your guide, a Jewish Studies scholar, will help you to grasp the challenges faced by German Jews during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. They’ll also give you an appreciation for the rich cultural life developed by Berlin’s Jewish community in spite of their vulnerable status.

Assimilated Jews in Berlin played leading roles in every field of German culture: journalism, education, science, literature, art, music, and business. During the short, anxious Weimar era (1919-1933), the great painter Max Liebermann created his works and became head of the Berlin Secessionists. Kurt Weill redefined musical theater. Walter Benjamin penned the whimsical academic essays that inaugurated a philosophy of modernity. Despite the prominence of such figures, anti-Semitic violence of a new degree broke out as early as November 1923. 

Before leaving the “Barn Quarter,” we’ll stop at the kosher coffee shop Beth-Café to consider the renewal of Berlin’s Jewish life today and to admire the ornate Neue Synagoge ( New Synagogue), the architecture of which symbolized and celebrated Jewish assimilation in Germany. It is thus one of the most moving sites on our walk. Today, it is home to the Jewish community revival in Berlin and moreover, houses a gallery with changing exhibitions that you may wish to visit at the tour’s conclusion.

See Our FAQs for More Information

See what our guests are saying, _lizglozman, tripadvisor.

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and took us to places that I never would have found on my own. It was a great experience and I would highly recommend this tour.

Heather, our tour guide, was the best person to take this tour with. Her passion of the topic really shines through into the tour, and I learned so much from it. She is very happy and open to discuss things with you, and is willing to answer any questions you have. Would highly recommend to those who are looking for an overview of all Jewish history in Berlin, as well as specific monuments, plaques, and museums. Fabulous tour.

Isabel Daniel was an amazing guide. She answered every question we asked and was the nicest young lady you could possibly have as a tour guide. By the end of the tour we were inviting her to visit us in Los Angeles. She is completing her Ph.D in the topic we were exploring on this tour. We came away with a much better understanding of the history of Jewish life in Berlin from its beginnings in the 12th century. We highly recommend this tour. This small group turned out to be just myself and my husband.

Our friendly and knowledgeable guide Nadav Jakob met us at the hotel for a private afternoon walk including several minor rides by buss, S- and U-bahn because of the nonstop rain. Despite the weather and very much thanks to Nadav Jakob we had an informative and at times emotionally haunting walk experience.

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Upcoming events

The song of songs – between innocence and audacity.

Tue 4 Jun 2024 7–9 pm

Judaism Aloud

Wed 5 Jun 2024 3–5 pm

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Learn more about available offers and programs, events, and public tours, or buy a ticket online for your planned visit.

To reduce your wait at the Jewish Museum Berlin to a minimum, we recommend reserving a time slot ticket from our online ticket shop in advance. However, walk-in tickets are also available at the ticket desk.

Please note that currently it is only possible to visit ANOHA with a time slot ticket. Please reserve yours before your visit from the online ticket shop.

Public transit: U-Bahn: U1, U6 (to Hallesches Tor) U-Bahn: U6 (to Kochstraße) Bus line 248 (to Jüdisches Museum) Bus line M29 (to Lindenstraße/Oranienstraße) Bus line M41 (to Zossener Brücke)

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3–4 Oct 2024

Rosh ha-Shanah

12 Oct 2024

24 Dec 2023

Christmas Eve

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... and Workshops

You can book tours on various topics as a group or book a public tour. Dates, topics and information on booking and participation can be found on this page.

Tours and workshops for school groups can be found on a separate page of our website .

All our offers can be booked for refugee groups free of charge. We offer reduced prices for individuals who are entitled to a reduction.

Public Tours: Current Dates and Topics of our Guided Tours (8)

Current Dates and Topics of our Guided Tours

You can currently participate in the following public tours. Details and ticket information can be found on the page of the respective guided tour.

Highlights of the Core Exhibition (90 minutes) – in German

The core exhibition and its history of Jews in Germany from the Middle Ages to the present day from a Jewish perspective

Guided Tour Sundays, 11 am

Highlights of the Core Exhibition (90 minutes) – in English

Guided Tour Saturdays, 3 pm

An Audible and Palpable Tour for Visitors with Blindness or Limited Vision

Guided Tour Wed 15 May & 5 Jun 2024, 3 pm

ANOHA for Adults (60 minutes) – in German

A visit to ANOHA – the Children's World of the Jewish Museum Berlin for the inquisitive without children

Guided Tour Every Sunday, 2.45 pm

Pictures Make People

A Museum Visit for People with Dementia and their Companions (in German)   

Guided Tour Wed 17 Apr, Fri 24 May & Thu 13 Jun 2024, 2 pm

Sex: Jewish Positions

Guided Tour Sundays, 1 p.m. (in the period from 2 Jun to 7 Oct 7 2024)

Public tour in Hebrew

Guided Tour Sun, 16 Jun, 21 Jul, 18 Aug & 15 Sep 2024, 1 pm

Bookable Tours and Workshops: Tours for Adults (12)

Tours for Adults

You can book the following tours as a group, a family, a pair, or as an individual. For groups we offer guided tours and workshops on your desired date. You will find details on the page of the tour in question.

Jews in the Christian Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period

Guided Tour By appointment

From the Enlightenment to the Modern Age

Catastrophe

Highlights of the core exhibition.

(for school groups ages 15 to 19)

Religion and Ritual

Guided Tour by appointment

The Museum Made Easy

An inclusive tour in German plain language

Catastrophe. Action from the Underground

Guided Tour 9 Feb to 26 May 2024, by appointment

Antisemitism. The Rumor about Jews

Workshop By appointment

Guided Tour 3 Jun to 7 Oct 2024, by appointment

Duty and Pleasure

For the exhibition Sex. Jewish Positions Duration: 2,5 hours

Workshop 3 Jun to 7 Oct 2024, by appointment

Guided Tours: Access Program (6)

Access Program

Would you like to visit our permanent exhibition and have special needs? Choose a program from our access offers

An inclusive tour in German plain language (for school groups ages 13 to 19)

Highlights Tour in German Sign Language

Der Sonntag eine jüdische Erfindung?

Ein Angebot zum Schabbat für Teilnehmende mit Integrationsstatus oder sonderpädagogischem Förderbedarf

Workshop Termin nach Vereinbarung

Guided Tour Wed 5 Jun 2024, 3 pm

A Museum Visit for People with Dementia and their Companions (in German)

Guided Tour Thu 13 Jun 2024, 2 pm

Accessibility at the Jewish Museum Berlin: An overview

You would like to book a tour? In our FAQs , we answer all the important questions about our tours.

Information and reservation for groups We are reachable Mon–Fri, 10 am–4 pm. T +49 (0)30 259 93 305 [email protected]

Program for Schools

Bookable programs for current exhibitions and beyond

Jewish Life in Germany: Past and Present

More about our core exhibition

Exhibition since Aug 2020

All Content for …

Events, guided tours, concerts, and more

At a Glance…

A Tour of Tour Experiences

Some guides and visitors have written about experiences they had on various tours at the Jewish Museum Berlin

Jewish Berlin: Walking Tour the Old Jewish Quarter (Private 3 Hours Tour)

Step into the intricate tapestry of history as you traverse the Old Jewish Quarter of Berlin on a private 3-hour walking tour. Unravel the threads of the city’s Jewish past woven into every cobblestone street and aged edifice.

From the haunting remnants of Denkmal alte Synagoge to the serene Memorial Jewish Cemetery, each corner holds a story waiting to be uncovered. Explore how this tour unveils the layers of Jewish life in Berlin’s heart, inviting participants to witness the past come to life in a way that truly transcends time.

• Immerse in Berlin’s Jewish heritage
• Explore historic sites with a guide
• Gain insights into Jewish culture and history
• Personalized, exclusive , and intimate experience

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Tour Details

Set out on a captivating journey through the Jewish history of Berlin with a private walking tour that offers an immersive experience in the historic Jewish Quarter. This private experience , priced from $252.26 per group for up to 15 people, ensures an intimate exploration of the area.

The tour, lasting 3 hours , provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the Jewish heritage of Berlin. Language options are available, with tours offered in English and one additional language, allowing guests to engage in their preferred language.

This personalized approach enhances the tour, making it accessible to a wider audience and adding a touch of exclusivity to the experience.

Tour Highlights

Discover the rich tapestry of the Jewish history of Berlin as you join a guide-led walking tour in the vibrant Hackescher Markt area. Enjoy the historical landmarks and Jewish culture of the old Jewish Quarter with stops at Denkmal alte Synagoge and the Memorial Jewish Cemetery. Your tour guide will provide insights into the neighborhood’s past and the lives of its Jewish residents. Gain a deeper understanding of Berlin’s Jewish heritage as you walk through this significant area. Explore the diverse influences that have shaped the community over the years, making this tour a must-do for history enthusiasts and those interested in Jewish culture.

Booking Information

For those interested in securing a spot on the Jewish Berlin Walking Tour, the booking information provides essential details on availability, cancellation policies , and payment options. When considering booking, travelers should keep the following points in mind:

Check availability : Ensure your desired date and time slot is open before confirming your reservation.

Free cancellation : Enjoy the flexibility of canceling your booking for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Reserve Now, Pay Later: Secure your spot in advance without immediate payment, allowing for easy adjustments if needed.

Local time: Note that all cut-off times for cancellations are based on the local time zone of the tour.

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Common questions

Are there any specific dress code requirements for this tour in the jewish quarter.

In the Jewish Quarter, visitors should dress with cultural sensitivity , honoring the historical context. Modest attire is generally appreciated, as a sign of respect for the area’s significance. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the tour.

Is There a Recommended Time of Day to Take This Tour for the Best Experience?

For the best experience, the recommended time to take this tour is early morning. A sunrise tour offers a serene ambiance, cooler temperatures , fewer crowds , and beautiful lighting for exploring the historic Jewish Quarter in Berlin.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour at Certain Locations?

Photography restrictions may apply at certain locations during the tour, out of cultural sensitivity . Visitors should respect any guidelines provided by the tour guide to ensure a respectful and meaningful experience while exploring the Jewish Quarter.

Can Special Dietary Requirements or Food Preferences Be Accommodated During the Tour?

Special dietary accommodations and food preferences can be accommodated during the tour. Travelers should inform the tour provider in advance to ensure a seamless experience. Enjoy a personalized and inclusive journey through Berlin’s Jewish Quarter.

Is There Any Specific Preparation or Background Knowledge Recommended Before Taking This Tour to Better Appreciate the Experience?

Preparation for the tour involves an open mind and readiness to explore the rich Jewish history of Berlin. No specific background knowledge is required, as the guide will provide comprehensive insights during the 3-hour journey.

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Enjoy the rich Jewish history of Berlin with the private 3-hour walking tour of the Old Jewish Quarter. Explore poignant landmarks, explore the neighborhood’s storied past, and learn about its Jewish inhabitants.

With knowledgeable guides, multiple language options , and flexible booking , this tour offers a personalized and informative experience.

Discover the vibrant Jewish legacy of Berlin through this enriching and insightful journey.