The Grunewald Hunting Lodge, an extraordinary Renaissance structure nestled in the forest, right on the shore of Grunewald Lake, is an interesting destination in Berlin.

Step into history at Grunewald Hunting Lodge, where art, nature, and royal hunts meet.

The Grunewald Hunting Lodge, the oldest castle in Berlin, is an exceptional Renaissance building located on the shore of Grunewald Lake. It is renowned for its significant art collections, historical exhibitions, and cultural events, offering a fascinating insight into the history and development of portrait art from the Renaissance to the Romantic period.

The castle served as a hunting station for a long time. The Hohenzollern noble family held hunts there from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. The permanent exhibition features depictions of court hunts and hunting festivals as part of the displays. The castle is home to a museum with over 150 paintings and Berlin's largest Cranach collection. The collection is further complemented by a series of portraits of Brandenburg-Prussian rulers from the 15th to the 19th century, providing a captivating look into the evolution of portraiture from the Renaissance to Romanticism. Additionally, on the first floor, you'll find an exhibition about the history of the castle and an exhibition on the history of hunting, construction, and excavations.

The castle has also served as a filming location several times, such as for the Edgar Wallace adaptation "The Blue Hand." Numerous concerts and cultural events from Berlin's vibrant scene take place at the Grunewald Hunting Lodge.

Additionally, you can visit the "Grunewald Tower" in the Grunewald Forest. Built from red brick in 1899 in the style of Brandenburg brick Gothic, the tower stands 55 meters tall. After being closed for four years, it reopened to visitors in 2011. There is an observation platform at a height of 36 meters, offering a unique view over the Havel River.

After your visit, we recommend the restaurant in the Russian log cabin style, with a breathtaking view of the Havel landscape, or the former post station nearby.

The Grunewald Hunting Lodge

Location & Sights nearby

In a green oasis, nestled in the forest and right on the shore of Lake Grunewald, stands the Grunewald Hunting Lodge. Opposite the lodge is the Hunting Armory, where you can learn more about the history of courtly hunting. A bit further into the Grunewald, you’ll find Teufelsberg. Curious visitors can explore a deserted, newly redesigned radar station from the Cold War. From there, you get a perfect view of the city. The Grunewald is also an ideal destination for bike trips. Visit our blog: “5 Diverse Bike Routes through Berlin.”

A Brief History of Grunewald Hunting Lodge

In 1542/43, the Grunewald Hunting Lodge was built and remains the oldest surviving palace structure in Berlin. The construction was commissioned by the Brandenburg Elector Joachim II Hector. A building in the Early Renaissance style was erected, likely attributed to the architect Caspar Theiss. The building was named "Zum grünen Wald" (The Green Forest), which gave the surrounding forest its name "Grunewald." Around 1800, the lodge was also renamed Grunewald.

Under Friedrich I, the hunting lodge was transformed with Baroque-style elements. In 1973, the unique Renaissance Hall was restored during renovation and reconstruction work.

We owe the "Hunting Gear Magazine" to Friedrich the Great. In 1765, the hunting court on Friedrichswerder was dissolved, and around 1770, Friedrich the Great opened the Hunting Gear Magazine at Grunewald Hunting Lodge. Wooden hooks on the ceiling still remind us of this era. However, no hunting weapons were stored there. The Hunting Gear Magazine was used until the dissolution of the imperial court hunting ground in 1904. Afterward, it was repurposed as a stable for horses and a carriage house, and in the 1920s, it was even used by a mounted police unit. Since 1977, visitors have once again been able to view the hunting collections, complementing the exhibition on courtly hunting in the palace.

Address, opening hours ...

Address: Hüttenweg 100, 14193 Berlin
Opening times: January and February closed March: Sat and Sun 10 AM - 4 PM, April to October: Tue-Sun 10 AM -6 PM
Admission: 6 Euro, reduced 5 Euros
Connections: S-Bahn station Grunewald (S7), from S Grunewald train station with the 186 bus to station Roseneck

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source: By jensMarder (Own work) , via Wikimedia Commons

Step into history at Grunewald Hunting Lodge, where art, nature, and royal hunts meet.