Grunewald Hunting Lodge

Jagdschloss Grunewald, a Renaissance hunting lodge on the shore of Grunewaldsee lake, is the oldest surviving palace in Berlin. Hidden in the Grunewald forest in the leafy Dahlem district, it combines a lakeside walk with an excellent art collection, including the city's largest group of paintings by Lucas Cranach. It makes a relaxed half-day escape from central Berlin, but note that the exhibition closes for building work from November 2026.

History in brief

Elector Joachim II of Brandenburg had the lodge built in 1542 and 1543, probably to plans by Caspar Theiss. It was first called "Zum grünen Wald," meaning "at the green forest," which gave the whole Grunewald area its name. King Frederick I added Baroque touches between 1705 and 1708, including a mansard roof. Hunting continued here into the 19th century, and the building has been a museum since 1932, today run by the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation (SPSG).

What to see

• The Cranach collection, almost 30 works by Lucas Cranach the Elder and the Younger, including a cycle of Passion scenes.
• Berlin's only surviving Renaissance hall.
• The Hohenzollern portrait gallery on the second floor, currently open only on special tours.
• The hunting-equipment storehouse, a small hunting museum since 1977 with antlers, firearms and hunting gear.
• The lake terrace, with stone urns and a quiet view across Grunewaldsee.

Tickets and opening hours (as of October 2026)

• April to October: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• From November 2, 2026: The exhibition closes for renovation, probably until April 2027. The ground floor opens for the Christmas market on December 5 and 6, 2026, and for selected events.
• Admission: €8, reduced €6; family ticket (two adults and up to four children) €16.

Guided tours are in German, with information available in other languages. Popular tour dates sell out quickly.

How to get there

From central Berlin, take public transport to the "Königin-Luise-Str./Clayallee" bus stop in Dahlem and walk about 1.2 kilometers through the forest. The trip takes well under an hour from Mitte and is covered by the Deutschlandticket. Parking at the lodge is limited and paid, so public transport or a bike is the better choice on sunny weekends.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you like Renaissance art or simply want a forest walk with a destination. Plan two to three hours for the museum, the café in the half-timbered courtyard house and a loop around the lake. Accessibility is limited: the courtyard and hunting museum can be reached with assistance, but the upper floors cannot, and strollers are not allowed inside. Check the SPSG website for reopening news before planning a visit between November 2026 and spring 2027.