Das Buddhistische Haus

Temple Historic Buddhist center in Berlin, Europe's oldest temple

On Berlin’s outskirts, Das Buddhistische Haus houses a Buddhist centre, meditation programs and a garden in a bungalow-style compound; visitors attend retreats, guided talks or view the building and its quiet grounds.

Main image

Das Buddhistische Haus is a historic Buddhist centre and monastery in the Frohnau district of Berlin, established in the 1920s and functioning as a centre for Buddhist study and practice.

The property combines a shrine room for ceremonies, communal spaces, a library of Buddhist literature and residential quarters for monastics and guests. Architectural details and interior woodwork reflect influences from South and Southeast Asian Buddhist building traditions.

Founded by Dr. Paul Dahlke in the mid-1920s as a place for Buddhist study and retreat, the house has operated as a mission and meeting place for European Buddhists since its establishment and has hosted visiting teachers and monastics over many decades.

Set in the residential neighbourhood of Frohnau in the north of Berlin, the house is accessible by local public transport from central Berlin.

  • Founding date and use: Founded in the mid-1920s by Dr. Paul Dahlke, it is one of the earliest established Buddhist houses in Europe and remains an active centre for Theravada practice and teaching.
  • Facilities: Located in the Frohnau district of northern Berlin, the site includes a shrine room, library and residential quarters used by visiting monks and practitioners.
Das Buddhistische Haus
Das Buddhistische Haus, Am Schlangenbader Str. 8, 12159 Berlin (Friedenau/Zehlendorf), Germany
52.6358, 13.3029
Visitor hours vary with events; generally open daily for visitors and worshippers - check the centre's website for exact schedules
Free entry; donations welcome for events and upkeep

How to Get to Das Buddhistische Haus #

Take the S-Bahn to Berlin-Wannsee or Rathaus Steglitz and then a short taxi or bus ride into the Friedenau/Zehlendorf district. The site is located in a residential area with limited parking.

Tips for Visiting Das Buddhistische Haus #

  • Check the schedule for English-language dhamma talks - the centre runs regular teachings and retreats.
  • Visit the library for rare German-language Buddhist texts and historic photos from the 1920s.
  • Arrive by S-Bahn to Berlin-Wannsee and take a short taxi or local bus; parking in the residential district is limited.

Best Time to Visit Das Buddhistische Haus #

Das Buddhistische Haus functions year-round as a living monastery and centre for practice; check the programme calendar for public events and guided visits.

Spring
April-June · 8-22°C
Gardens revive and the courtyard is pleasant for outdoor quiet time.
Autumn
September-November · 5-15°C
Fewer tourists and a quieter schedule for retreats and talks.

Weather & Climate near Das Buddhistische Haus #

Climate

Das Buddhistische Haus's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (564 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 21°

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
14° 23°

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 18°

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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