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.
Das Buddhistische Haus at a Glance#
Address: Das Buddhistische Haus, Am Schlangenbader Str. 8, 12159 Berlin (Friedenau/Zehlendorf), Germany
Website: https://www.buddhistischer-haus.de/
Hours: Visitor hours vary with events; generally open daily for visitors and worshippers - check the centre’s website for exact schedules
Admission: Free entry; donations welcome for events and upkeep
About Das Buddhistische Haus#
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Das Buddhistische Haus#
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -2° - 3° | -4° | 42 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -2° - 4° | -3° | 34 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 1° - 8° | 1° | 41 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 4° - 13° | 6° | 36 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 9° - 19° | 14° | 53 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 12° - 21° | 17° | 64 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 14° - 23° | 18° | 56 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 13° - 23° | 18° | 56 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 10° - 18° | 14° | 45 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 6° - 13° | 7° | 38 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 2° - 7° | 1° | 44 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -1° - 4° | -2° | 55 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
