Bernau near Berlin combines Bauhaus history with a remarkably well-preserved town wall. The town lies about ten kilometres northeast of Berlin. Its historical themes range from the Bauhaus period between the World Wars to Romanesque architectural features dating to around 1200, historic fortifications and art from the early 16th century. For a culture-focused trip, Bernau offers several distinct historical points of interest, without limiting your visit to a single era.
Bauhaus and UNESCO World Heritage
The ADGB Trade Union School in Bernau is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau”. The Bauhaus complex in Bernau was designed and built between 1928 and 1930 under Hannes Meyer and Hans Wittwer, with all the Bauhaus workshops involved. The combination of a precisely dated construction period and the workshops’ joint work gives the UNESCO theme a concrete architectural focus here. The visitor centre, which opened in 2022, provides information about the Bauhaus UNESCO World Heritage site and offers educational content. If you plan to visit, check the current opening hours and visitor arrangements before travelling.
Town Wall, Stone Gate and Executioner’s House
Bernau’s town wall is remarkably well preserved. Originally, it was a fieldstone fortification about 1.5 kilometres long and roughly eight metres high, with three gates and two round towers. The Stone Gate is Bernau near Berlin’s only surviving town gate and has housed a museum since 1882. The Executioner’s House Museum explores the history of executioners in Bernau; its exhibits include a 16th-century executioner’s sword and a burgher’s parlour.
Church and Art from Different Centuries
St Mary’s Church also brings together different periods: its north side features Romanesque round arches dating to around 1200. The altar retable was created in 1511 in the circle of Lucas Cranach the Elder. About three centuries separate the round arches from the panel painting, offering a concrete point of comparison for Bernau’s architectural and art history.
Getting There and the Hussite Festival
You can reach Bernau from Berlin by S-Bahn line 2 and regional train. By car, it is possible to travel from Berlin via the B2 or A11. Check current timetables before setting out; road conditions and traffic can vary.
The Hussite Festival transforms Bernau near Berlin’s historic town centre into a medieval-themed event featuring performers, a market and a historical procession. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates and programme in advance.
Barnim as a Regional Setting
Bernau lies on the edge of Barnim Nature Park. The wider Barnim destination also features distinct regional attractions: Chorin Monastery is a key work of North German Brick Gothic, and the Niederfinow Boat Lift is Germany’s oldest still-operating boat lift. The natural landscape offers cycling in Barnim Nature Park, numerous swimming lakes with recreational opportunities, and a 610-kilometre network of cycle routes in Barnim district. The 143-kilometre “Around the Schorfheide” circular hiking trail also passes through Barnim Nature Park. Check current trail conditions before setting out on a specific hike.
Discover more destinations: Schönow, Börnicke, Lindow, Werneuchen, Eberswalde, Schorfheide, Hohenfinow, Wandlitz.
View the regional travel overview: Barnim.
