Lichtenberg is home to a surprising number of Berlin's historical museums, where you can learn fascinating details about the post-war era in the GDR. The district also offers architectural gems, sporting activities and contemporary art and theatre – everything needed for a well-rounded visit. Our 11 tips guide you to the best attractions, providing an authentic taste of East Berlin's diversity and charm. Come with us on a varied tour through Lichtenberg.
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Tip 1: Ride the waves at Wellenwerk
The perfect wave is calling at Wellenwerk Berlin, where surf enthusiasts can enjoy the ultimate wave-riding experience in any weather. Opened in 2019, Berlin's first indoor surfing centre features the nine-metre-wide citiwave®, a lifestyle restaurant, surf shop, mixology bar, motorbike factory, beer garden and surfboard workshop. But it's not just for seasoned surfers – beginners can also take a surf course and learn to pop up with the help of instructors. The hall is always kept at a balmy 26°C – so forget Malibu and just catch a wave right here in the city.
Where: Landsberger Allee 270, Lichtenberg
When: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8am - 11am and 5pm - 11pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am - 11pm, Monday and Tuesday 8am - 11am
Tip 2: See the light at DARK MATTER
Berlin light artist Christopher Bauder and his studio WHITEvoid present DARK MATTER, a multidimensional parallel world of light, space and sound. Within the pitch-black confines of a converted factory, visitors immerse themselves in seven interactive works, from intimate light compositions to room-encompassing audiovisual performances. This collection of multimedia installations, some supported by an innovative 3D sound system, transforms the space into an ever-changing sensory exploration.
Where: Köpenicker Chaussee 46, Lichtenberg
When: Wednesday and Thursday 2pm - 10pm, Friday 12pm - 11pm, Saturday 11am - 11pm, Sunday 11am - 10pm
Tip 3: Explore political history at the Hohenschönhausen Memorial
The Hohenschönhausen Memorial tells the story of the darker side of the German Democratic Republic and its haunting 44-year history of political persecution. From its origins as a Soviet detention camp in 1945 to its transformation into the GDR's main remand centre, this former Stasi prison housed thousands of political prisoners. Today, contemporary witnesses guide visitors through the preserved sections and cramped cells. The individual fates of the oppressed are revealed in a compelling exhibition that urges us never to forget this crucial part of German history.
Where: Genslerstraße 66, Hohenschönhausen
When: Daily 9am - 6pm
More About Gedenkstätte Hohenschönhausen
Tip 4: Glimpse into the past at the Stasi Museum
Enter the covert world of the secret police at the Stasi Museum. Housed in the former GDR Ministry for State Security headquarters on Normannenstraße, this is where the Stasi developed sinister tools and techniques to spy on its own people. The building served as Erich Mielke's office from 1961 until 1990, when it was seized by demonstrators and transformed into a memorial and research centre. The permanent exhibition sheds light on state surveillance methods, while the ministerial offices, preserved in their original state, provide a chilling glimpse into history.
Where: Normannenstraße 20/Haus 1, Lichtenberg
When: Monday to Friday 10am - 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am – 6pm
Tip 5: Indulge in a taste of Asia at the Dong Xuan Center
Once inside the gates of the Dong Xuan Center, it's easy to forget you're in Berlin. This vast Asian marketplace in Lichtenberg boasts over 400 stalls – a shopper's paradise for anything from floral bouquets to accessories and fancy costumes. The bustling indoor market captures the lively spirit of Hanoi, offering goods and services from various parts of Asia. It also features several excellent restaurants where visitors can enjoy the authentic flavours of Vietnam.
Where: Herzbergstraße 128-139, Lichtenberg
When: Wednesday to Monday 10am - 8pm
More about Dong Xuan Center
Tip 6: Enjoy a children's play at Theater an der Parkaue
One of the biggest state theatres for children and young people in Germany, Theater an der Parkaue has been enchanting audiences since 1950 with a diverse repertoire spanning classical to contemporary dramas. The theatre occupies a Renaissance-inspired building dating back to 1911, featuring three stages and over 600 seats. This landmark venue continues to captivate and innovate with imaginative performances and experimental plays, catering to all ages and tastes.
Where: Parkaue 29, Lichtenberg
When: See listings for showtime
More about Theater an der Parkaue
Tip 7: Marvel at modernist architecture at Lemke Haus
Discover the fascinating history behind Lemke Haus, a simple and elegant New Objectivity-style building in Alt-Hohenschönhausen. This stunning example of classic modernism was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and completed in 1933. Also known as also known as the Mies van der Rohe Haus, it was the architect's last German project before he fled Nazi persecution to the US. The L-shaped layout incorporates a sandstone-paved terrace, echoing the courtyard house concept. Acquired by the GDR in 1962, it was restored in 2002 and now hosts exhibitions and guided tours.
Where: Oberseestraße 60, Alt-Hohenschönhausen
When: Daily 11am - 5pm; closed on Mondays
More about the Mies van der Rohe House
Tip 8: Examine post-war relics at the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst
Museum Berlin-Karlshorst takes visitors on an important journey through history from both German and Soviet perspectives, exploring the consequences of the war and fostering cross-cultural understanding. This is where the commanders of the Wehrmacht signed the unconditional surrender ending World War II in Europe in 1945. The significance of the site is revealed through exhibits, including a Soviet T34 tank, propaganda and war artefacts, which vividly bring the wartime experiences to life.
Where: Zwieseler Straße 4, Karlshorst
When: Daily 10am - 6pm; closed on Mondays
More about Museum Berlin-Karlshorst
Tip 9: Brush up on local history at Museum Lichtenberg im Stadthaus
Lichtenberg's eventful 700-year history comes alive at Museum Lichtenberg, housed within the historic town hall. Explore the district's past and present in the permanent exhibition, which examines the themes of work, life and change in the district. The four rooms include changing special exhibitions that weave a unique narrative, inviting visitors to actively participate in shaping the future of the museum. Conveniently situated between Nöldnerplatz and Ostkreuz, this cultural landmark serves as a gateway to Lichtenberg's local heritage.
Where: Türrschmidtstraße 24, Lichtenberg
When: Daily 11am - 6pm; closed on Mondays
More about Museum Lichtenberg at the Stadthaus
Tip 10: Discover theatre tailored to teens at Theater Strahl
Theater Strahl understands the unique challenges young people face. At Ostkreuz and two other locations in Berlin, the theatre offers teens room for expression, addressing their aspirations and dreams as well as their hopes and fears about the future through powerful performances. Dismantling clichés and breaking language barriers, the theatre stages plays that are universally understood, fostering inclusivity. It also hosts drama workshops and discussion groups, creating a dynamic space for meaningful exchanges.
Where: Marktstraße 11, Rummelsburg
When: See listings for showtimes
Tip 11: Stop in for a bite at KaWi café & lunch
Did someone say bagels, croissants and pancakes with maple syrup? KaWi café & lunch gets you off to an energetic start in the morning with a breakfast box for two, which you can order the day before. The kitchen team will also see you through the rest of the day with healthy and hearty lunch options, including soups and pasta. Then it's time for an aromatic coffee along with an array of exquisite cakes and tarts in the afternoon. No matter what time of day, KaWi café & lunch crafts each dish with love, passion and a focus on regional ingredients.
Where: Wandlitzstraße 1-3, Karlshorst
When: Monday to Saturday 9am - 6pm, Sunday 10am - 6pm
