Hidden beneath the Parochialkirche on Klosterstraße lies a genuine mummy crypt. Since the 18th century, over 140 exceptionally well-preserved bodiesof wealthy Berlin citizens have rested here—people who actually wanted to spend their final days in peace.
But over the decades, the crypt has attracted researchers, grave robbers, and pranksters alike. If you have the nerve to discover Berlin’s dark side, then be sure to check out this experience, in which you must escape from a dark prison.
The Parochialkirche in Berlin: The Secret of the Mummy Crypt and “Rote Else”
The fact that the bodies down here haven’t decayed isn’t due to any Egyptian ritual, but rather to deliberate architectural design. A 300-year-old ventilation system ensures a constant draft, which has naturally mummified the corpses.
The master builders designed the crypt so that the corpses would dry out quickly due to the drafts before decomposition could set in. On the one hand, this was intended to prevent the smell of decay from spreading into the church. On the other hand, this method of preservation reflected the elite upper class’s desire to defy mortality to some extent.
Things took a truly macabre turn in 1986, however: Unknown individuals broke into the vault, stole a mummy with reddish hair, and placed her on the steps of the Klosterstraße subway station. In East Berlin slang, the lady was henceforth known as “Rote Else.”
Here’s how you can take a peek into the underworld
Out of respect for the peace of the dead and to preserve the delicate climate, the door to the underworld is only open on special occasions, such as Open Monument Day. There are also spooky “Ghostwalk” tours through the old monastery district. At the cemetery, the guides will tell you everything you need to know about the eerie incidents that took place there.
Getting to the Klosterviertel
By public transit, take the U2 to the Klosterstraße station, which is right next to the church. If you’re driving, head to Molkenmarkt, but be prepared to spend some time looking for parking in the surrounding streets or at the nearest parking garage.
📍 Parochialkirche, Klosterstraße 67, 10179 Berlin
📆 Access to the crypt is only available during special guided tours or on Open Monument Day
⏳ Guided horror tours around the church usually last about 1.5 hours
💵 Special themed tours cost about 18 €, free on Open Monument Day
