Long Night of Religions Berlin

One Night, Fifty Temples

The Long Night of Religions is a Berlin invention by the initiative Berliner Forum der Religionen, launched in 2012 with the unusual concept of opening all Berlin religious communities simultaneously. With around fifty participating sites annually — Christian churches of all denominations, Sunni and Shiite mosques, Orthodox and liberal synagogues, Buddhist centers (e.g., Bodhicharya), Sikh temples, Hindu temples, Bahá'í Houses, and Ahmadiyya communities — the format reflects Berlin's religious diversity like no other event.

What Happens on a Long Night

Each participating community designs its own program. Christian churches typically open with concerts, tours of the sacred spaces, and explanations of liturgy. Mosques offer explanations of Friday prayers, calligraphy exhibitions, and tea receptions. Synagogues provide tours of their Torah shrines and mikvahs. Buddhist centers offer guided meditations. Sikh temples invite guests to Langar (communal meal service). Hindu temples showcase ritual performances. In addition, there are overarching panel discussions, often on the annual theme — in 2026, the motto is 'Compassion'.

The Berliner Forum der Religionen

The Berliner Forum der Religionen is an initiative group founded in 2007 by representatives of all Berlin religious communities. The Long Night is supported by the Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion and the Dr. Buhmann Foundation for Interreligious Understanding. A preparatory meeting of all participating communities will take place on June 29, 2026, at the Bodhicharya Center in Berlin-Pankow.