Konditorei & Café Buchwald

Where Tiergarten meets tradition: Konditorei-Café Buchwald on Bartningallee in Moabit is Berlin's oldest confectionery, known for its legendary Baumkuchen since 1852 and still family-owned. Those who manage to get a seat here experience coffee house culture at its finest.

Konditorei & Café Buchwald: Berlin’s Baumkuchen Legend

Some places don’t need reinvention. Café Buchwald in Berlin is an institution and remains one of the city’s oldest cafés. As early as 1852, master confectioner Gustav Buchwald produced the finest Baumkuchen in his hometown of Cottbus, back then over an open fire. In 1883, Gustav moved to Berlin, gained a royal audience, and proved that Baumkuchen deserved the title “King of Cakes.” At that time, Buchwald received the status of Royal Prussian Court Supplier. Since then, the café has not rested on its laurels. The confectionery has been family-owned for 170 years and has been run exclusively by women since 1935. The current owner, Andrea Tönges, has been the proprietor since 2015 and has successfully completed her master’s examination.

Baumkuchen, Cakes, and over 55 Reasons to Return

Stepping into the café is like traveling back in time. Entering the guest room at Café Buchwald, you embark on a journey through time. Art Nouveau wallpapers meet brown wooden chairs, grandfather clocks meet Art Deco mirrors. Naturally, everything here revolves around cake. The absolute specialty of Konditorei & Café Buchwald is the chocolate Baumkuchen, a layer cake made according to an old secret recipe. However, it would be a shame to stop there. The cake counter is well-stocked with cream and fruit tarts, as well as cheesecakes and small tarts. But of course, there is one thing above all: Baumkuchen. And in all imaginable forms and variations. From Baumkuchen cake to Baumkuchen corners and Baumkuchen sundaes, Café Buchwald truly has everything a Baumkuchen lover could desire. Beyond the classic, the selection also impresses: the cakes are available in over 55 variations, for example with raspberry cream or honey sea buckthorn filling, with blueberries and lemon, or with strawberries and passion fruit. Those who also snag a table on the terrace can enjoy their coffee and cake with a view of the Spree. Patience is especially required on sunny days.