Dorotheenstädtische Buchhandlung

The Dorotheenstädtische Bookshop opposite the Moabit Criminal Court

The Dorotheenstädtische Bookshop on Turmstraße boasts perhaps the most striking neighborhood a Berlin bookshop can have: directly opposite stands the Moabit Criminal Court, Europe’s largest courthouse. The shop has been at this address since 1979, and its location has shaped its selection over the decades. The bus stop right outside is aptly named Kriminalgericht Moabit and is served by Tram M10 and buses M27 and 123; the Turmstraße subway station is a bit further west.

The establishment is run by Klaus-Peter Rimpel, who, in addition to Moabit, operates a second branch in the Spandau pedestrian zone by St. Nicholas Church. Both shops complement each other, and some titles are explicitly only available in Spandau. Those arriving by car should be aware that Turmstraße is part of parking zone 75 in the Mitte district, and parking there is subject to fees. With almost half a century at the same address, the bookshop is one of the most enduring establishments in Moabit’s retail sector.

Berlin Literature, Specialist Books, and Literature Circle in Moabit

The selection at Dorotheenstädtische Buchhandlung consciously steers clear of the mainstream. Novels and non-fiction books about Berlin form a key focus, supplemented by art, thrillers, legal specialist literature, children’s books, and Jewish literature. The legal department almost naturally arose from its neighborhood, as anyone working at or having business with the court will find suitable commentaries and textbooks directly opposite. The Berlin section also features titles that are long out of print. A photo book like “Mein Spandau” costs 29.80 Euros; for new releases, the statutory fixed book price applies.

The heart of the program is the Moabit Literature Circle, which meets once a month. Stephan von Dassel and Klaus-Peter Rimpel discuss new, old, exciting, scandalous, over- or underrated, but in any case, worthwhile literature there. Additionally, there is a packed reading program that addresses the history of the neighborhood, such as the deportations from Moabit freight station, along with evenings about Else Ury, Franz Hessel, or Berlin legends. Admission to all events is free; telephone registration is requested.