The Ghosts of Spandau Citadel: Berlin’s Fortress of Forgotten Souls



Rising stoically from the banks of the Havel River in western Berlin, Spandau Citadel (Zitadelle Spandau) is one of Europe’s most remarkably preserved Renaissance fortresses. Built in the mid-16th century to defend the strategically vital Spandau district, this moated bastion has seen centuries of conflict, imprisonment, and transformation. Today, it stands as a museum and event space but beneath the exhibitions and cultural displays, visitors often whisper about something older, colder, and unseen: the ghosts of Spandau Citadel.

With tales of sorrowful spirits, echoes of torture, and ghostly apparitions in its darkest corners, the citadel is often described as one of Berlin’s most haunted landmarks.

A Fortress with a Dark Past

Constructed in the 1550s on the remains of a medieval castle, Spandau Citadel was a stronghold designed to defend the region from invasion. Over the centuries, it served as a military garrison, arms depot, barracks, and prison. It survived wars, regime changes, and occupation, bearing witness to everything from the Thirty Years’ War to the rise and fall of the Third Reich. The fortress was also used to house prisoners of war and political dissidents—and it's said that many never left.

The White Lady of the Citadel

Perhaps the most famous ghost said to haunt Spandau Citadel is the "Weiße Frau" (White Lady) a figure seen drifting silently through the Julius Tower, the citadel’s tallest and oldest structure. Legend says she is the spirit of a noblewoman named Anna Sydow, the secret mistress of Joachim II, Elector of Brandenburg.

Before his death, Joachim II promised to care for Anna, but after his passing, she was imprisoned in the citadel by his son, and she reportedly died there, alone and forgotten. Her spirit is said to walk the halls in a white gown, sorrowful and seeking justice. Sightings of her are often accompanied by a sudden drop in temperature or an overwhelming feeling of grief.

The Soldier's Echo

Visitors and staff have also reported phantom footsteps echoing through the stone corridors, believed to be the lingering presence of former guards and soldiers. During its time as a military prison and armory, many men were executed or left to rot in the citadel's shadowy chambers. Some say the spirits of these soldiers still patrol the grounds, especially around the old gunpowder storage areas.

Security guards on night shifts have reported hearing doors slamming, keys jangling, and men shouting in languages long lost to time.

The Haunted Cells

In the deepest levels of the citadel lie the former dungeons, where prisoners were held in brutal conditions. Modern visitors report a heavy, suffocating atmosphere in these rooms. Strange whispers, scratches on the walls, and even cold fingers brushing against skin have all been documented by those daring enough to explore the lower levels after dark.

One room in particular known simply as “Cell 23” is said to be especially active. Paranormal investigators claim to have recorded EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena), with voices saying "hilf mir" ("help me") or simply weeping.

A Beacon for the Brave

Despite its dark reputation, the citadel continues to attract thousands of visitors each year. By day, it’s a vibrant cultural site, hosting concerts, festivals, and exhibitions. But after the sun sets, its moats, towers, and tunnels take on a far more sinister character.

Ghost tours and private investigations have become increasingly popular, as thrill-seekers and spiritualists alike seek to uncover the secrets still echoing within the walls.

History That Won’t Stay Buried

Spandau Citadel is more than a monument to Berlin’s military pas it’s a living memory, where centuries of pain and power have left their mark. Whether you come for the history or the hauntings, you’ll leave with the distinct feeling that you weren’t walking alone.

Would you visit after dark? If you hear the sound of footsteps behind you or see a flash of white in the Julius Tower, don’t look back too quickly. You might find someone waiting.