Berlin's churches open as cool havens amid scorching heatwave

Berlin and Brandenburg are facing intense heat, prompting calls for more cool public spaces. Churches in the region have stepped in to offer refuge, with some already opening their doors to those seeking relief. The move comes as many struggle to find shelter from rising temperatures. The Catholic and Protestant churches have urged their congregations to make suitable church spaces available as cool havens. Many of these buildings stay naturally cool due to their architecture, requiring no air conditioning. However, most churches remain locked to prevent theft, vandalism, and liability issues, making it hard to open them without staffing costs.

Currently, only 13 Protestant churches in Berlin are open every weekday. Apostle Paul Church in Schöneberg stays open daily year-round, thanks to volunteers from the congregation and neighbourhood. St. Mary’s Church also remains open daily, funded by tourist visits that allow it to employ a full-time sexton. Wichern Church in northern Spandau has joined the effort, providing shelter for local residents.

The opposition has criticised the Senate for not providing enough cool spaces during heatwaves. They suggest expanding the initiative to include more public spaces, such as art museums and exhibition halls, and opening them free of charge. With around 400 churches and chapels in Berlin, the potential for additional cool spaces exists. The initiative highlights the need for accessible shelters during extreme heat. The debate now focuses on how to make more venues available without compromising security or incurring high costs.