Wat Buddhavihara

The origins of Wat Buddhavihara trace back to 1991, when Thai Buddhists in Berlin, who had previously met in private circles, founded the Thai Buddhist Association Berlin. Their goal was to raise funds for the establishment of their own temple. In 1992, the abbot of Wat Saket in Bangkok dispatched two missionary monks to Berlin. Initially, a temporary temple was rented on Glasgower Straße in Berlin-Wedding, followed by moves to Potsdamer Straße in Schöneberg and later to Steinkirchener Straße in Wittenau. The official opening of the temple under the name “Wat Buddhavihara Berlin” took place in August 1995. In December 2011, the association acquired a large former industrial site in Berlin-Heinersdorf, which was prepared by monks and community members in the following years. The main Buddha statue was relocated to the new site in July 2013. In June 2023, the sacred area for the future ordination hall was marked.

The monastery is located in the Heinersdorf district of Berlin, Germany.

Currently, three monks and five nuns, mostly of Thai origin, live at the monastery and practice Theravada Buddhism. The Thai Buddhist Association Berlin e. V. operates the monastery. Religious festivals and ceremonies are regularly held, especially for Thai Buddhists. A significant event is the Thai New Year festival, Songkran, in April. Guests are also warmly welcomed to participate in activities or visit the monastery.

• Malchow Palace (palace, approx. 2676 m away)
• Schönhausen Palace (palace, approx. 2941 m away)
• Hohenschönhausen Palace (palace, approx. 4610 m away)
• Rosenthal Manor House (manor house, approx. 5653 m away)