Eisenherz Buchladen

Much more than a bookshop

In a world where visibility, diversity and equality still have to be fought for, there are places that are more than just shops – they are sanctuaries, meeting places, cultural stages. The Eisenherz bookshop is exactly such a place. Nestled in the historic queer neighbourhood around Motzstraße, it has been a symbol of queer joie de vivre, education and resistance for decades. Anyone who steps inside immediately senses that this is not just a place to buy books – here, you are understood and well advised, often going beyond a simple book recommendation.

The Eisenherz bookshop is one of the oldest and most renowned LGBTQ+ bookshops in Europe. At first glance, it looks like a classic, lovingly curated bookshop – but if you take a little time, you’ll quickly discover the political, social and emotional depth with which the collection is curated. Alongside specialist literature, novels and biographies, Eisenherz also provides a space for queer voices that are often lost in the mainstream media.

Part of Berlin’s queer history since 1978

The bookshop was founded in 1978 – a courageous time for queer visibility, in the midst of a society marked by discrimination and police violence. Back then, the shop was still based on Bülowstraße, before moving to Motzstraße in 2014 after a few other locations – to the heart of Berlin-Schöneberg, which has been a queer hub of the city since the 1920s. Added to this is the exhibition space where new queer artists are showcased every month. Incidentally, the name “Eisenherz” comes from the famous comic book character “Prince Eisenherz” – a tongue-in-cheek symbol of strength, freedom and a spirit of adventure.

Over the decades, the bookshop has been not only a retail outlet but also a place of encounter, education and political activism. Many projects, organisations and initiatives have their roots here, such as the SchwuZ and Berlin’s queer city magazine, the Siegessäule. Eisenherz survived the AIDS crisis, political setbacks and gentrification – and today stands as a rock in the storm of queer cultural history.

Books for all generations

The heart of the shop is, of course, the books: fiction, children’s and young adult books, biographies, queer comics, erotic literature, crime novels, academic texts and much more. The range of titles is particularly impressive: here you’ll find works by trans authors, lesbian coming-of-age stories and gay romance, as well as intersectional essays and historical documentaries.

Why are these books so important? Because they give queer people a sense of identity and representation – and enable others to understand new perspectives. A children’s book featuring two dads can be just as revolutionary as a queer romance novel for adults. Literature brings people together, and Eisenherz is the ideal platform for this.

Tips & Highlights

• New releases & bestsellers: Our staff always have excellent recommendations – personalised on request.
• Queer children’s & young adult books: Ideal for progressive parents or queer young people on a journey of self-discovery.
• Artistic niches & rarities: Here you’ll find works that are hard to come by online.
• A wide selection of books in the original English, as well as some French and Spanish titles.
• Dedicated staff: Friendly, well-read and open-minded – you’ll feel welcome straight away.

Events & programme

Eisenherz is not just a bookshop, but also a cultural venue. Readings, discussion panels, film evenings and workshops take place regularly – often featuring renowned authors, activists or up-and-coming talents. The shop also hosts its own events during Pride Week and the Lesbian and Gay City Festival .

Particular highlights include book launches by queer authors and the Rainbow Readings for children, which help young people experience diversity from an early age. Find all current events here.