If you’re thinking about having a baptism, there’s no need to plan an elaborate family celebration: At the baptismal celebration hosted by the Evangelical Church in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf on the Havel, baptisms take place outdoors, along with celebrations and picnics. For the first time this year, two pastors will even be pedaling for the guests.
Image gallery
Tauffest 2023 Pfarrer Oliver Neick bei der Taufe
Tauffest 2025 Badestelle Schildhorn
For the fourth time, the Evangelical Church in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is inviting everyone to this special open-air service at the Schildhorn swimming area in Grunewald.
The open-air service on Sunday, July 5, 2026, begins at 11 a.m. In addition to the children being baptized and their families and friends, everyone who would like to experience a cheerful summer service is invited.
New this year is a special shuttle service organized by Charlottenburg pastors Oliver Neick and Eike Thies, who are leading the event with a team: They will transport guests who are unable to walk the roughly ten-minute journey from the bus stop to the swimming area via a bicycle rickshaw. This is intended to make the event more accessible and inclusive.
“Many people want a festive yet uncomplicated setting for a baptism. At our baptismal celebration, they experience this spiritual moment in the midst of nature—surrounded by music, community, and God’s blessing,” says Oliver Neick, pastor of the Gustav Adolf Parish. Baptisms take place on the riverbank or—if desired—by full immersion in the waters of the Havel. Last year, around 130 people came to the Havel to celebrate together. This time, too, there will be live music and creative activities for children. Anyone who wishes may receive a personal blessing during the service. For the picnic afterward, everyone brings something—for themselves or to share with other guests.
Those interested can register until shortly before the event. A preliminary meeting with one of the pastors will be arranged individually; a baptism class is not required.
Address
Schildhorn swimming area on the Havel River, Straße am Schildhorn 7, 14193 Berlin
Public transportation: Bus 218 (Schildhorn stop), then a 10- to 15-minute walk.
Contact for questions and baptism registration
Pastor Oliver Neick, Phone: 030 34 50 08 29, Email: neick@gustav-adolf-gemeinde.de
Pastor Eike Thies, Phone: 0151 11 13 52 65, Email: thies@luisenkirche.de
Additional information
Dates
July 2026
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