Europe's second-largest department store since 1907, legendary for its 6th-floor food hall with 1,300 varieties of cheese, 400 breads, and gourmet counters from around the world. Fashion, beauty, and home goods across 7 floors.
KaDeWe — the Kaufhaus des Westens (Department Store of the West) — at Tauentzienstraße 21–24 in Berlin's Charlottenburg district is Europe's second-largest department store and one of the most celebrated retail institutions in Germany. Founded in 1907, it occupies approximately 60,000 square metres across seven floors and functions as both a luxury shopping destination and a Berlin cultural landmark. The ground floor is dedicated to fashion accessories, jewellery, watches, and cosmetics, with international luxury brands including Chanel, Dior, and Cartier represented alongside prominent German labels. The first through third floors cover womenswear, menswear, and sportswear from both premium mid-market and high-end designer collections. The fourth floor focuses on home goods, porcelain, and tableware, featuring brands such as Meissen and KPM Berlin alongside international names. KaDeWe's defining attraction is its sixth-floor Feinschmeckeretage (Gourmet Floor), widely regarded as one of the finest food halls in Europe. The floor houses approximately 1,300 varieties of cheese from Germany and around the world, more than 400 types of bread and baked goods, fresh fish and seafood counters, charcuterie sections featuring German, Italian, and Spanish cured meats, a chocolate and confectionery hall, wine and spirits from global producers, and a substantial selection of German regional specialties. Multiple restaurant counters are integrated into the floor, offering oysters, sushi, champagne, and cooked dishes — visitors can eat a full multi-course meal without leaving the food hall. The store caters primarily to an affluent local clientele and international visitors. Payment is accepted by all major credit and debit cards as well as cash throughout the store. Non-EU residents are eligible for Germany's Tax-Free Shopping VAT refund (19%) on purchases over €50; KaDeWe has dedicated tax-free service points on the ground floor. Prices are commensurate with the luxury positioning. Shopping assistants on all floors speak English, and multilingual staff are available in major fashion departments. During sale periods — Sommerschlussverkauf in July and Winterschlussverkauf in January — significant discounts apply across fashion and home goods floors.
| Hours | Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM |
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Highlights
- Legendary 6th-floor Feinschmeckeretage with approximately 1,300 cheese varieties and 400+ bread types
- Seven floors of luxury fashion, home goods, beauty, and sportswear in Berlin's Charlottenburg district
- Multiple in-store restaurant counters including an oyster bar, sushi counter, and champagne service
- Tax-free shopping service point on the ground floor for non-EU visitors
- German luxury brands Meissen and KPM Berlin alongside international fashion houses on the home floor
Tips for visiting
- The 6th-floor Gourmet Floor is the main draw — allow at least an hour to explore it properly
- Non-EU visitors should collect tax-free forms at each point of purchase and visit the ground-floor refund desk before leaving
- The store is busiest on Saturdays and during holiday periods — weekday mornings offer a calmer experience
- Lunch at the Gourmet Floor restaurant counters is expensive; the food market takeaway counters offer more affordable eating
- January and July sales deliver genuine reductions on fashion and home goods from major brands
Frequently asked questions
What does KaDeWe stand for?
KaDeWe stands for Kaufhaus des Westens, meaning Department Store of the West. The name refers to its location in the western part of Berlin and dates from the store's founding in 1907.
How do visitors reach KaDeWe by public transport?
The store is directly adjacent to Wittenbergplatz U-Bahn station (U1/U2/U3), one of Berlin's most distinctive historic stations. The main entrance is visible from the platform exits.
Can non-EU visitors claim VAT refunds at KaDeWe?
Yes. Germany's Tax-Free Shopping scheme refunds 19% VAT on purchases over €50 from participating retailers. KaDeWe is a full participant — collect tax-free forms at point of sale and present them at customs on departure.
Does the Gourmet Floor have seating for eating on-site?
Yes, the 6th floor integrates multiple restaurant counters with bar and table seating. Visitors can purchase food and eat in the hall; reservations are not generally required for counter seating.
Is KaDeWe accessible for wheelchair users?
The store has lifts accessing all seven floors and dedicated accessible entrances. Staff are available to assist, and the wide floor layouts accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids comfortably.