Die Geisterschmiede Berlin
The fall of Philosophy!
Cheong Kin from Berlin
Prenzlauer Allee’s secondhand bookstore Die Geisterschmiede (literally “The Mind Smiths”) was one of my first discoveries in Berlin when I moved back to the city from Belgium in 2017. That summer, I was wandering around with Belgian artists Mathilde Denison, Noémie Sonveau and Sarah Bello Vega and found here a propaganda book from the Chinese Cultural Revolution. I would say it is kind of a must-see in East Berlin: books are piled up like Jenga and the corner of many philosophical classics published by Suhrkamp is just too “dangerous.” When the books fall, the shopkeeper always say in German “Oh, the classical fall!”
Prices might look slightly higher than in Kreuzberg for example. But, for those who read German, Die Geisterschmiede is good and practical, especially when one looks for philosophical classics, which are quite complete here. My biggest love is their beautiful collection of World and German regional fairy tales, the richest one in town, I would say. Beautiful children books in German are also to be found. Some English books are available, I personally also found an I-Ching in classical Chinese, or a German-Mongolian dictionary. The shopkeeper is a very kind German father, very well informed and always friendly to offer help or suggestions to those who are squeezing into this book labyrinth.
Berlin Spotter Cheong Kin
About this spot
Prenzlauer Allee 198
- Mon - Sat 11:00 - 19:00
€
no-price
3064496715
Our Berlin City Guide
Find your way with 217 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Berlin
Idealpassage
A historic walk in Neukölln
"Idealpassage" in Berlin takes you on a historic walk - this passage reveals a complex from a century ago that served as a model for 'social housing'...
by
Anna
Hantelmann
Oxfam Schöneberg
International books for charity
"Oxfam Schöneberg" in Berlin deals in second-hand books! It offers a surprisingly interesting variety of international books...
by
Cheong Kin
Man
Buchhandlung Moritzplatz
In Kreuzberg’s heart
"Buchhandlung Moritzplatz" in Berlin is hosted by Aufbau Verlag, once the biggest belles-lettres publisher in Easy Germany and still one of my favorites!
by
Cheong Kin
Man
Unterwegs
Best alternative souvenirs
"Unterwegs" is a magnificent antiquarian bookstore specialised in architecture, photography, Berlin-Brandenburg and travel. Very aesthetically pleasing!
by
Cheong Kin
Man
Mauerpark’s Books
Time to bargain!
"Mauerpark’s Books" in Berlin is perfect for old book lovers - and people who like bargaining for the best price!
by
Cheong Kin
Man
Troika
Only on Spotted by Locals
"Troika" is a nice little bookshop among the Prenzlauer Berg bars and restaurants. It's a little nostalgic treasure - you're lucky if you find it open!
by
Cheong Kin
Man
a Livraria
Italian and Portuguese books
"a Livraria" in Berlin gives the street it's one a nice Latin American vibe. An essential shop for Portuguese and Italian language readers in the city...
by
Cheong Kin
Man
Prior & Mumpitz
Bookstore surrounded by 5 cafés
"Prior & Mumpitz" in Berlin is a tiny bookstore next to a ping pong table area specialized in children books - they even have a children's book club!
by
Cheong Kin
Man
Moby Dick
To make a street complete with books
"Moby Dick" in East Berlin makes the street it's on complete: apart from everything else, you can also eat & drink intellectually at this book store!
by
Cheong Kin
Man
Antiquariat Wegner
A must sight to see
"Antiquariat Wegner" in Berlin is an antiquarian bookstore that's just a paradise for German-speaking books. I admire it profoundly.
by
Cheong Kin
Man
Tucholsky-Buchhandlung
In the name of the writer
"Tucholsky-Buchhandlung' in Berlin offers general literature for very reasonable prices. Clients coming to pick up their pre-ordered loves warms my heart!
by
Cheong Kin
Man
Winterfeldt Schokoladen
Cafe in an old pharmacy
"Winterfeldt Schokoladen" in Berlin offers not only great coffee but also chocolates & some sweet treats! My choice is usually the shamanic chilli cacao...
by
Rafael
Dujarric
Heading to Berlin?
217 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Berlin?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 217 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Berlin
Get to know our other Spotters from Berlin
As featured on:
