Anyone who has ever been to Berlin has seen it. Indeed, it is hard to imagine not being able to take notice of it. No wonder - the Berlin Television Tower, which is 368 metres tall, is the highest publicly accessible building in Europe. But it’s even more than that.
The Berlin Television Tower, or the Berliner Fernsehturm as it is known to Berliners, was inaugurated on 3 October 1969 just before the 20th anniversary of the GDR. For Walter Ulbricht, who was the State Council Chairman of the GDR at the time, it was one of the most important symbols demonstrating the superiority of socialist societies. The construction of the Berlin Television Tower showed that a better future was being built in the East.
But while the GDR has long since been history, the Berlin Television Tower still stands - and it is now accepted as a landmark for all of Germany. Every year more than a million visitors from 86 countries go up 200 metres to the observational level and there take in a breathtaking view of the bus-tling and constantly changing city. And so it comes as no surprise that many of those who come back down end up purchasing posters, t-shirts or cushions showcasing the Berlin Television Tower, which has become a cool symbol of the united city of Berlin.
Go to the revolving Sphere Restaurant without waiting!
Azure-blue sky, not a cloud obscuring your view? Then jump out of bed and get as quickly as possible to the TV Tower! Because, to be honest, on beautiful days like today, only those who show up extra early at the ticket counter will avoid those waits loved by no kid, big or small. Otherwise, plan your visit based on the weather report and book your tickets online, where you can decide what time you want to ascend up to the clouds.
Online booking is also recommended (urgently, we'd add) if you'd like to enjoy a meal in the TV Tower's spectacular Sphere revolving restaurant. On the menu you'll find not just many international delights for the adults, but also special themed kid's meals such as "Turmi rice pudding", the "Olympic crispy chicken breast" or "Michel vanilla" ice cream.
All of Berlin and then some from way up
One storey lower, on the observation deck, you're still more than high enough to see the high rise Charité hospital, Tempelhof airport, and the multi-storey apartment buildings in Hellersdorf – almost close enough to touch. And if you put a coin in the telescopes, you can even see the Brandenburg windmills miles away. The display charts help you identify the most important buildings near and far in every direction. Even if this is your first time in Berlin, you'll get a good grasp of Germany's capital with the view from the TV Tower.
Infobox
Address
Panoramastraße 1a
10178 Berlin MITTE
