Germany’s tallest building
Address: Berlin TV Tower, Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin | Built: 1965 to 1969 | Architectural style: International Style | Height: 368 m
The Berlin TV Tower is a must-see when visiting Berlin. In good weather, the Berlin TV Tower offers unbeatable views of Berlin and a fantastic panorama of up to 80 kilometers. The observation deck is located at a height of 203 meters, and there’s a restaurant one floor higher. From a window seat, you can relax and enjoy a one-hour view of Berlin from above, from all directions. This is possible because the entire viewing sphere rotates once on its axis every hour.
Note: Since the TV tower is not wheelchair accessible, visitors with walking difficulties are denied entry for safety reasons. Those who still want to experience a view of Berlin from above should head to Potsdamer Platz. There, you’ll find the accessible Kollhoff Tower with its observation deck.
Directions and location of the Berlin landmark
The 368-meter-tall Berlin landmark stands in the Berlin Mitte district, in the park by the TV Tower, southwest of Alexanderplatz station. The TV Tower is sometimes referred to as the Alex Tower due to its proximity to this famous square.
The area is bordered by Gontardstraße at the northern edge, which leads into Panoramastraße. Alexanderplatz station is to the northeast, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße to the northwest, and Rathausstraße to the southeast, which border the rectangular area.
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Opening Hours and Tours
The Berlin TV Tower’s opening hours extend into the evening hours, allowing visitors to the panoramic platform and guests in the Sphere Restaurant to fully enjoy the unique view of Berlin.
Berlin TV Tower Opening Hours
March to October
9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
November to February
10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
The observation deck and the restaurant are also open on December 24th and December 31st, although some hours may vary. Except for a few closing days, usually two days throughout the year, the tower is always open. See the website for details: https://tv-turm.de/oeffnungszeiten/
Especially at dusk and in the dark, the unique buildings such as the Brandenburg Gate, St. Nicholas Church, Berlin Cathedral, the Victory Column, and Berlin City Hall shine in a charming light and stand out from the cityscape in a special way.
Admission Prices for the Berlin TV Tower
Berlin TV Tower Observation Deck Admission Prices
Standard Ticket Adult
€26.50
Standard Ticket Child (4 to 14 years)
€16.50
Standard Ticket Child (under 4 years)
Free Admission
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You can also book tickets online via the website https://tv-turm.de/aussichtsetage-berlins-hoechste-bar/ for a specific time. Different prices may apply.
Sphere Restaurants at the Berlin TV Tower Admission Prices
Window Table Adults
from €27.50
Window Table Children
€17.50
Inner Ring Table Adults
from €24.50
Inner Ring Table Children
€14.50
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Tip: When purchasing tickets at the box office, there may be waiting times, as only a limited number of visitors are currently allowed on the TV Tower. It is therefore advisable to book a time-slot ticket online in advance.
Guided Tours of the Berlin TV Tower
The Berlin TV Tower itself does not offer guided tours. Instead, visitors to the Berlin TV Tower can experience Berlin in virtual reality for the first time with Berlin’s Odyssey. They embark on a journey through nine centuries, from the Middle Ages through the German Empire, the division of the city, and up to present-day Berlin, and experience Berlin’s history firsthand. A subsequent short film, based on extensive historical research, provides fascinating additional information. Tickets for the Berlin’s Odyssey virtual reality experience are available from €8.50 without a visit to the observation deck, or €6.50 for children. A combination ticket with a visit to the observation deck costs from €28.50, or €18.50 for children.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Victory Column
Is advance registration required?
If you want to avoid long lines, you should book a timed ticket. This will take you directly to the entrance and up to the observation deck.
What’s on offer at the Berlin TV Tower?
There’s a bar on the observation deck at a height of 203 meters and above, and a restaurant at 206 meters.
Can groups also visit the Berlin TV Tower?
It’s possible to visit the TV Tower as a group of nine or more people. However, a customized quote should be requested via the website.
Is the time limit on the Berlin TV Tower?
Yes, a visit to the observation deck is limited to 45 minutes. The time limit for the restaurant is currently 1 hour 45 minutes.
How fast does the high-speed elevator in the Berlin TV Tower travel?
There are two main elevators that transport visitors to the panoramic observation deck in about 35 seconds at a speed of approximately 6.9 m/s. The elevators can carry up to 15 people.
Who owns the Berlin TV Tower?
The Berlin TV Tower is owned and operated by Deutsche Funkturm GmbH, a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom.
How long are the waiting times at the Berlin TV Tower?
In winter, at 10 a.m. and later in the evening until closing at 10 p.m., waiting times are limited. At other times, waiting times can be half an hour or longer. With a Fast View ticket for the observation deck, available online starting at €24.50, visitors receive immediate access to the elevators during their booked time slot to enjoy the unique view.
Berlin TV Tower – Special Features and Interesting Facts
The construction of the Berlin TV Tower, with its total height of 368 meters, was a major architectural challenge. As early as 1952, Deutsche Post had already begun considering the construction of a TV tower in East Berlin. The plan was to erect a 130-meter-high tower on a site in the Müggelberge. It would have two viewing platforms for visitors. However, because Schönefeld Airport and an important flight path were located in the immediate vicinity of this site, construction work was declared complete in 1956. A few years later, the new site for a TV tower was to be Friedrichshain. However, construction never took place at this location.
In the 1960s, the leadership of the GDR at the time decided to build the TV tower directly in the center of Berlin. The tower was not only intended to ensure optimal broadcasting; it was also intended to be a unique landmark of the former GDR. The architect Hermann Henselmann, whose work had a profound influence on urban planning and architecture in the GDR, provided the design for the TV tower.
A particular challenge during the planning and subsequent construction was the dome, which stands at a height of 200 meters. Special cranes were used to lift the individual elements of the dome to this height. Henselmann was inspired by the Soviet satellite Sputnik for the design of the dome. The Berlin TV Tower, which weighs 4,800 tons, combines various types of steel and a large amount of concrete.
Today, high-speed elevators transport visitors to the observation deck at a height of 203 meters. Above it is the revolving restaurant. Almost 60 million visitors are said to have enjoyed this unique view over Berlin. Every day, countless more visitors flock to the Berlin TV Tower to enjoy the breathtaking view from the visitor platform or the Sphere restaurant while enjoying a meal or a drink.
Historical Facts and History of the Berlin TV Tower
The Berlin TV Tower was inaugurated on October 3, 1969. Soon after, the GDR celebrated its 20th anniversary, Republic Day. The then head of state, Walter Ulbricht, saw this broadcasting tower, which was built in just four years, as proof of the dominance and supremacy of socialism. For Ulbricht, it was a sign that better prospects for the future were opening up in the East.
The significance of the broadcasting tower, and not least the slowly rotating restaurant, would become was not yet clear at the time. Construction of the tower began without an official laying of the foundation stone.
The GDR has long been history, and since German reunification, the significance of the TV tower has completely changed. From the former symbol of the GDR, it became a symbol with international reach for the city of Berlin. It was declared a monument even during the GDR era.
Sights and attractions in the immediate vicinity of the Berlin TV Tower
After visiting the Berlin TV Tower, it’s worth exploring the immediate surroundings in more detail.
The Berlin Water Cascades are located directly at the base of the tower, with a view of St. Mary’s Church. The fountain, with a sandstone and polished granite surround, features variously arranged water fountains. The regular water features, which are illuminated at night, are particularly beautiful.
Also located in the immediate vicinity of the TV Tower is the Neptune Fountain. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful fountains in Berlin and is a tranquil oasis from the hustle and bustle of Alexanderplatz. The baroque fountain is framed on one side by the Red Town Hall and on the other by St. Mary’s Church.
The BODY WORLDS Museum is also located in the immediate vicinity of the Berlin TV Tower on Alexanderplatz and impressively displays the “facets of life.”
The Nikolaiviertel, next to St. Nicholas Church, is an 11-minute walk from the Berlin TV Tower and offers historic buildings to admire, as well as coffee shops and restaurants to linger in. The district reflects Berlin’s history, as it is the oldest residential area in the capital.
Cafés and Restaurants Near the Berlin TV Tower
If you don’t want to stop by the Sphere Restaurant, you’ll find numerous cafés and restaurants near the Berlin TV Tower that cater to your culinary needs. These three cafés and four restaurants are definitely worth a visit.
Einstein Kaffee am Alex
Just 362 meters from the TV Tower is the Einstein Kaffee am Alex. It boasts a diverse clientele and a cozy atmosphere, like a good Viennese coffee house. They offer aromatic coffee, delicious cakes, and a selection of tasty dishes.
Address: Einstein Kaffee am Alex, Alexanderplatz 3
Gelateria La Luna
Delicious ice cream specialties are available at Gelateria La Luna on Alexanderplatz, just 61 meters from the Berlin TV Tower. They offer a variety of coffee specialties and ice cream creations made with real milk, fresh fruit, and other exquisite ingredients. The ice cream creations are diverse and varied, so there’s something for every taste.
Address: Gelateria La Luna, Rathausstraße 6
Coffee Fellows
Coffee Fellows is located 91 meters from the TV Tower. Enjoy bagels, sweet treats, and delicious coffee in a cozy, homey atmosphere. The bagels are freshly prepared and are also available in vegetarian and vegan versions, so everyone can enjoy their meal.
Address: Coffee Fellows, Rathausstraße 6
Monotaro Tavern
Located directly next to the Berlin TV Tower, at Panoramastraße 1, Monotaro Tavern offers Asian cuisine with dishes for vegetarians and vegans. They offer juicy Asian-style burgers and an extensive menu with various Asian dishes. Relaxing in the restaurant or on the outdoor terrace after a visit to the Berlin TV Tower is included.
Address: Monotaro Tavern, Panoramastraße 1
El Colmado
Those who prefer Spanish, Mediterranean cuisine will not be disappointed at El Colmado. The restaurant is located 200 meters from the Berlin TV Tower, at Rathausstraße 13, near Alexanderplatz. Tapas, prawns, and other Spanish delicacies are served in an authentic atmosphere at reasonable prices, perfect for rounding off your visit to the Berlin TV Tower.
Address: El Colmado, Rathausstraße 13