Berlin Television Tower
Symbol of the German capital
The television tower is an important landmark in Berlin: built during the GDR era, it now symbolises the entire city. Enjoy the view from its viewing platform.
Tip: As there are currently only a limited number of visitors to the TV Tower, you should book your time slot ticket in good time. Please note that you can currently only get discounted tickets directly at the TV Tower with the Berlin WelcomeCard.
If you've been to Berlin, you've seen him. Nobody can get past him. No wonder: The Berlin TV Tower on Alexanderplatz in Berlin-Mitte is the tallest publicly accessible building in Europe at a total of 368 metres. But it is more than that. From its viewing platform, you have a spectacular 360-degree view of the entire city.
Please note: The revolving restaurant Sphere is closed for renovation work.
It will reopen under a new name in spring 2025: The new Sphere by Tim Raue is expected to spoil you with culinary delights from the kitchen of Berlin's favourite star chef Tim Raue from Easter. A small sensation for gourmet fans: "fine dining" is taken literally here, as fine food can then be enjoyed at the lofty height of 207 metres above the city.
History of the Berlin television tower
The Berlin television tower was inaugurated on 3 October 1969 - shortly before the 20th birthday of the GDR. For the then GDR State Council Chairman Walter Ulbricht, the broadcasting tower, which took around four years to build, was one of the most important symbols of the superiority of socialist society.
The television tower was built by Hermann Henselmann and the group of architects from the Volkseigener Betrieb (VEB) Industrieprojektierung (Ipro) Berlin around Fritz Dieter, Günter Franke and Werner Neumann. The project was under the temporary overall management of the then President of the German Building Academy Gerhard Kosel. For Ulbricht, the construction of the Berlin TV Tower clearly showed that the East was building a better future.
While the GDR is long gone, the Berlin TV Tower still stands - and is now accepted as an all-German landmark. After German reunification, the significance of the TV tower completely changed: it went from being a symbol of the GDR to a symbol of the entire city - and is now an international symbol for Berlin and Germany. The TV tower was declared a monument in 1979, back in GDR times.
Today, more than one million visitors from around 85 countries climb it every year. From the observation deck at a height of more than 200 metres, you can look down and watch the incessant hustle and bustle of the city and its constant change.
From the top: All of Berlin and beyond
In just 40 seconds, the lift takes you up to the viewing platform. Here you are so high above the city that you can see the Charité hospital tower block, Tempelhof Airport or the prefabricated buildings in Hellersdorf - and within touching distance. If you throw a coin into the slot of the telescopes, you can even see Brandenburg's wind turbines turning. The display boards with the most important buildings - whether near or far - set up in all viewing directions help you to recognise parks and buildings.
And when you descend again, you will pass posters, T-shirts or seat cushions with its image: the TV tower in Berlin has become a cool symbol of the united city.
Information for school classes
School classes can book as a group on the TV Tower website to avoid long waiting times. Please ensure that you make a group reservation in good time.
Information for visitors with limited mobility at the Berlin TV Tower:
Wheelchair users and people with walking disabilities should follow the instructions on the Berlin TV Tower website.
Places of interest near the television tower in Berlin:
- Berliner Rathaus
- Museumsinsel
- Berliner Dom
- Unter den Linden
- Brandenburger Tor
- Hackesche Höfe
- Nikolaiviertel
Opening hours (additional information)
daily 10-23 h
