Berlin TV Tower: the steel giant that defies the Berlin sky
Rising 368 meters (1,207 feet), the Fernsehturm (Berlin TV Tower) dominates the skyline of Berlin like no other landmark. Visible from almost every neighborhood, this spire of steel and glass asserts itself in the urban landscape with an inevitability that leaves no one indifferent. Built between 1965 and 1969, it embodies much more than a simple telecommunications tower today. It has become the symbol of a reunified city, a landmark that guides eyes toward the heart of the German capital.
An edifice born of the Cold War
The history of the tower began in a tense climate. The GDR (East Germany), seeking international recognition, ordered its construction to demonstrate the technical superiority of the socialist system. Walter Ulbricht, then head of state, deliberately chose Alexanderplatz as the site. The tower was meant to be visible from West Berlin, defying the capitalist camp with its impressive height. Architect Hermann Henselmann imagined a futuristic design inspired by the Soviet satellite Sputnik, featuring a characteristic sphere covered by 140 stainless steel panels.
Inaugurated on October 3, 1969, it was then the third tallest freestanding structure in the world, surpassed only by the Ostankino Tower in Moscow and the Empire State Building. Its original height of 365 meters corresponded symbolically to the number of days in a year. In 1997, the addition of a more powerful antenna brought it to its current 368 meters.
The Pope's Revenge: a symbol in spite of itself
Barely finished, the tower revealed an embarrassing surprise for the atheistic regime of the GDR. When the sun hits the steel sphere, the reflections form a luminous cross that is perfectly visible from both sides of the wall. West Berliners immediately nicknamed this phenomenon the Rache des Papstes (the Pope's Revenge), a biting irony directed at a government that removed crosses from churches.
East German authorities tried everything to erase this cross, using paints, chemicals, and floodlights, but nothing worked. In 1987, Ronald Reagan even mentioned this phenomenon in his famous Tear down this wall speech. This cross, unintended by the architects, became a symbol of spiritual resistance that still shines on the Berlin skyline today.
A dizzying experience at 200 meters
The ascent itself is an adventure. Two ultra-fast elevators propel you to 203 meters (666 feet) in just 40 seconds. Once at the top, the observation deck offers a 360-degree view of Berlin. On a clear day, your gaze carries up to 70 kilometers (43 miles), allowing you to spot the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Cathedral, and even the wind turbines of Brandenburg on the horizon.
Dining above the clouds
The Sphere restaurant, located at 207 meters (679 feet), offers a unique experience. The dining room completes a full rotation in 30 to 60 minutes depending on the settings. Guests enjoy a constantly evolving panorama while savoring high-quality cuisine. Since June 2025, Michelin-starred chef Tim Raue has been delighting visitors in this suspended setting.
Pro tip: Visit the tower in the late afternoon to enjoy the golden light of sunset, then stay to watch the city lights come on one by one. The nighttime view offers a completely different and equally fascinating spectacle. Always book your tickets online to avoid lines that can last several hours, especially in high season.
Nicknames and anecdotes
Berliners, known for their caustic humor, have bestowed several affectionate nicknames on their giant. The most popular remains Telespargel (tele-asparagus), a reference to the slender shape of the tower that recalls this regional vegetable specialty. Others call it simply the Alex Tower, named after the nearby square. During the 2006 World Cup, the sphere was even transformed into a giant magenta soccer ball as part of a memorable marketing campaign.
Practical information for your visit
- The tower welcomes over one million visitors per year from 90 different countries
- A protected historic monument since 1979, retaining this status after reunification
- Capacity in the sphere is 320 people simultaneously
- For safety reasons, access is unfortunately prohibited for visitors with limited mobility (an accessible alternative viewpoint is located at the Panoramapunkt at Potsdamer Platz)
- Pets are not allowed, with the exception of service dogs
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
The TV Tower is one of the symbols of Berlin. You can spot it from far away when you are in the city. But the best thing is to go up to enjoy the panorama. It is necessary to get your tickets in advance because there are a lot of people. For my part, I found the view truly incredible.