Berlin Television Tower
Symbol of the German capital
The TV Tower is an important landmark in Berlin: built during the GDR era, it is now a symbol of the entire city. Enjoy the view from its observation deck and from the restaurant run by top chef Tim Raue. The Berlin TV Tower on Alexanderplatz in Berlin-Mitte is, at a total height of 368 metres, the tallest building in Europe open to the public. But it is more than that. From its viewing platform, you can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view across the whole city.
Our tip: With our online ticket, you can easily access the 360-degree viewing deck with the Sphere Bar or the Sphere Tim Raue revolving restaurant, which offers a unique panoramic view that is sure to delight you.
Please note that, at present, you can only obtain discounted ticketswith the Berlin WelcomeCard directly at the TV Tower.
Here you can find information about the Berlin TV Tower in easy-to-read language.
From the top: a panoramic view across the whole of Berlin
The lift takes you up to the viewing platform in just 40 seconds. Here, you’re so high above the city that you can see the Humboldt Forum, the Charité’s high-rise ward block, Tempelhof Airport or the prefabricated blocks in Hellersdorf – all within touching distance. If you pop a coin into the slot on the telescopes, you can even see the wind turbines in Brandenburg turning. The information boards, positioned in all directions and featuring the most important buildings – whether near or far – help you to recognise parks and buildings.
Tip: And as you make your way back down, you’ll pass posters, T-shirts and seat cushions featuring its image: the Berlin TV Tower has become a cool symbol of the reunified city .
Restaurant Sphere Tim Raue
The new Sphere Tim Raue serves up culinary delights from the kitchen of Berlin’s popular Michelin-starred chef, Tim Raue. A real treat for foodies: ‘fine dining’ is taken quite literally here, as exquisite dishes can be enjoyed all day long at the lofty height of 207 metres above the city. The menu features Berlin cuisine with Tim Raue’s signature twist.
In our Berlin Unboxed podcast, we speak to the Michelin-starred chef about his concept for‘Sphere Tim Raue’in Berlin’s TV Tower – whilst also taking a personal look at the man behind the brand.
Description
The video belongs to the episode ‘At the top - Michelin-starred chef Tim Raue on himself and his Berlin’ of the podcast Berlin Unboxed, which is run by visitBerlin. The guest on the podcast is Berlin star chef Tim Raue. In an interview with editor Josefine Köhn-Haskins, Tim Raue talks about his projects, the new restaurant Sphere Tim Raue in the TV tower and also gives personal insights. The subtitles of the video can be switched on and off in the YouTube player under settings. For a transcription, the video should be watched directly on YouTube.
Sphere Bar: A venue for experiences at lofty heights
Image gallery
With Tim Raue’s involvement in the revolving restaurant, the Berlin TV Tower completes its transformation into a holistic destination. Alongside the Sphere Tim Raue revolving restaurant, the newly designed Sphere Bar also invites you to savour the best of Berlin with stunning views. Enjoy juicy meatballs or spicy Berlin currywurst by Tim Raue – served with BRLO craft beer or a glass of sparkling wine.
Other attractions include virtual reality experiences, such as ‘Berlin’s Odyssey’, where you can explore Berlin’s history in the blink of an eye or discover the Berlin TV Tower in a whole new way.
History of the Berlin TV Tower
The Berlin TV Tower was inaugurated on 3 October 1969 – shortly before the 20th anniversary of the GDR. For Walter Ulbricht , then Chairman of the GDR State Council , the transmission tower – built in around four years – was one of the most important symbols of the superiority of socialist society.
The TV Tower was built by Hermann Henselmann and the architectural team at the state-owned enterprise (VEB) Industrieprojektierung (Ipro) Berlin, led by Fritz Dieter, Günter Franke and Werner Neumann. The project was temporarily overseen by Gerhard Kosel, then President of the German Academy of Construction. For Ulbricht, the construction of the Berlin TV Tower clearly demonstrated that the East was building a better future.
Whilst the GDR has long since become history, the Berlin TV Tower still stands – and is now accepted as a landmark for the whole of Germany. Following German reunification, the significance of the TV Tower underwent a complete transformation: it went from being a symbol of the GDR to an emblem of the entire city – and has since become an international landmark for both Berlin and Germany. Even during the GDR era, the TV Tower was designated a listed building in 1979.
Today, more than a million visitors from around 85 countries climb it every year. From the viewing platform at a height of more than 200 metres, you can look down and observe the city’s ceaseless hustle and bustle and its constant transformation.
Information for school groups
School groups can book online via the TV Tower’s website to avoid long queues. Please make your group booking well in advance.
Accessibility
Information for visitors with reduced mobility visiting the Berlin TV Tower:
Wheelchair users and people with walking difficulties should follow the guidance on the Berlin TV Tower’s website.
Places of interest near the TV Tower:
- Berlin City Hall
- Museum Island
- Berlin Cathedral
- Unter den Linden
- Brandenburg Gate
- Hackesche Höfe
- St Nicholas Quarter
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