Fernsehturm -

Fernsehturm, Berlin Overview

Berlin’s iconic TV Tower, also known as Berliner Fernsehturm, is part of the city’s old architecture just like most other historical attractions in the capital city. It is located in the Alexanderplatz.

The tower is a magnificent and tall structure which can be seen from afar. With restaurants, a deck that provides a 360° view of the city and a lavish bar to perfectly end your week, the Fernsehturm, Berlin is one of the most visited tourist spots in Berlin.The TV Tower in Berlin is the tallest building in the city with a height of 368 metres. But initially, more than 50 years ago when the foundation of the building was laid, the decision of its height was uncertain and highly debated on. After discussions within the government of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), it was brought to a conclusion by Walter Ulbricht that the tower would be of the current height as it stands today making it a remarkable attraction. Thus instead of the pre-planned height of 130 metres and location of Müggelberge, the TV tower was built 368 m high to become the colossal structure in Berlin.

Observation Deck, Restaurant and Bar at the Fernsehturm, Berlin

Panorama Cafe, Observation Deck, Fernsehturm, Berlin — Source

The observation deck is accompanied by a posh bar called Bar 203, where you can sip on some great drinks. Just above the deck is the rotating restaurant, The Sphere, at a height of 207m that gives you a panoramic sight of the whole city. With views stretched out towards every corner of the city and delicious menu including both local Berlin and Brandenburg cuisines, the ambience here is admirable. They have a morning, daytime and an evening menu and occasionally serve specialities as the seasons change. On Sundays, usually on the first Sunday of the month, you can relish on their exclusive Sunday Breakfast menu between 9.30 am to 11:30 am. Tickets for Sunday Breakfast requires pre-booking as the seats are limited.

Sightseeing around the Fernsehturm, Berlin

1. Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz, Sightseeing around the TV Tower — Source

Just behind the tower lies the prime attraction of Alexanderplatz, a big square which is both an entertainment and transport hub of Berlin. The place gets its name from Tsar Alexander I and is the central point for tourists visiting other major attractions in the capital.

2. Hackescher Hof

Hackescher Hof, Sightseeing around the TV Tower — Source

If you want to witness Berlin courtyards along with striking Art Nouveau facade, the market of Hackescher Hof is the right place for you. Explore the uniquely designed buildings from Rosenthaler Straße, and Sophienstraße spread on an area of 27000 metres here. There are also upbeat cafes, restaurants, shops worth visiting.

3. Museum Island

Museum Island, Sightseeing around the TV Tower, Berlin — Source

The Musuem Island consisting of five museums is a UNESCO heritage site mainly displaying the artworks of Ancient Egypt, Nefertiti, Byzantium and Berlin. The highlights here are the exhibits of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti, Ishtar Gate and Pergamon Altar.

Architecture of the Fernsehturm, Berlin

Though the architect Hermann Henselmann originally proposed the design of the tower, it was with the help of other East German architects that the design got finalized. The shaft of the building starts with a diameter of 16m further going up to a narrowed 9m till the sphere. The main body of the tower is divided into five mezzanine floors with two high-speed escalators that hold a capacity of up to 10 people each. You can reach the top section of the tower in merely 40 seconds, and the building also has a staircase with roughly 986 steps.

The sphere weighing 4800 tonnes with a diameter of 32 m was constructed at a height of 200 m. It has a viewing deck, bar and a revolving restaurant in it. With a restaurant that can hold a capacity of nearly 200 people, the setting offers stunning views of the city from the top. While the observation deck at 203 metres is specially created for the audience for a glimpse of the capital, the restaurant on top of the deck at 207m is surely a treat for your taste buds.

The topmost section of the tower above the sphere is the red and white coloured mast antenna, the technical part of the TV Tower. At the height of 118m, the antenna assists in the transmission of signals for 60 Radio and television channels.

Both the centrepiece and sphere is made up of steel and strengthening concrete to give a powerful posture to the building. Skeletons of beams and steel segments form the foundation of the spherical structure of the tower. Until 1193 the design remained the same and later with the help of modern technology and materials it was upgraded. Fernsehturm now has a high-speed elevator called KONE that runs at a top speed of 6m/s. Also, the interiors of the visiting area or deck have been revamped to accommodate more guests and to reduce the traffic altogether. Design of the sixties and current technology makes this attraction a complete win for both the locals and tourists.

Origin of the Fernsehturm, Berlin

With an aim to build something that symbolized power and socialism the Socialist Unity Party (SED) also wanted a tower to broadcast GDR Television signals. Since the Müggelberge already was equipped with buildings and construction of TV would be interfering with the plan of Schönefeld Airport the plan was annulled. In1961 before constructing the tower certain issues faced by the East German government. One was that the budget exceeded up to 30 million Ostmarks (a unit currency of Germany equal to 100 pfennings) which wasn’t the best option during the economic crisis. Secondly after the demolition of Berlin Palace by GDR plans were to erect a Government skyscraper which was also later rejected. This indeed led to merger of two failed plans turning into one: development of Berlin’s TV Tower.

On 4th August 1965, the first stone of Fernsehturm was put down near Alexanderplatz and not on the previously chosen locations of Schlossplatz or Müggelberge. Construction started in 1965 as the East German government maintained the pace with an aim to complete it by 1969.

On 3rd October 1969, it was open for public viewing and till date remains an iconic landmark of Berlin.

Tickets for Fernsehturm, Berlin

1. Ticket Prices for the Observation Deck of the Tv Tower, Berlin

Adults - EUR 16.50
Children (4-14 years) - EUR 9.50
Infants (below 4 years of age) - Free Entry
Students are eligible for 20% discount at the ticket desk. (Valid student ID required)

2. Fast View Ticket Prices for Observation Deck of the Tv Tower, Berlin

For those who want to skip the queue at the ticket desk and entrance, a special ticket known as the Fast View Ticket is available which can be booked online well in advance for a particular date and time.

Adults - EUR 21.50
Children (4-14 years of age) - EUR 12.00

Bookings for the tickets can be done from the official website - https://tv-turm.de

Timings for Fernsehturm, Berlin

Open Timings for the Tv Tower, Berlin

March to October - 9 AM to 12 AM, Daily
Novermber to February - 10 AM to 12 AM, Daily

Open Timings for the Restaurant and Bar

Restaurant - 9 AM to 12 AM, Daily
Bar 203 - 9 AM to 12 AM, Daily

How To Reach Fernsehturm, Berlin

By Train: From DSB Berlin - 194 S7; From Gamefest - U5; From Puppentheatre Firlefanz - U8

By Bus: From DSB Berlin - 240, 248; From Gamefest - 142, 200; From Henry-Ford-Bau - M48