account 
At 368 meters high, the Berlin TV Tower is the tallest building in Germany, the fourth tallest TV tower in Europe and, last but not least, one of the undisputed crowd pullers in the German capital. A visit to the tower not far from Alexanderplatz is therefore simply part of the standard program for many visitors to Berlin. In the following, we will show you why you should not miss out on a trip to the TV tower.
The Spree metropolis offers visitors a colorful hodgepodge of history, architecture, art and culture. From the much-visited Checkpoint Charlie at the entrance to the former GDR, to Berlin Cathedral, the Brandenburg Gate and the capital's many worthwhile museums, right up to the Berlin Wall, there is certainly no chance of boredom here. In addition, you should not miss the opportunity to visit one of the most important landmarks in German television history. Located directly in Berlin's city center, the famous tower is located in the Park am Fernsehturm and still attracts numerous national and international visitors today. The tower was built between 1965 and 1969 by Deutsche Post. At the time of its opening on October 3, 1969, it was considered the second tallest television tower in the world, towering over the old Berlin Radio Tower in Berlin's Westend district by a full 220 meters. While the tower was initially regarded as a national symbol of the GDR, it has stood for a strong, united Berlin, especially since German reunification. As such, the tower not only serves as a huge radio and television transmitter, but also inspires far beyond Germany's borders with its timeless design, the breathtaking viewing floor and the revolving restaurant and highest bar in the city, which beckons at dizzying heights.
After the GDR was only granted two frequency ranges at the European Broadcasting Conference in Stockholm in 1952, a large transmitter was needed to make broadcasting as problem-free as possible. Deutsche Post therefore began planning a suitable Berlin television tower in the same year. However, the search for a location proved to be particularly difficult. After the tower was initially to be erected in the Müggelberge mountains in Berlin, the construction work, which had already been approved and started in 1955, was stopped at short notice due to its proximity to Berlin-Schönefeld Airport. The project was then completely abandoned by 1956. When no alternative location had been found by the end of 1957, Deutsche Post proposed the city center of Berlin as a solution. According to the plans by Gerhard Frost and Waldemar Alder, the tower was to be ready for use and open to the public in Friedrichshain by the end of 1964. However, the construction of the Berlin Wall and the resulting economic difficulties in the GDR led to the premature abandonment of the project. At the same time, it was debated for the first time that the tower should not only secure the broadcasting supply, but also become a landmark of the city. It was not until August 4, 1965 that work finally began on the foundations for the tower. Just one year later, 100 meters of shaft had already been erected and the tower reached its final height by June 1967. Finally, on 3 October 1969, Walter Ulbricht was able to inaugurate the almost 30,000-ton structure, allowing the country to receive color television on two channels for the first time. Numerous GDR politicians such as Erich Honecker, Erich Mielke and Günter Mittag were present at this historic moment.
While the TV tower was erected in 1969 as a symbol of communism, today it symbolizes a free and united republic. However, the old tower is much more than just a television and radio mast. With almost one million visitors a year, the building is one of the capital's most popular attractions.
If you want to visit the tower in person, you can choose between a breathtaking view of the city from the viewing platform or a culinary experience in the Sphere revolving restaurant. You can buy the corresponding ticket conveniently online at any time and simply enter your details. The Fast View ticket (including champagne reception and window seat reservation in the restaurant) for adults currently costs 24.50 euros. So don't miss out, feast at lofty heights and enjoy the fantastic view over the city at your leisure.
The Berlin TV Tower is hard to miss and can be easily reached by public transport from anywhere in the city. For example, you can reach the monument from the main train station in just 13 minutes by S-Bahn. At the same time, there are also various paid parking garages to choose from in the immediate vicinity.
Do you have a limited budget and want to save money? No problem. Take advantage of the fabulous Berlin WelcomeCard offer to enjoy unlimited use of Berlin's public transport and get great discounts at many of the city's sights and attractions, such as the unique Pergamon Museum. Further information on the offer can be found directly on the visitberlin website.
Would you like to discover the lively Spree metropolis in person? Then you've come to the right place! Whether at the Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz or one of the other affordable B&B Hotels Berlin - with us you can expect excellent value for money and lots of comfort at low prices.
Choose a single, double or family room in one of the capital's colorful districts. Make yourself comfortable in the spacious rooms with private bathroom, use the free WIFI or book our first-class breakfast buffet. Of course, we will also be happy to help you with any questions you may have about excursions, renting a car or traveling with your pet. We look forward to welcoming you!
