Berlin TV Tower Tickets - skip the queue

• A Bluffer's Guide to the Berlin TV Tower
• TLDR - 5 Main Facts about the Tower
• Where it is, and how to get there by public transport
• The Revolving Restaurant (The Sphere)
• What can you see from the Tower?
• How to book tickets
• In Depth - Design, Engineering & Construction

A Quick Guide to the TV Tower

The Berlin TV Tower, also known as the Fernsehturm, is an iconic landmark and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Berlin, Germany. It was constructed in the 1960s as a symbol of East German technological prowess and has since become an integral part of the city's skyline. The construction of the Berlin TV Tower began in 1965, and it was completed four years later in 1969. It was designed by the architects Hermann Henselmann, Jörg Streitparth, and Fritz Dieter, who wanted to create a tower that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The tower stands at a height of 368 meters (1207 feet) and has an observation deck located at a height of 203 meters (666 feet).

The Berlin TV Tower was built to provide television and radio signals to East Berlin and other parts of East Germany. It was also intended to be a symbol of the technological superiority of the Communist regime. However, the tower's construction was met with controversy, as it was seen by many as a symbol of East German oppression. Today, the Berlin TV Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Berlin. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The observation deck also features a restaurant, which serves traditional German cuisine and offers stunning views of the city.

One of the main reasons why tourists visit the Berlin TV Tower is for the incredible views it offers. From the observation deck, visitors can see many of Berlin's most famous landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building, and the Berlin Wall. The tower is also an excellent place to visit during sunset, as the views of the city become even more breathtaking as the sun goes down.

In short, the Berlin TV Tower is an important landmark in Berlin's history and a must-visit for tourists. It offers stunning views of the city, a restaurant serving delicious German cuisine, and a unique glimpse into East German technological prowess. Whether you're visiting Berlin for the first time or returning for a repeat visit, the Berlin TV Tower is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

You can book your Fast Track Ticket and avoid the queues through GetYourGuide here.

5 Amazing Facts about the Tower

Height: The Berlin TV Tower is 368 meters (1207 feet) tall, making it the tallest structure in Germany and one of the tallest towers in Europe.
Observation Deck: The tower has an observation deck located at a height of 203 meters (666 feet), offering panoramic views of Berlin.
Restaurant: The observation deck features a revolving restaurant that serves traditional German cuisine and offers stunning views of the city.
History: The tower was constructed in the 1960s as a symbol of East German technological prowess and has since become an iconic landmark in Berlin.
Landmarks: From the observation deck, visitors can see many of Berlin's most famous landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building, and the Berlin Wall.

Where exactly is it and how to get there?

The Berlin TV Tower is located in the central Mitte district of Berlin, close to Alexanderplatz. The address is Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin, Germany. The easiest and most convenient way to get to the Berlin TV Tower is by public transport. The closest subway station is Alexanderplatz, which is served by several U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines. From there, it's a short walk to the tower. Alternatively, visitors can take a tram or bus to Alexanderplatz or the nearby Hackescher Markt station. The tower is also easily accessible by bike or car, although parking in the area can be challenging, so public transport is generally recommended.

The Sphere Restaurant

The restaurant is called Sphere and is located on the observation deck of the tower. It offers stunning panoramic views of Berlin as it slowly revolves 360 degrees in about an hour. The restaurant serves a range of traditional German dishes, as well as international cuisine, and has an extensive wine list. It's open for lunch and dinner, and reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist season. The dress code is smart casual, and visitors should note that there is an admission fee to enter the observation deck, which includes access to the restaurant. Sphere is a popular spot for special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries, and can also be booked for private events. Overall, dining at Sphere is a unique and memorable experience that combines great food with breathtaking views of one of the world's most exciting cities.

What can you see from the TV Tower?

From the observation deck of the tower, visitors can see many of Berlin's most famous landmarks. The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Berlin and is located just a few kilometers from the tower. It's a neoclassical monument that was built in the 18th century and has played an important role in German history, serving as a symbol of both division and unity.
The Reichstag building is another iconic landmark that can be seen from the tower. It's located just a short distance from the Brandenburg Gate and is the home of the German parliament. The building has a fascinating history and has undergone several renovations over the years, including the addition of a modern glass dome that offers panoramic views of Berlin.
The Berlin Wall is another landmark that can be seen from the tower, although only small sections of the wall still remain today. The wall was a symbol of the Cold War and divided Berlin for nearly 30 years. Today, visitors can see several sections of the wall that have been preserved as a reminder of the city's tumultuous past.
Other landmarks that can be seen from the Berlin TV Tower include the Museum Island, the Potsdamer Platz, the Berlin Cathedral, and the Spree River. Each of these landmarks has played an important role in Berlin's history and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating city.

How to book tickets to visit the TV tower?

The cost of visiting the Berlin TV Tower depends on the type of ticket you purchase and whether you choose to visit the observation deck and/or the restaurant. There are several ticket options available, including fast track tickets, combined tickets for the observation deck and restaurant, and guided tours. Admission to the restaurant is free, but visitors must pay the admission fee to the observation deck in order to access it. It's important to note that prices may be subject to change, so it's best to  book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

You can book your tickets here.

Design

The Berlin TV Tower is an iconic structure in the German capital that stands at a height of 368 meters, making it the tallest structure in the country. The design of the tower was conceived by Hermann Henselmann, a renowned East German architect, in collaboration with several engineers and designers. The tower's design is characterized by its sleek, slender shape, which tapers towards the top, and a rotating observation deck that provides a panoramic view of the city.
The tower's design was inspired by the space race and the desire of the East German government to showcase the technological achievements of the Soviet bloc. The tower's shape was influenced by the Sputnik satellite, which had a similar design. Henselmann wanted the tower to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, so he designed it to have a smooth, curved profile that would look attractive from any angle.
The tower's observation deck, which rotates once every 30 minutes, was also a unique design feature. The deck is supported by a central column that houses the elevator and the tower's various communication systems. The deck has a diameter of 32 meters and can accommodate up to 200 people at a time.

Engineering

The engineering of the Berlin TV Tower was a complex and challenging task that required innovative solutions to overcome several technical challenges. The tower had to be designed to withstand high winds, earthquakes, and lightning strikes, as well as provide a stable base for the rotating observation deck.
To achieve this, the tower's structural design was based on a reinforced concrete core that extends from the base to the top of the tower. The core is surrounded by a lattice of steel beams and cables that provide additional support and stability. The tower's tapered shape was also critical in minimizing wind resistance and reducing the tower's weight.
The tower's elevators were another engineering feat. The elevators travel at a speed of 6 meters per second and can reach the top of the tower in just 40 seconds. The elevators use a double-decker design that allows them to carry up to 40 people at a time. The elevator shafts are located inside the tower's reinforced concrete core, which provides additional protection in case of an emergency.

Construction

The construction of the Berlin TV Tower was a massive undertaking that required the mobilization of thousands of workers and the use of advanced construction equipment. The construction process began in 1965, and the tower was completed in 1969, after four years of intense work.
The construction of the tower was a symbol of East Germany's technological prowess and attracted widespread attention from the international media. The tower's construction was also a significant achievement for the East German construction industry, which had to overcome several technical and logistical challenges.
To construct the tower, workers had to pour 60,000 cubic meters of concrete and lay 8,000 tons of steel. The tower's base is supported by a massive foundation that extends 26 meters underground and has a diameter of 40 meters. The foundation had to be constructed in several stages to ensure that the tower's weight was distributed evenly and that it could withstand the high winds that are common in Berlin.