Berlin TV Tower: Key Facts & Technical Data
The Berlin TV Tower is 368 metres high, making it the tallest structure in Germany. This page provides a concise overview of its construction period, opening, observation deck, revolving restaurant and other technical data.
- Timed online tickets
- No queuing at the ticket office
- Tickets for the observation deck and restaurant
Independent information website about the Berlin TV Tower
The Berlin TV Tower combines technical infrastructure, visitor areas and listed architecture. The following fact sheet summarises the most important information about its height, construction period, tower sphere, observation deck, revolving restaurant and location.
Quick overview
Berlin TV Tower at a Glance
Total height
368 metres, including the antenna
Construction period
1965–1969
Observation deck
203 metres
Revolving restaurant
207 metres
Tower sphere
32 metres in diameter
Official inauguration
3 October 1969
Listed monument
Since 1979
Location
Berlin-Mitte, near Alexanderplatz
Visitor address
Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin
How Tall Is the Berlin TV Tower?
Including its antenna, the Berlin TV Tower is 368 metres high. This makes it the tallest structure in Germany.
When it was completed in 1969, its total height was 365 metres. During extensive renovation work in the 1990s, the antenna support structure was extended by three metres. The tower has measured 368 metres since then.
The tower consists of a reinforced-concrete shaft, the spherical tower structure and the antenna mast above it.
More information about its dimensions, construction and building materials can be found in the article on the architecture of the Berlin TV Tower.
When Was the Berlin TV Tower Built?
The Berlin TV Tower was constructed between 1965 and 1969. Its official inauguration and the start of broadcasting operations took place on 3 October 1969.
The tower opened to visitors a few days later, on 7 October 1969. The observation deck and restaurant have been used for tourism ever since.
Plans for a central television tower in Berlin had already begun in the 1950s. Several other locations and designs were considered before construction started at the present site.
The development from the initial plans to the opening is covered in detail in the article on the history of the Berlin TV Tower.
Who Designed the Berlin TV Tower?
The creation of the Berlin TV Tower cannot be attributed to a single person. The basic design concept of a slender tower with a spherical tower head is associated with architect Hermann Henselmann.
Architects Fritz Dieter, Günter Franke and Werner Ahrendt were among those involved in the final design. Planning and construction management were initially the responsibility of Gerd Kosel and later Gerhard Frost.
The exterior form of the tower sphere reflected contemporary ideas about technology, space travel and progress. At the same time, the structure had to accommodate the technical equipment required for television and radio broadcasting as well as the publicly accessible visitor floors.
What Is Inside the Tower Sphere?
The tower sphere has a diameter of 32 metres and contains seven floors. Some of these levels are used for technical installations. The publicly accessible areas contain the observation deck and revolving restaurant.
The observation deck is located at a height of 203 metres. The restaurant is four metres higher, at 207 metres.
The reinforced-concrete shaft does not end below the sphere but continues through it. It reaches a height of approximately 250 metres and supports the antenna mast above.
How High Is the Observation Deck?
The Berlin TV Tower observation deck is located at a height of 203 metres. It offers views across Berlin and, in suitable weather conditions, well beyond the city limits.
Visible landmarks include Alexanderplatz, the Red City Hall, Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building.
The observation deck is reached by lift. Visits are booked using tickets with a fixed admission time.
How High Is the Restaurant?
The revolving restaurant is located at a height of 207 metres, four metres above the observation deck.
The restaurant rotates around the tower shaft, providing changing views of Berlin throughout the visit.
A reservation or an appropriate ticket is required to visit the restaurant. Current offers, time slots and conditions should be checked directly with the operator.
What Is the Berlin TV Tower Used for Today?
The Berlin TV Tower was built as a central facility for transmitting television and radio signals. It continues to perform this technical function.
Television and radio programmes are broadcast from the tower. It also supports other communication and radio services, including microwave links, mobile communications, public-authority radio networks and digital data transmission.
The TV Tower therefore serves simultaneously as a broadcasting structure, a technical infrastructure facility and a visitor attraction.
When Was the Berlin TV Tower Listed as a Historic Monument?
The Berlin TV Tower has been protected as a historic monument since 1979. The protected ensemble comprises the tower itself, the buildings around its base and the associated open spaces.
The tower formed part of the extensive redevelopment of East Berlin’s city centre during the 1960s. Alongside its function as a broadcasting facility, it was intended to act as a widely visible focal point in the urban landscape.
After German reunification, the TV Tower remained a defining feature of Berlin’s skyline. Today, it is perceived beyond its original political function as a symbol of Berlin and reunified Germany.
Where Is the Berlin TV Tower Located?
The Berlin TV Tower is located in the Mitte district, between Alexanderplatz, Rathausstraße and Karl-Liebknecht-Straße. The visitor entrance is at Panoramastraße 1A.
The tower stands close to Alexanderplatz and can be reached by S-Bahn, U-Bahn, regional train, tram and bus.
Its prominent position in both the historic and present-day city centre distinguishes it from many other television towers built outside densely developed urban centres.
Planning a Visit to the Berlin TV Tower
Visits to the Berlin TV Tower are booked using tickets with fixed admission times. Online tickets avoid the need to queue at the ticket office. Waiting times may nevertheless occur at the entrance and security checks.
The amount of time visitors may spend on the observation deck depends on the ticket category booked and the current visiting conditions. Separate reservation and duration rules apply to the restaurant.
Current opening hours, prices, security regulations and accessibility information should be checked with the official operator before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Berlin TV Tower
The following answers summarise the most important facts about the tower’s height, construction, use and visitor facilities.
How tall is the Berlin TV Tower?
Including its antenna, the Berlin TV Tower is 368 metres high. This makes it the tallest structure in Germany.
When was the Berlin TV Tower built?
The TV Tower was constructed between 1965 and 1969. Its official inauguration took place on 3 October 1969.
When did the TV Tower open to visitors?
The observation deck and the other visitor areas opened on 7 October 1969.
How high is the observation deck?
The observation deck is located at a height of 203 metres.
How high is the restaurant?
The revolving restaurant is located at a height of 207 metres, four metres above the observation deck.
How large is the Berlin TV Tower sphere?
The tower sphere has a diameter of 32 metres and contains seven floors.
Who designed the Berlin TV Tower?
The basic design concept is attributed to Hermann Henselmann. Architects Fritz Dieter, Günter Franke and Werner Ahrendt were among those involved in the final design. Planning and construction management were initially overseen by Gerd Kosel and later by Gerhard Frost.
Is the Berlin TV Tower still used for broadcasting?
Yes. The TV Tower continues to be used for transmitting television, radio and other wireless signals.
When was the Berlin TV Tower listed as a historic monument?
The TV Tower and the associated architectural ensemble have been protected as a historic monument since 1979.
Is the Berlin TV Tower the tallest structure in Germany?
Yes. With a total height of 368 metres, the Berlin TV Tower is the tallest structure in Germany.
More Information About the Berlin TV Tower
History of the Berlin TV Tower
From the first plans in the 1950s to the opening and subsequent renovation work.
Architecture of the Berlin TV Tower
Construction, tower sphere, reinforced-concrete shaft, antenna and building materials.
Plan Your Visit to the Berlin TV Tower
Information about tickets, admission, visit duration, security and accessibility.
