A bird's eye view of the majestic buildings of Berlin, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - what could be more beautiful? Night play of neon lamps, foggy morning of Old Europe, sun glare sliding through the houses and arches of the capital of Germany. The Berlin TV Tower is a wonderful place, on the observation deck of which millions of tourists discover wonderful panoramic views of the German capital.
Historical facts
We recognize Berlin by the Victory Column, the Reichstag building and the Brandenburg Gate. In the first frames of German films, along with these sights, we see the majestic construction of a television tower.
The Berlin TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm) project was conceived for practical reasons, as at that time the television and radio broadcasting of East Berlin left much to be desired. At the European Broadcasting Conference, in the allocation of broadcasting frequencies, the GDR received only two channels. The stations that were operating in Berlin at that time could not ensure the uninterrupted operation of the channels; a powerful modern transmitter was required.
Work on the project began in 1952 and was planned for the south-east of Berlin. After the start of construction, the work was stopped. The height of the tower could threaten the safety of aircraft, since the site was located eight kilometers from Berlin-Schönefeld airport.
Until 1964, there was a search for a place for construction. The government insisted on the central location of the TV tower, since over time, another task was added to the task of optimal broadcasting - the creation of an additional symbolic monument in Berlin.
Construction of the TV tower began on August 4, 1965. Construction work lasted 53 months. On October 3, 1969, the Berlin TV and VHF Tower, despite all the difficulties, was put into operation.
About 132 million marks were spent on its construction. At that time, the Berlin TV tower was the second tallest after the Ostankino TV tower.
In 1990, when Germany unified, many demanded to demolish the TV tower. But the government has modernized and reconstructed the structure, increasing its height from 365 to 368 meters. And how would the Germans feel today if they did not have such a historical treasure?
The tower today
Today the Berlin TV Tower is one of the four tallest structures in Europe after the Ostankino TV Tower (540 m), Kiev (385 m) and Riga (368.5 m). The daily flows of tourists prove that there is simply no better place to see the panorama of the whole of Berlin. Good weather and clear sun over Berlin make it possible to see even the Tropical Islands amusement park, located 60 km from the city.
The tower receives about a million tourists every year. At an altitude of 203 meters there is an observation deck and the highest bar “Bar 203”. 4 m higher is the Sphere restaurant, which makes a full turn for half an hour. Here you will combine the pleasure of excellent cuisine with stunning views of Berlin. It is better to book a table for dinner in advance, since even famous gourmets of the capital recognized the local chef.
Interestingly, the restaurant's kitchen is located at the foot of the tower for fire safety purposes. Ready-made dishes are taken up by the elevator, and in the small kitchen next to the restaurant, the masterpieces of the art of cookery are already being finalized.
For celebrations, the restaurant offers a hall that can be reserved for 200 people. And such a holiday will be remembered for a long time, if not for a lifetime. Getting married in Berlin? Please: now the groom, the bride and their guests are allowed to reserve for an hour a bar located on the observation deck for 30 people.
Some technical facts
Lovers of numbers will be completely satisfied if this magnificent structure is translated into mathematical symbols.
The exact height of the Berlin TV Tower with the antenna is 368.03 m, of which 118 m is the antenna. The height of the ball - the twin brother of the ball of the Ostankino TV tower - is 212 meters.
The observation deck is at a height of 203.78 m, and the revolving restaurant is at an altitude of 207.53 m. There are 21 steps between them. In one hour, the restaurant turns 360 °.
In addition to two passenger elevators, there is an elevator for the transportation of equipment and personnel working in technical rooms. Elevator speed 6 m / s.
At a height of 216 m, 220 m and 224 m, there are transmission installations for broadcasting television and radio channels, as well as office premises for employees. 150 TV and radio broadcast antennas on the mast. Broadcasting area - 20,000 sq. km.
Many-sided attraction
The Berlin TV Tower became the object of jokes for the Germans, and here it was not without the help of the elements of nature. When the rays of the sun illuminate a metal ball, an image in the form of a cross is seen on it. The inhabitants of Berlin, hinting at the atheistic policy of the socialist GDR and discrimination against the institution of the church, called this cross "the pope's revenge."
It was also rumored that the architect deliberately designed this optical effect. And for this reason, he was invited to a conversation with the state security organs of the GDR. Another legend says that at the end of the dispute on this topic, one of the members of the government exclaimed: "This is not a cross, this is a plus for socialism!"
The second nickname - the Church of St. Walter - the TV tower received thanks to the same glare of the sun. The townspeople with this name allude to the communist, the leader of the GDR Walter Ulbricht. The tower is also called the Ulbricht Memorial Church.
Many people think that the tower is located on Alexanderplatz, therefore, due to the proximity of the famous square, the tower is often called Alex-Turm (“Alex Tower”).
Visit
The Berlin TV Tower today is a great place to spend leisure time for tourists and for the Germans themselves. The TV tower received over 4 million people in the first three years.
The symbol of Berlin in its ball can simultaneously accommodate 320 people. Tourists are lifted by two passenger lifts for 12 people in 40 seconds. Visitors enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of Berlin and its surroundings from 60 windows.
For their safety, tourists can always be calm. How can you not trust German professionalism?
Fire safety measures comply with all international standards. The TV tower has two evacuation platforms and is smoke-free throughout, including the restaurant and bar.
So those who like to smoke while visiting the tower will have to give up their habit. But it's worth it. It is not for nothing that guests from 90 countries of the world come here every year.
Unfortunately, people with disabilities will not be able to get into the TV tower yet, because in emergency situations they will not be able to use the emergency exit on their own. The entrance is also restricted for the smallest in strollers and for animals.
It is not recommended to take large luggage with you: firstly, carrying a suitcase with you, you will not enjoy all the delights of the excursion; secondly, they won't even let you through - for security reasons.
You can visit the symbol and pride of Berlin all year round. Although the opening hours of the tower depend on the season. Berlin TV Tower is open daily: from March to October from 9.00 to 24.00, from November to February from 10.00 to 24.00. The last ascent of the passenger elevator is at 23.30, and the entrance to the restaurant will be open until 23.00.
It is also worth taking into account that the tower is checked twice a year and at this time it is closed to visitors. This information should be checked on the official website of the Berlin TV Tower: www.tv-turm.de.
Location
The Berlin TV Tower is located southwest of Alexanderplatz and northeast of the Marx-Engels Forum, at Panoramstrasse 1A.
Underground and S-Bahn trains, as well as many bus and tram lines, lead to Alexanderplatz Station, which has a central exit near the TV Tower entrance.
Price
The cost of a standard ticket is 13 euros, a child ticket from 4 to 16 years old is 8.5 euros. But this ticket does not give the right to immediately climb the tower, the waiting time can last several hours. In order not to crowd a lot of people near the TV tower, there is an SMS notification system: when purchasing a ticket, you leave your number and can safely see the nearest sights. An SMS arrives 30 minutes before your turn and you walk to the tower.
If a long wait does not suit you, you can order a VIP-ticket on the official website (Visa, MasterCard cards are accepted) or at the machine on the spot.
These tickets are divided into four types:
- Early Bird Ticket Panorama - a ticket for those who like early walks by 9.00. Includes entry to the panoramic floor, the tallest bar in Berlin, “Bar 203”. You will pay as much for this ticket as for a standard ticket.
- Premium Ticket Panorama is a classic VIP ticket. You choose the date and time of your visit. The ticket price is 19.50 euros (for children - 12 euros).
- Premium Ticket Restaurant. The ticket allows you to reserve a table at the “Sphere” restaurant. After visiting the restaurant, you can continue your walk along the panoramic floor and visit “Bar 203”. Ticket price: 17.50 euros (children - 12 euros).
- Late Night Ticket Panorama is a ticket for those who wish to see Berlin at night from above. No fogs and rains are terrible for the neon lights of the capital of Germany at this time. Visiting hours from 21.30 and 23.00. Ticket price: 13 euros (children - 8.50 euros).
After paying for the ticket, you will receive a confirmation by e-mail. Remember to print the PDF or open it on your smartphone to scan.
How to get there
The TV tower is located directly on Alexanderplatz, where there is an excellent transport interchange:
- S-Bahn - S5, S7 and S75;
- U-Bahn - U2 and U5;
- trams - M4, M5, M6;
- buses - 248, 100, 200, M4, M48, N5, N65 and TXL.
Conclusion
If you do not yet have photos with panoramic views of the German capital and its environs in your family album, then you should definitely visit the Berlin TV Tower. Berlin's monumental buildings are equally beautiful in the rays of the daytime sun as well as at night. And the historic city center - Mitte - will delight you with many beauties while you wander the streets waiting for your turn to climb to the observation deck of the tower.
