Probably the most exciting tourism stories are those in which some architectural pieces changed their purpose and became must-see attractions of the city or the country.
Precisely that happened with the Berlin TV tower.
Little History of the Tv Tower in Berlin
The story about the tower started in the early 50s when the GDR was planning to build a facility to transmit the television signal.
After discussing the best position for building it, the TV tower owes its location to a fully independent planning initiative – after the Berlin Palace’s detonation and the wish to create a new architectural icon for their contemporary society.
After rejecting other plans, the authorities merged two earlier initiatives. They had an idea to make the television tower in Berlin Mitte, not the Berliner Sclossplatz, right next to the Alexanderplatz.
In 1969, the TV tower was put into operation, and after the reunification of Germany in 1990, it instantly became a symbol of Berlin as a whole and one of the most popular city attractions.
That popularity remains these days also. It attracts more than a million people annually and is equally attractive to foreign tourists and Berliners.
Is it a space rocket?
Its unique architecture is what, besides the magnificent view, attracts the most.
Once you come closer to the building, it resembles a space rocket, and the original design came from the East German architect Hermann Henselmann.
He indeed had the vision to make a piece that should remind of the Soviet Sputnik satellite, coloured in red – the colour of socialism.
Construction gave some headaches to the engineers, especially with mounting the sphere in place at an altitude of 200 metres.
They finally resolved it with a decision on an univalve construction of a steel skeleton for the sphere.
That segment was prefabricated on the ground and hauled up by cranes – attached to the spherical platform that marks the concrete shaft’s end.
Then, it was suspended on tension ropes, making it appear floating.
The lifts, the top and the view
In 1996, getting to the top of the tower became quicker.
The lifts were replaced, and it has taken just 40 seconds since then.
Since we’re mentioning getting on the top, visitors’ most frequently asked question is about how much the wind is bringing the tower to vibrate.
And the answer is – barely noticeable, so if you’re planning to visit the TV tower, don’t worry.
This interesting architectural piece offers the most spectacular views of Berlin and its surroundings.
Landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, Olympiastadion and Charlottenburg Palace.
You can enjoy lunch or dinner in the tower’s restaurant – it’s something you should try!
Alexanderplatz
Park Inn Alexanderplatz
A charming four-star hotel ideally situated at Alexanderplatz in Berlin.
Berlin’s tallest hotel with panoramic views of Berlin and the Christmas markets at the Town Hall, Alexanderplatz, and TV Tower (der Fehrnsehnturm).
It also has a beautiful spa area.
More things to do in Berlin
More from Berlin and Germany
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Stuttgart Springfest “Fruhlingsfest” Germany, 20 April-12 May 2024
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New Years Eve Celebration – Silvester in Berlin
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Frankfurt Christmas Market, 27 November – 21 December 2023
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Christmas Market Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin 27 Nov. – 31 Dec. 2023
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Christmas Market, Berlin City Hall, 27 Nov. 2023 – 7 Jan. 2024
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Christmas Market in Spandau, Berlin. 27 Nov. – 23 Dec. 2023
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Bremen Christmas Market, 27 November – 23 December 2023
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Christmas Markets in Hamburg, 27 November – 23 December 2023
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Hamburg Port Birthday Festival, 9 – 12 May 2024
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Dixieland Festival Dresden, Germany 12 – 19 May 2024
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Dresden, Germany – Rich History, Events and Lots to See and Do
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Dresden Christmas Markets, 29 November – 24 December 2023
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Nuremberg Christmas Market, 1 – 24 December 2023
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The lovely Rugen Island in Germany
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Christmas Market Charlottenburg Palace, 27 Nov. – 31 Dec. 2023
The Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin is beautiful. With the castle and decorations, it all gives a cosy atmosphere.
Cologne Christmas Markets, 23 November – 23 December 2023
Cologne boasts an impressive array of Christmas markets, each with unique charm.
Cologne Carnival: Germany’s Largest, 8 – 14 February 2024
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The attractive Sylt Island in Germany
Sylt Island is a lovely destination for anyone looking to relax and reconnect with nature. Beautiful beaches and a great place for naturists.
The village Sellin on Rugen Island
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Usedom – The shared Island
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Alexanderplatz Christmas Market, Berlin. 27 Nov. – 26 Dec. 2023
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Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival, 15 – 25 February 2024
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Christmas market at Breitscheidplatz, 27 Nov. – 31 Dec. 2023
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Events and Festivals in Berlin
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Lollapalooza Music Festival in Berlin, 9 – 10 September 2023
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The light is the art at Festival Of Lights in Berlin, 6-15 October 2023
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Oktoberfest in Berlin 2023
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Duckstein Beer Festival Hamburg, 23 June – 2 July 2023
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Stuttgart Wine Festival Weindorf, 30 August – 10 September 2023
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Historical Burgenfest, Manderscheid, Germany, 26-27 August 2023
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Winzerfest Wine Festival Hamburg, Germany, 24 – 27 August 2023
The St. Pauli Wine festival in Hamburg. You can enjoy wine, music, food, and the great Hamburg atmosphere every year in August.
Rheingau Wine Festival in Frankfurt, 30 August – 8 September 2023
Rheingau Wine Festival in Frankfurt invites you to try good wine from the Rheingau region —over 600 wines at about 30 wine stalls.
Störtebeker medieval games,Rugen Island, 24 June – 9 Sept. 2023
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Rothenburg Imperial City Festival, 1 – 3 September 2023
Imperial City Festival is reviving that old atmosphere and traditional professions. Everything from old equipment to original fashion.
Southside Festival, Neuhausen ob Eck, Germany, 16-18 June 2023
Hurricane Festival takes place in Scheessel, Germany. This music festival features big international and German names alongside newcomers.
Hurricane Festival in Scheessel, Germany, 16 – 18 June 2023
Hurricane Festival takes place in Scheessel, Germany. This music festival features big international and German names alongside newcomers.
What to see and do in Hamburg, Germany
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Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt, Bad Dürkheim 8 – 18 September 2023
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Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm) – A famous Attraction
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Munich Springfestival “Frühlingsfest”, 21 April – 7 May 2023
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Tollwood Summer Festival in Munich. 16 June – 16 July 2023
Tollwood Summer Festival - Theatre performances, art exhibitions, live music from all over the world, and the colourful “Market of Ideas”.
Theme and fun park; Europa Park in Rust, Germany
Europa Park is one of the world's most beautiful theme parks. It attracts over 5 million people from all over the world each year.
Elb-Jazz Festival in Hamburg, 9 – 10 June 2023
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Maschsee Lake Festival Hannover, Germany 26 July-13 Aug. 2023
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Dusseldorf Funfair on the Rhine, 14 – 23 July 2023
Dusseldorf Funfair is one of the biggest outdoor celebrations in Germany, with over 4 million visitors.
KeNaKo Africa Festival in Berlin, 20 – 30 July 2023
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Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg, Germany 20 – 23 September 2023
Reeperbahn Festival is a big music festival in Hamburg in September—one of the largest club festivals with over 600 events and 70 venues.
Mainz Wine Festival, Germany. 24 August – 3 September 2023
Mainz Wine Festival lets you discover the infinite lightness of the wine for two weekends in the beautiful Mainz City Park.
Blue Wave Festival with Blues on Rugen Island, 8 – 11 June 2023
The Blue Wave Festival for blues, jazz and funk on Rugen takes place four days in June every year. It's the largest music festival in Rugen.
Culture Festival Frankfurt, 25 – 27 August 2023
The Museum Embankment Festival in Frankfurt is one of the largest Culture Festivals globally and attracts over 3 million visitors every year
Charlottenburg Palace Berlin
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Oktoberfest in Munich 16 September – 3 October 2023
It all started with a royal wedding and ended with the most famous beer festival in Europe and probably worldwide. Oktoberfest in Munich.
Berlin Beer Week Festival, 1 – 10 September 2023
Breweries from Berlin and worldwide and craft beer establishments from all over the city present their products at Berlin Beer Week
Carnival of Cultures Festival in Berlin, 26 – 29 May 2023
Carnival of Cultures Festival in Berlin - every year during the Pentecost weekend. The main attraction is the carnival parade on Sunday.
Munich Strong Beer Festival Starkbierzeit, 10 March – 2 April 2023
In Munich, the strong beer festival Starkbierzeit has crowds half as large and beer twice as strong as the Oktoberfest.
Live Music and Jazz Clubs in Berlin
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The famous Berlin ZOO
Rickenbackers Berlin – Is unfortunately permanently closed!
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World Club Dome Music Festival in Frankfurt, 9 – 11 June 2023
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Yorckschlösschen, an old style Jazzclub in Berlin
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Quasimodo Jazz Club Berlin
Gourmet Festival in Düsseldorf, 25 – 27 August 2023
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Junction Bar, Cafe and Live Music Club
Museums
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Lucia Christmas market at Kulturbrauhaus in Berlin
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Shopping, spa and entertainment at Europa Center, Berlin
Large shopping center with several fashion shops and restaurants. Located near Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Breitscheidplatz.
Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin
Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous passage between East and West Berlin during the communist era between 1945 - 1990.
Many good restaurants in Berlin – here are a few to check out !
Approximately 2000 restaurants in Berlin, plus many catering establishments, so you are sure to find something to your taste and style.
Olympic Stadium in Berlin
Olympic Stadium Berlin - among Berlin's must-see attractions with hundred years old history.
Attractions and what to see and do in Berlin
Lots of attractions, landmarks, museums and historical monuments in Berlin.
Here you'll find a few tips on what to see in Berlin.
Here you'll find a few tips on what to see in Berlin.
Spring Festival “Fruhlingsfest” in Munich and Stuttgart
Berlin Tiergarten – the city’s paradise for activities and chill-outs.
If you’re for a picnic, cycling, jogging, or just relaxing in the city center – Berlin Tiergarten is the best choice.
KaDeWe in Berlin “Kaufhaus Des Westens”
KaDeWe in Berlin is one of Europe's largest department stores with seven fancy floors.
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