Berlin TV Tower

Berlin’s TV Tower stands as Germany’s tallest building and the city’s most recognisable landmark. Located at Alexanderplatz, it was built during the GDR era to serve as a nationwide broadcasting hub. The tower’s design and history reflect both engineering ambition and political irony from its time.

Construction of the Berliner Fernsehturm began in 1964 under the direction of chief architect Hermann Henselmann. His team, including Günter Franke, Werner Stahl, and Karlheinz Schwede, oversaw the project until its completion in 1969. The tower officially opened on October 3, 1969, rising 368 metres above the former East Berlin.

At 203 metres, the observation deck provides panoramic views stretching up to 80 kilometres on clear days. Just above it sits a gourmet restaurant, housed within the tower’s distinctive steel sphere. The sphere also contains the main observation platform, attracting visitors since the tower’s early years. One unexpected detail became a source of embarrassment for GDR officials. Sunlight reflecting off the tower’s antenna created a large cross-shaped glare, visible across the city. The phenomenon, impossible to remove, stood in stark contrast to the atheist state’s ideology. Despite its origins in a divided Germany, the tower remains a symbol of the city’s skyline. Its mix of function and design continues to draw millions of visitors each year.

The TV Tower’s dual role as a broadcasting structure and tourist attraction has cemented its place in Berlin’s identity. Its observation deck, restaurant, and accidental cross reflection all contribute to its enduring legacy. Today, it stands not just as a relic of the GDR but as a central feature of the reunified capital.