Berlin’s 368-metre Fernsehturm rises above Alexanderplatz and gives you a 360-degree view from its observation deck, 203 metres above the ground. Look for landmarks including the Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag; clear weather makes distant sights easier to pick out. The tower opened in 1969 and was built in East Germany as a broadcasting tower. At 207 metres, the revolving Sphere restaurant pairs the city panorama with meals and drinks. Book ahead if you want to reduce time spent queuing for tickets.
A landmark from East Berlin
The Fernsehturm, or Berlin TV Tower, was built between 1965 and 1969 in what was then East Germany. It opened in 1969 as a broadcasting tower and was intended to represent the power and prosperity of the German Democratic Republic. After German reunification, it became a symbol of Berlin as a whole.
At 368 metres, it is Germany’s tallest structure. Its sphere is one of the most recognizable shapes on the city skyline, and the tower can be seen from many parts of Berlin. Its address is Panoramastraße 1A, beside Alexanderplatz.
What you can see from the observation deck
The observation deck sits 203 metres above the ground. From here, the panorama takes in Berlin’s different neighbourhoods, historic buildings and green spaces. On a clear day, look for the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island. The view gives you a useful sense of how the city’s major sights sit in relation to one another.
Information panels help identify what you are looking at, and telescopes on the deck let you zoom in on parts of the city. Conditions affect how far you can see, so a clear day is a better choice if distant landmarks are a priority. Sunset is another option: the changing light falls across the skyline as the day ends.
The Sphere restaurant
The revolving Sphere restaurant is set at 207 metres, just above the observation deck. It serves classic German and international dishes, with a 360-degree panorama as the room turns. Coffee and brunch are among the options mentioned for a visit, and Currywurst has also been offered as part of a ticket experience. The restaurant is a way to build a meal into your tower visit; a drink at the bar is another option.
Food and drinks cost more than a simple stop elsewhere in Berlin, so decide whether the view and the rotating setting are part of what you want to pay for. If you mainly want the panorama, choose the observation deck instead.
Tickets, entry and the lift
Advance tickets are recommended. Buying ahead can help you avoid the queue to purchase tickets on site, though you should still allow time for the security check before entering. Bags are searched, and bags must go upstairs with you. A cloakroom is available for jackets and strollers.
A lift takes visitors up to the sphere. Once at the top, you can spend time on the observation deck identifying landmarks or head to the restaurant if you have booked a meal. The tower is a popular attraction, and queues can build during busy periods. If you only want to see the structure, you can view it from outside without buying an entry ticket.
FAQ
How tall is the Berlin TV Tower?
The tower is 368 metres tall, making it Germany’s tallest structure.
How high is the observation deck?
The observation deck is 203 metres above the ground. The Sphere restaurant is at 207 metres.
What can you see from the Berlin TV Tower?
The 360-degree view includes landmarks such as the Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag. Visibility affects how far you can see.
Should I book Berlin TV Tower tickets in advance?
Advance booking is recommended and can help you avoid the ticket-buying queue. Allow extra time for the security check.
Is there a restaurant at the top of the tower?
Yes. The revolving Sphere restaurant is at 207 metres and serves German and international dishes.
