Take in Berlin from the top of the TV tower
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The Berlin TV Tower, known as the ‘Fernsehturm Berlin’ in German, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
To use its nickname, the ‘Toothpick’ proudly stands at a height of 368 metres (1,207 feet) towering over the city. It’s the tallest structure in Germany and the fourth tallest freestanding structure in Europe.
The tower was commissioned by the ‘German Democratic Republic’ (East Germany) and was built in Alexanderplatz, which is a central district of Berlin, as a symbol of East Berlin and the strength of the socialist state. Its construction began in 1965 and was completed in 1969.
The tower, with its distinctive spherical observation deck, was designed by architect Hermann Henselmann and structural engineer Jörg Streitparth. The observation deck which is often likened to a giant disco ball was influenced by the Soviet Sputnik satellite!
The tower was originally built to serve as a broadcasting tower for radio and television signals. However, it has since become a major tourist destination for both locals and tourists, who come to enjoy the amazing panoramic views it offers of Berlin from its observation deck, as well as the fun rotating restaurant!
The observation deck stands at a height of about 203 metres (666 feet), so on a clear day, you can see as far as 42 kilometres (26 miles) in every direction!
The tower also has a revolving restaurant which sits at a height of about 207 metres (679 feet) above ground level and completes a full rotation every half-hour, which provides diners with a unique experience and ever-changing views of the city!
During the division of Berlin, the TV Tower served as a symbol of East Germany's technological achievements and was intended to showcase the superiority of the socialist system. However, since the wall came down it has now come to symbolise the unity of the city.