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Contents
Berlin TV Tower Facts | 9 Things You Didn’t Know About Fernsehturm Berlin
9 Interesting facts about the Berlin TV Tower
Visibility and Navigation
The Berlin TV tower’s location was carefully chosen to provide wide-ranging television and radio broadcasts. During the Cold War, the GDR also used the tower as a surveillance point to monitor both East and West Berlin. The observation platform offered a clear view of the city, aiding navigation and strategic observation. Today, this same observation deck lets visitors appreciate Berlin’s rapid transformation since the Cold War era.
Controversial Cross
A curious quirk of the tower is the cross-shaped reflection that sometimes appears on the metallic sphere when sunlight hits it at certain angles. Nicknamed the “Pope’s Revenge,” this phenomenon drew attention because the East German government had removed all crosses from churches in East Berlin.
Daredevils on the Berlin TV Tower
The TV Tower's height has never really intimidated but rather tempted thrill-seekers over the years. In 2010, two German climbers scaled the tower without any safety gear, making headlines and prompting stricter security measures. The tower’s iconic height and structure continue to make it a unique challenge for daredevils.
Escape from the East
During the Cold War, some East Berliners tried to escape using the tower. They did not want to live under a communist regime and sought dangerous means to flee. Some attempted to parachute from the observation deck, while others tried using homemade aircraft.
Top-level Dining, Ground-level Prep
The Sphere restaurant, located at 207 meters, offers panoramic dining inside the Berlin TV Tower. But there’s a bit of a workaround behind the scenes. The kitchen is at the base of the tower for safety reasons, and meals are transported to the top via a special elevator! So while guests savor fresh, gourmet dishes and take in the cityscape, their cooks are working almost 300 meters below.
Popular Culture and Film
The TV Tower has become a cultural icon, appearing in films, TV shows, and music videos. A famous example is The Bourne Supremacy, where it serves as the backdrop for an exciting chase scene. Its distinctive silhouette is recognized worldwide and has become synonymous with Berlin’s skyline in popular culture.
Competing with the Eiffel Tower
The tower was originally planned to surpass the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The main structure was built one meter shorter at 324 meters without antennas. Including the antennas, the Berlin TV Tower reaches 368 meters, making it about 36 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. This comparison remains a notable fact, reflecting the ambition behind its construction.
Basketball Challenge
In 2004, the 50th anniversary of the tower’s planning was marked with a temporary basketball court on the observation deck. Professional players competed in a match, creating a one-of-a-kind spectacle that combined sports and urban adventure high above the city.
Lighting up the Night Sky
At night, the Berlin TV Tower comes alive with colorful illuminations, often celebrating holidays, special events, or cultural occasions. The vibrant lighting adds a new dimension to the tower, making it a must-see for visitors and photographers alike. Its glowing sphere enhances Berlin’s dynamic nighttime skyline and offers stunning views for anyone exploring the city after dark.
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Frequently asked questions about the Berlin TV Tower
What is Berlin TV Tower known for?
The Berlin TV Tower is an important symbol of the reunification between East and West Germany after the Cold War hostilities ended. It has an observation deck, from where you can catch splendid views of the surrounding areas. You can also dine at its revolving Sphere Restaurant and watch its virtual reality tour.
When was the Berlin TV Tower built?
The Berlin TV Tower, or Fernsehturm Berlin, was constructed between 1965 and 1969. It was commissioned by the German Democratic Republic (East Germany).
How high is the Berlin TV Tower?
The Berlin TV Tower stands 368 metres (1,207) feet tall. It is the tallest structure in Germany.
What is the architectural style of the Berlin TV Tower?
The Berlin TV Tower features a distinctive slender cylindrical shaft topped with a sphere and a transmitting antenna. Its architectural style is a blend of modern, futuristic, and socialist. Its design is inspired by Sputnik, the Earth’s first artificial satellite launched into orbit by Soviet Russia, and the space race between the USSR and the United States.
Can I climb the Berlin TV Tower?
There are strict security provisions in place that do not allow anyone to climb the Berlin TV Tower. This is to protect its structure and ensure the safety of its visitors. You can use the elevators to go up to its observation deck for splendid views from the tower.
What can I see inside the Berlin TV Tower?
The main highlight of the Berlin TV Tower is the observation deck, which provides panoramic views of Berlin. Additionally, there is a revolving restaurant that completes a full rotation every 30 minutes, offering diners a unique and ever-changing perspective of the city while enjoying a meal. The tower also houses exhibition spaces, providing historical information about its construction and significance.
