The Berlin TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm) rises 368 metres beside Alexanderplatz and is the tallest structure in Germany - a landmark visible from almost anywhere in the city. It was built by the East German (GDR) government between 1965 and 1969 as a symbol of socialist power and inaugurated on 3 October 1969; Berliners nicknamed it the 'Telespargel' (TV asparagus) and coined 'the Pope's Revenge' for the cross of light that appears when sunlight hits its steel dome, an irony in the officially atheist GDR. As of 2026 the 203 m observation deck and 207 m revolving restaurant are both open; in June 2025 the restaurant reopened as 'Sphere', now with two-Michelin-star chef Tim Raue, and standard admission includes a VR experience - keeping the tower one of Berlin's signature viewpoints.
The 360-degree panorama from the 203 m observation deck - the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Museum Island, the cathedral and the whole city spread out below
The revolving 'Sphere' restaurant at 207 m, completing a full turn about every 30 minutes - reopened in June 2025 as fine dining with two-Michelin-star chef Tim Raue (separate reservation required)
'The Pope's Revenge' (Rache des Papstes) - the cross of light that reflects off the stainless-steel dome on sunny days, a celebrated irony of the GDR era
GDR-era architecture and Alexanderplatz - the 'Telespargel' nickname, its 1969 socialist symbolism, and the square below with the World Clock, shopping and a major transit hub
Sunset and night views - the illuminated city and skyline, plus the VR experience now included with standard admission
Good to know
CautionAlexanderplatz is a crowded transit hub and a known pickpocketing spot. Keep your wallet, passport and phone in an inside or front pocket or a cross-body bag, and stay alert on packed platforms and in elevator queues. Buy tickets only from the official site (tv-turm.de) or authorised resellers, and avoid overpriced or unknown reseller pages.
RulesAdmission uses timed entry slots, so booking online in advance is recommended. There is a standard ticket (adults from roughly EUR 24.50-25.50) and a priority Fast View ticket (from about EUR 26.50); the revolving restaurant needs a separate reservation and weekend or special dates can sell out weeks ahead. Confirm the latest prices, hours and booking terms before you go.
RulesOn the S-Bahn, U-Bahn and trams (BVG) you must buy and validate a valid ticket; fare-dodging carries a fine of around 60 euros. If you plan to sightsee widely, consider a pass such as the Berlin WelcomeCard.
SeasonThe quality of the view depends heavily on the weather - overcast or foggy days limit visibility, so aim for a clear day, and popular sunset slots sell out early. In winter (Nov-Feb) opening shifts to 10 am and days are cold and short, so allow extra time in your plan.
SafetyEven with a booking, security screening and the elevator can mean long waits on summer and weekend peaks, so leave a buffer. The tower also closes early or fully on certain dates for private events (there are some closure days in 2026 too), so check the official schedule before visiting.
MannersArrive a little early for your timed slot and queue in an orderly way, as locals expect. Smart-casual dress is a safe choice for the revolving restaurant, and on the deck take care not to lean on or push against the glass and railings.
Practical info
Alexanderplatz station is right next door - a hub for the S-Bahn (S3/S5/S7/S9), U-Bahn (U2/U5/U8), trams (M2/M4/M5/M6) and many buses - and the station's central exit leads to the tower's entrance building. Opening is roughly 9 am (Mar-Oct) or 10 am (Nov-Feb) until late evening (around 11 pm-midnight), with some closure days; tickets come as standard or Fast View, and the revolving restaurant is a separate reservation (confirm the latest hours, prices and booking before you visit).
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