Standing at the centre of the vast eight-lane Großer Stern roundabout in Berlin's Tiergarten, the Victory Column (Siegessäule) is a roughly 67-metre monument erected in 1864–1873 to mark Prussia's victories in three wars of unification. It is crowned by a gilded statue of the goddess Victory that Berliners fondly nickname 'Goldelse,' making it one of the city's signature landmarks alongside the Brandenburg Gate and the TV Tower. Climb the 285-step spiral staircase to a viewing platform about 51 m up for a 360-degree panorama over the Tiergarten, the Brandenburg Gate and Schloss Bellevue. It remains open year-round in 2026, though the surrounding avenue frequently hosts major summer events, so timing your visit pays off.
The gilded 'Goldelse' Victoria at the top — an approximately 35-tonne, 8.3 m bronze statue of the goddess of victory
A 360-degree panorama from the ~51 m platform taking in the Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate and Schloss Bellevue
Real captured cannon barrels embedded in the shaft as trophies from the three wars of unification
The colonnade hall's glass mosaic by Anton von Werner, depicting the founding of the German Empire
Its dramatic history: relocated in 1938–39 from Königsplatz to its present spot (and heightened with an extra drum) under the Nazi 'Germania' plan
Good to know
SafetyThe column sits in the middle of the huge Großer Stern traffic circle — never cross the road at surface level; reach the base only through the pedestrian underpass tunnels.
RulesTickets are sold on site for cash only (no cards); bring small notes and coins. Confirm current prices and opening hours before you go.
MannersThe 285-step spiral staircase narrows near the top and is effectively single-file — yield to people coming down. There is no lift and no toilet, so factor in fitness and young children.
SeasonSummer weekends often bring large events along Straße des 17. Juni (for example, the Berlin CSD/Pride parade on 25 July 2026 passes the column, with road closures and rerouted buses) — check the schedule for your date.
CautionAround tourist spots and the no. 100 bus, watch for pickpockets and petition/donation scams; carry bags in front and buy tickets only at the official on-site counter.
SeasonWinter hours are shorter and the site closes on 24 December; the exposed top platform is windy and cold, so dress warmly.
Practical info
Bus lines 100, 106, 187 and N26 stop at 'Großer Stern' right by the column, and it is walkable from S-Bahn Bellevue (S5/S7) or Berlin Hauptbahnhof. The ticket office and platform typically run roughly 9:30–19:00 in summer and about 9:30–17:30 in winter (earlier on weekdays), closed 24 December — but confirm the latest opening times and ticket prices (about €4.50 adult / €3.50 reduced, cash only) on the official site before visiting.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
