Nothing in Berlin is higher
With its 1,207.35 ft (368 m) height, the Berlin TV Tower is the tallest building in Germany and the fifth tallest TV tower in Europe - so a visit is only recommended for those who are not afraid of heights. The observation deck is located at a height of 666 ft (203 m). In local parlance, the giant tower is also called toothpick or telesparagus.Origins in the dictatorship
Today, the television tower stands symbolically for the entire metropolis of Berlin. However, this was not always the case. When construction of the tower was completed in 1969, it was located in East Berlin of the Cold War. There, the GDR dictatorship erected it as a symbol of technical progress.Redesign for a united Germany
After the reunification of Germany, voices were raised in favor of tearing down the Berlin TV tower. However, Deutsche Telekom took it over, gave it a general overhaul and still uses it for broadcasting today.Iconic tower basket
The tower basket with 104 ft (32 m) in diameter and centered at a height of approximately 698 ft (213 m), resembles a diamond surface due to its design. The GDR had to order the stainless steel for the outer cladding from West Germany and kept this secret because the West was commonly dubbed the class enemy.The radio tower in film and television
In many films set in the German capital, the all-surpassing TV tower is naturally a frequent sight. In 2007, however, the Berlin TV tower also served as the most important backdrop in the German disaster film 'Das Inferno - Flammen über Berlin'. There, the huge building catches fire.