At 368 metres, this is the tallest structure in Germany and was built to be exactly that — a giant exclamation mark planted by the East German government to prove that socialism could build higher than capitalism. It was completed in 1969 and was visible from almost anywhere in West Berlin, which was entirely the point.
The sphere at the top, clad in stainless steel tiles inspired by the Soviet Sputnik satellite, contains an observation deck at 203 metres and a revolving restaurant one floor above. The restaurant completes a full rotation every thirty minutes — you can have coffee and watch the whole city slide past.
But here's the detail the East German government really didn't want: when sunlight hits the sphere, it creates a cross-shaped reflection. West Berliners immediately nicknamed it 'the Pope's Revenge' — a crucifix shining over the capital of an officially atheist state. The authorities tried to find a technical fix. They couldn't. The cross still appears on sunny days.
The tower was designed by Hermann Henselmann and Jörg Streitparth, and construction was a point of national pride. East German television broadcast from here, and it became the visual shorthand for East Berlin. After reunification, there was debate about tearing it down, but Berliners — east and west — had grown attached to it. Today it's the most visited attraction in Germany, with about 1.2 million visitors per year.
Verified Facts
At 368 metres, the Fernsehturm is the tallest structure in Germany
Sunlight reflecting off the sphere creates a cross shape, nicknamed 'the Pope's Revenge' by West Berliners
The revolving restaurant at 207 metres completes a full rotation in approximately 30 minutes
The tower was completed in 1969 and the sphere was inspired by the Soviet Sputnik satellite
Get walking directions
1A Panoramastraße, City Centre, Berlin, 10178, Germany
