Berlin TV Tower – Dinner Above The City

Try to imagine a remnant of turbulent Cold War period in Berlin, aiming to provide unique culinary experience, while embracing the entire city from above. Is that really possible? In Berlin, almost everything is doable.

Wherever you look to get better orientation in Berlin, at least tiny part of gigantic Fernsehturm (TV tower) will appear. Walking towards it means diving into a maze of intriguing historic sagas until you end up on famous Alexander Platz. This highly dynamic square is where spirit of East Berlin, shopping mania and fame of Russian Tzar Alexander I meet together. Evolution of the square ranged from the earliest settlements in Berlin to Prussian Royal Palace and destruction during WWII. In 1805, glamourous  parade was organized on this square to honor a visit of the Russian Tzar Alexander I to Berlin. From that moment on, this vast space will be remembered as Alexanderplatz (Alexander’s Square) or simply “Alex” as Berliners adore to call it.

In the after WWII era, this absolute focal point of German’s capital was just a perfect site for a new structure to symbolize Communist power of German Democratic Republic, better known as East Germany. Already during 1950s GDR was facing a problem, using only two TV channel frequencies in Berlin. 

To avoid multiple broadcasting stations all over the city, decision was made to create only one, but firm and modern. The idea of Berlin TV tower was born.

After a few location changes and financial problems due to high costs of Berlin Wall, TV tower foundation stone was set in August 1965. As always, mega projects usually surpass any estimated construction costs. In this case,  the amount rose from the initial 33, to enormous 132 million marks!!! This fact never stopped building this tower – an absolute pride of German Democratic Republic.

Entrance at the foot of the tower guarantees security scanners. Be ready to leave your backpacks and your coats or jackets in a cloak room. Inside Berlin Fernsehturm, even using an elevator is adventure. If you are lucky enough to have your elevator host inspired, maybe you can hear some brief and authentic anecdotes from tower’s history. Within forty seconds you will be at the top. 

Try to get into elevator among the first ones, thus standing at the back, opposite the elevators door. From that position just look up and be amazed and slightly hypnotized by seeing actual elevator path construction and its top being closer and closer. Observation deck provides insight to the full story about the tower. Around 60 windows give an opportunity to truly hug Berlin. Unique 360° view becomes even more impressive after climbing 21 steps to reach revolving Sphere Restaurant which makes a full circle every hour.

For me, evening visit to Fernsehturm TV Tower with dinner above Berlin was a big thing to experience. Restaurant lights created magical effect, while avenues, churches, museums and squares of Berlin were getting their beautiful evening charm. Service and food were truly great specially knowing that for safety reasons, main kitchen is located at the foot of the tower. Master chefs will passionately prepare a delicacy for you, send it with a special elevator up for a few final presentation touches, and your plate is ready.

Flavors of Berlin/Brandenburg cuisine will impress you for sure. Even paying around 70$ for a 4 course dinner with one drink in such a unique place will be just a pure pleasure. For all of you tempting to say “gutten tag” (good morning) to Berlin from above, there is always an option for a breakfast on top of Fernsehturm. Sundays are really special with a perfectly rich buffet and a morning view of Berlin and beyond.

After typical German breakfast, just a few minutes stroll from the  famous TV tower will take you to some of Berlin’s city center jewels: bohemian Nikolaviertel, Berlin City Hall, mighty Cathedral or spectacular Museums Island.

 We can all agree that among numerous TV towers around the globe, this one in Berlin has a touch of history, combined with engineering marvels, local flavors and bird’s eye perspective. It can provide another, different, but complete picture of Berlin, a city proudly overlooked by the legendary TV Tower.