As we have a obsessive desire to venture up every tall building that we encounter it is a no brainer that we have to head up the Fernsehturm Berlin TV tower.
Close to Alexanderplatz in Berlin-Mitte, the imposing tower was constructed between 1965-69 by the government of the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
It was intended to be both a symbol of Communist power and of Berlin.
With its height of 368 metres (including antenna) it is the tallest structure in Germany, and the second-tallest structure in the European Union.
When the sun shines on the Fernsehturm’s tiled stainless steel dome, the reflection usually appears in the form of a cross. Berliners nicknamed the shining cross Rache des Papstes, or the “Pope’s Revenge”.
The very distinctive city landmark has undergone a symbolic transformation.
After German reunification, it changed from a politically charged, national symbol of the GDR into a citywide symbol of a reunited Berlin.
The view from the top of the tower is somewhat hazy but still incredible. The whole of Berlin is laid out beneath you.
After enjoying the bird’s eye views we head to the Berliner Republik.
It’s a type of beer stock market where prices go up and down dependant on demand. Prices are updated on screen in the pub.
