Siegessaule

At this center, stands one of Berlin’s most enduring landmarks, the Victory Column. You may recognize the gilded figure atop the column, locally known as the Goldelse, but beneath the shine lies a story rooted in military unification and surprising twists of history. Designed by Heinrich Strack, construction began in 1864 to commemorate Prussia’s victory over Denmark. By the time it was inaugurated on September 2, 1873, the monument also honored victories in the Austro-Prussian War (1866) and the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71). Originally erected in front of the Reichstag on Königsplatz, the Victory Column stood as a proud marker of national achievements.

But in 1938–39, under Hitler’s vast urban redesign plans for “Welthauptstadt Germania,” it was relocated to the Großer Stern and raised by one additional tier, bringing it to approximately 67 meters high. Near the end of World War II, Polish troops hoisted their flag atop the column on May 2, 1945, symbolizing their role in the Battle of Berlin. Later, following the conflict, French soldiers raised the tricolor during a victory parade. For a few decades afterward, the reliefs at the base scenes of the three wars by four sculptors were removed by occupying forces.

They were only restored in 1987 for Berlin’s 750th anniversary, thanks to the efforts of French president François Mitterrand. Above, a climb up its 285-step spiral staircase leads to a platform just beneath the statue. From there, panoramic views stretch across the Tiergarten to Bellevue Palace rewarding those willing to ascend not just in steps, but through layers of Berlin’s evolving narrative.