Radio Tower

Strolling through Berlin, you might come across a tall structure affectionately nicknamed “der lange Lulatsch” – the lanky lad. This is the Funkturm, Berlin’s steel giant reminiscent of Paris’s Eiffel Tower. Designed by Heinrich Straumer, it was built between 1924 and 1926. Weighing 600 tons and standing 150 meters tall, the tower became a true landmark. In its prime, the Funkturm was a hub for radio and electronics enthusiasts, hosting the Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) during the 1920s and 1930s.

Its greatest claim to fame came on March 22, 1935, when it hosted the world’s first television broadcast. Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda minister, quickly recognized the power of radio and television to push ideology directly into German homes. For decades, the tower played a key role in broadcasting radio and TV programs. By 1989, the last transmission equipment was removed, marking the end of an era.

Today, the Funkturm is more about leisure than technology. A restaurant was opened in 1950 at 52 meters, offering a unique dining experience, while an observation deck at 125 meters provides stunning views of Berlin. Both are reached by an elevator racing up at four meters per second.