Berlin - Radio Tower

(Local Name: Funkturm) One of Berlin's landmarks is the Radio Tower, affectionately known to Berliners as "The Beanpole" (langer Lulatsch). Designed by Heinrich Straumer, it was begun in 1924 and began to operate in 1926, during the Third Radio Exhibition. As well as being used for transmitting purposes, it was intended for use as a viewing tower and lighthouse for aircraft. In 1929 the world's first television picture was transmitted from it. In 1945 a shell destroyed one of the main supports, leaving the tower standing "on three legs", but it did not topple over. The tower, looking like a miniature Eiffel Tower, has a total height of 150 m/495ft including the aerial. From the restaurant, situated at a height of