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 55 m/180ft, and from the observation platform at 126 m/413ft (lift) there are magnificent panoramic views of the city. To the east stretch the halls and grounds of the Exhibition and Trade Fair Center, and to the west lie further exhibition halls linked by a bridge to the International Congress Center ICC.