Further Distractions
Tiergarten
There are few cities in the world where one can lie naked in the middle of town at noon and not be arrested. Besides having delightful tree-shaded walks, canals and flower gardens, the Tiergarten also has a couple of open fields on either side of Hofjägerallee, where the locals sunbathe au naturel. While the sunbathers cannot be seen from the Siegessäule – the Victory Column in the centre of the park – it does provide a good view of the other major sights around Berlin. The angel at the top of the 69m (226ft) column was the perching place for the angels in Wim Wenders’ film Wings of Desire (1987).
Straße des 17. Juni
Transport: Bus 100, 187, 200 or 341; S-Bahn Tiergarten.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Admission: Free
Siegessäule
Grosser Stern
Tel: (030) 391 2961.
Opening hours: Mon–Thurs 0830–1830, Fri–Sun 0930–1930 (mid May–mid Oct); Mon–Sun 0830–1700 (mid Oct–mid May).
Admission: €1.20 (concessions available).
Fernsehturm (TV Tower)
The best views in East Berlin are from the Fernsehturm at Alexanderplatz. Looking vaguely like the Death Star on a concrete spit, the television tower is Berlin’s tallest structure at 368m (1207ft) and makes for a good reference point, as well as blighting many views of the city skyline. The Communist designers inadvertently made it so that sunlight reflecting on its facets forms a Christian cross. In a sign of changing times, a glare of advertising neon surrounds the base of the tower. Visitors can take an elevator up 203m (666ft) to the viewing platform or the revolving café, for a good look over the city.
Panoramastrasse 1A, Alexanderplatz
Tel: (030) 242 3333. Fax: (030) 242 5922.
E-mail: info@berlinerfernsehturm.de
Website: www.berlinerfernsehturm.de
Transport: U-Bahn/S-Bahn Alexanderplatz; bus 100, 157, 200 or 348; tram 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.
Opening hours: Daily 0900–0100 (Mar–Oct); daily 1000–0000 (Nov–Feb).
Admission: €6.50 (concessions available).
Spandauer Zitadelle (Spandau Citadel)
This 16th-century fortress is the oldest non-religious building in the city. Its location overlooking the Havel River and the charming old town of Spandau make a trip to this district a lovely excursion within the city. Guided tours of the citadel are available through advance booking.
Am Juliusturm
Tel: (030) 3549 44200 or 334 6270 (to book tour). Fax: (030) 3549 44205.
Website: www.zitadelle-spandau.net
Transport: U-Bahn Zitadelle; bus 133.
Opening hours: Tues–Fri 0900–1700, Sat and Sun 1000–1700; guided tour Sat and Sun 1300, 1415 and 1530.
Admission: €2.50 (concessions available).
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