Berlin has quite a lot of observation decks in different directions for varying perspectives of the city. At Alexanderplatz in former East Berlin are 2 options. The Fernsehturm (TV Tower) is quite expensive at 24.5 euros when booked online. Close by is a lower but far less expensive option at the Park Inn, where there is a rooftop terrace facing 3 directions at a height of 120m.Yes, it's only about half way up compared to the TV Tower and you don't get a full 360-degree view, but Park Inn is only charging 6 euros, a substantial savings. After buying my ticket at the concierge on the ground floor, I headed up the elevators to the hotel's 35th floor, then up a side staircase to the 39th floor for the view.
The main view is towards the west back at the TV Tower.
On the north side, the density tapers off quickly with an endless landscape of houses.
|
To re-use these photos, please notify me by email : asiaglobe@yahoo.com.hk.
Gendarmenmarkt is a large square fronted by 3 beautiful buildings - the German Cathedral, French Cathedral, and concert hall. It was built in the late 17th century and named after the Regiment Gens d'Armes, a Prussian regiment made of French Huguenots. Both churches are open but to different extents.
The French Cathedral was built between 1701 and 1705 as the place of worship for the Huguenot community. Identical but functionless towers were added to it as well as the German Cathedral in the 1780s under King Frederick II's orders. Nearly destroyed during World War II, what we see today is a reconstruction from the 1980s, and you can climb up the tower to the outdoor observation deck on the dome.
Although it is slightly cheaper than going up Berliner Dom (5.25 euros vs 7 euros with a Welcome Card), you do get what you pay for. I prefer the Berliner Dom's view, which is wider as it is also higher. For a good angle of the TV tower with the grand cathedral, I suggest going up a skyscraper in Potsdamer Platz instead.
The German Cathedral was built between 1701 and 1708, and rebuilt about 80 years later. Similar to the French Cathedral, it was rebuilt, with a museum inside about Germany's parliamentary democracy.
|
To re-use these photos, please notify me by email : asiaglobe@yahoo.com.hk.