Inspiring Germany
6 special observation towers: peak enjoyment, in the truest sense of the word
Sometimes beauty is in the eye of the beholder – but there are places where there's no doubt that Germany excels: from spectacular viewing platforms in the middle of bustling cities to sweeping panoramas in untouched national parks and unique views from imposing slagheaps.
Berlin TV Tower: silver sphere of superlatives
Berlin: Skyline by night with a view over the Spree and of the TV Tower
©Adobe Stock (JCB)
The 368-metre-high tower is not only Germany's tallest building, but also the second tallest publicly accessible building in Europe. Over a million visitors are drawn to its enormous glittering silver sphere every year. It features a viewing platform, the Bauhaus-style 'Sphere' bar and a rotating restaurant by the same name. Since spring 2025, TV and Michelin-starred chef Tim Raue has been serving up culinary delights 207 metres above Alexanderplatz. An elevated dining experience, literally!
Monument to the Battle of the Nations: phenomenally monumental
Leipzig: Monument to the Battle of the Nations at dusk from above
©Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH (Philipp Kirschner)
91 metres high and weighing 300,000 tonnes: this stone colossus, which is just a short bus or train ride from Leipzig city centre, is Europe's most impressive national monument. It commemorates the greatest battle of the 19th century, when Napoleon's tyranny over Europe was broken in 1813. Visitors' fascination remains unwavering to this day. They marvel at the viewing platform above the Hall of Fame and Dome Hall, as well as the crypt, where giant warriors keep vigil over around 110,000 fallen soldiers.
Rottweil Test Tower: Germany's highest platform
Test tower and viewing platform
©Adobe Stock (Manuel Schönfeld)
Since 2017, a narrow, futuristic reinforced concrete structure has towered 246 metres into the Swabian sky above Rottweil: Thyssenkrupp Elevator's drill-like test tower . It's quite something: specifically, twelve lift shafts with state-of-the-art lift technology. The cabins then whizz around at speeds of up to 65 km/h, taking passengers to Germany's highest visitor platform. The next attraction is already on the horizon: the 606-metre suspension bridge leading to the medieval city centre.
Main Tower: modern art, breathtaking views
Financial district with Main Tower
©Adobe Stock (JFL Photography)
At 200 metres, the Main Tower may 'only' rank fifth in the skyscraper charts of 'Mainhattan', but unlike other Frankfurt skyscrapers, visitors are expressly welcome here. It starts in the foyer with two eye-catching works of art: a giant mosaic made of 2.7 million Murano glass tiles and the video installation 'The World of Appearances'. The world of cocktails awaits you on the 53rd floor, as does an exclusive restaurant, directly below the two viewing platforms.
Saarpolygon: symbol of tradition and change
Saarpolygon on the Duhamel spoil tip in Ensdorf
©Tourismus Zentrale Saarland GmbH (KE)
Since 2016, a large steel sculpture has stood on the mighty plateau of the Ensdorf slagheap, reached via hiking trails. This 28-metre-high landmark, which also serves as a backdrop for opera festivals, impresses visitors with its striking appearance. But it remains a reminder of the long history of coal mining in the Saarland. The Polygon crosspiece is easily accessible both on foot and by bus and offers impressive views of the modern cityscape of Saarlouis.
Harzturm in Torfhaus: easy going up, fast going down
Resin tower
©Harzturm GmbH (Tobias Brabanski)
In 2023, the Harz region added another attraction to its collection: the Harzturm, which spirals 65 metres into the air in the shape of a twisted tree trunk. At the top, two viewing platforms offer a panoramic view of the national park, including the Brocken. Visitors can ascend on foot or by lift, and descend via the 'Rasantia' adventure slide, which winds around the tower. But first, thrill-seekers should visit the glass Skywalk. The view 45 metres below is breathtaking!