Reopening to the public
In recent years, there have been a variety of ideas concerning the future of one of Hamburg’s most iconic landmarks, the Heinrich Hertz TV Tower with its two platforms. After years of discussion and debate, an opening date has been agreed on: starting in 2023, visitors will once again be able to take in the view from the 124-metre-high viewing platform — if they aren't afraid of heights. Three metres above the viewing pad, a second level once housed one of Hamburg’s most spectacular restaurants. 340 people could dine over the best view Northern Germany had to offer.
To return the TV tower to its former glory, the elevator system needs to be completely overhauled. According to the reopening contract, the platforms will be open to the public for at least 20 years, and the renovations will ensure full accessibility for all visitors. The costs for the reopening will be covered by federal funding as well as by the city-state of Hamburg.
A point of orientation
Known fondly as the Tele-Michel (referring to Hamburg’s famous landmark, St. Michael’s Church), the TV tower can be seen from wide and far. Towering 279.2 metres (916 ft.) above the St. Pauli district, the landmark is the single highest building in Hamburg, as well as the sixth tallest TV tower in all of Germany. Whether you’re looking for the Planten un Blomen park( located directly opposite the tower), the Messehallen convention centre, the Karolinenviertel or Schanzenviertel neighbourhoods, or the Heiligengeistfeld event area, the TV tower always serves a clear point of orientation to help you find your way.
The namesake
The Hamburg-based physicist Heinrich Hertz, whose work proved the existence of electromagnetic waves in the 19th century, is the TV tower’s namesake. In the city, both the tower and a comprehensive school are named after Hamburg’s influential son. The tower still broadcasts radio and TV programmes today.
The history of the tower
The steel and concrete tower was built between 1966 and 1968 according to blueprints by architects Fritz Trautwein and Rafael Behn. During the planning stages, the idea of adding a restaurant and a viewing platform to the tower gained vocal support. The platforms were officially opened on 1 May, 1968.
Both levels were forced to close on 1 January, 2001 due to high asbestos levels requiring extensive renovations. For years, no investor could be found, so the platforms remained close, lingering under monument protection. Come 2023, however, Hamburg will again be enriched by this stunning attraction.
Address:
Lagerstraße 2, 20357 Hamburg
Opening hours:
The platforms are currently closed.
Getting there:
U2 Messehallen station
S21, S31 Sternschanze station
Parking:
Parkhaus Mitte car park, Lagerstraße
Tiefgarage CCH underground car park, Marseiller Straße
