Panorama Observation Tower
by Becky Tan

At Potsdamer Platz 1 is the Daimler Chrysler building with an observation tower rising 100 meters above Berlin. The “fastest elevator in Europe” takes you up in 20 seconds. The kids in my elevator counted the seconds. It’s located directly on the line where the former wall was which divided East from West Berlin, 1961-1989. From the top you have a panoramic view of the Brandenburger Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, Friedrichstrasse, churches, Schloss Bellevue, government buildings, the philharmonic theater and much more. The Berlinale cinemas are directly below. In February, during the Berlinale, the view is not hidden by foliage. On the other hand, it’s freezing cold up there in the early spring. You’ll enjoy the sights longer in the summer. Open daily, 11-20:00 and costs only Euro 3,50, with reduced rates (for seniors and others) at 2,50. See also www.panoramapunkt.de for a preview in English of what awaits you.