Company Logo - Home Link

Panoramapunkt Berlin Observation Deck

Updated: February 16, 2023

Providing one of the best views in the city, Panoramapunkt is one of the most popular attractions in Berlin.

This post will help you plan out a trip, including ticket prices, the best times to come, what to expect and more. 


PLAN YOUR VISIT

The following section will include all of the details you should consider before visiting Panoramapunkt.

In addition to information such as operational hours, we will also give you information about how to find the observation deck, what to expect, and some of the best times to visit.


What is Panoramapunkt?

Panoramapunkt is an outdoor viewing platform that gives you a 360° perspective of Potsdamer Platz. It's one of 11 viewing points in Berlin.

You’ll find this observation deck at the top of Kollhoff Tower, roughly 100 meters (328 ft) above the city streets.

From the top, you’ll have the opportunity to see famous sites such as the TV Tower, Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, and more.

PanoramaPunkt Berlin

Once you enter the tower, you’ll head toward the fastest elevator in all of Europe for a 20-second ride up to the 25th floor.

You will also find an exhibition with a free audio guide that presents the history of Potsdamer Platz on the 24th floor.

If you get a little hungry or thirsty while you’re here, head to the Panoramacafé where you can purchase refreshments.


Operational Hours

Panoramapunkt will have different hours depending on the season.

No matter when you choose to visit, the last entry will be 30 minutes before closing time.

  • Summer Hours: 10:00 am - 20:00 (8 pm)
  • Winter Hours: 10:00 am - 18:00 (6 pm)

The Panoramacafé will have slightly more restricted hours, but it will be available for most of the time that Panoramapunkt is open.

  • Summer Hours: 11:00 am - 19:00 (7 pm)
  • Winter Hours: 11:00 am - 17:00 (5 pm)

Both Panoramapunkt and Panoramacafé will be closed on Christmas Eve.

Most people spend between 30-60 minutes here, but some enjoyed the view for well over an hour.

If you decide to check out the exhibit or grab something to eat or drink at the Panoramacafé, plan on setting aside a little more time at this landmark.


Best Times to Visit

One of the best things about Panoramapunkt is that it isn’t necessarily as popular as observation decks like the TV Tower (Ferhnseherturm).

As a result, this attraction is usually not very busy and there aren’t many times when you’ll have to deal with large crowds.

Kollhoff Tower Berlin

Many visitors suggest coming at sunset for the best view of Berlin and Potsdamer Platz.

The main thing to keep in mind is that, like most attractions, Panoramapunkt is probably at its busiest during the middle of the day.

Even then, chances are you won’t have trouble getting inside and enjoying the view.

That being said, anyone trying to avoid the crowds should consider coming within the first 2 hours of opening or closing. 


How to Get Here

Panoramapunkt is actually located right at the center of Potsdamer Platz, which is easy to find using Berlin’s metro system.

Lines U2, RB10, RE3, RE4, RE5, S1, S2, S25, and S26 all service this stop. Use this map for directions from anywhere in Berlin.

Signs in the station will direct you to Panoramapunkt.

PotsdamerPlatz

For more details, make sure to read our post on how to navigate Berlin with public transport.

It’s also worth noting that Potsdamer Platz is included on most hop-on-hop-off bus tours.

If you’re already planning to use one of these services, this is a great way to get to Panoramapunkt. 


What to Expect

Thanks to the fact that Panoramapunkt has the fastest elevator in Europe and isn’t usually very busy, it should be pretty easy to get in and enjoy the view without waiting too long, if at all. 

Most people spend between 30-60 minutes here, but some enjoyed the view for well over an hour.

If you decide to check out the exhibit or grab something to eat or drink at the Panoramacafé, plan on setting aside a little more time at this landmark.

It’s worth noting that you can rent binoculars for a small fee (€2.50) and purchase a 360° map of the surrounding area (€3) as well.

Located at the heart of Potsdamer Platz, there is a lot to see and do in the area. After visiting Panoramapunkt, you may also want to check out some of the nearby attractions.

In addition to popular locations such as LEGOLAND, this is also the site of the Sony Center and the Museum für Film und Fernsehen.

If you’re more interested in the history of this area, many Berlin walking tours include stops either at Potsdamer Platz or nearby at sites such as the Brandenburg Gate.


TICKETS

There are two different types of tickets you can purchase at Panoramapunkt: General Admission and VIP and there are discounts available through several of the city's tourist discount passes (see below).

The VIP ticket will ensure that you don’t have to wait in line to use the elevator, but for most people, this will be a waste of money since the attraction is rarely very busy.

Banner 2 Panoramapunkt Berlin

Reduced-price tickets are available for children, students, and the disabled.

You can receive a full refund for tickets purchased online if you cancel them at least 24 hours before your trip.


Skip-the-Line Tickets

  • €11.50/Adults | €9/Reduced
  • €27.50/Family (2 Adults + 4 Children)
  • Children under 6 are free
  • You can get a 360° Map of Berlin for €3
  • You can rent binoculars for €2.50
    • Binoculars require a deposit of €30

General Admission Tickets

  • €7.50/Adults | €6/Reduced
  • €17.50/Family (2 Adults + 4 Children)
  • Children under 6 are free

Discounts

  • Free Admission with the Berlin Pass
  • 25% off with the Berlin Welcome Card
  • 20% off with Berlin City Pass

These passes offer discounts on dozens of attractions including free admission to locations such as these:

  • Berlin Dome
  • River Cruise
  • Berlin WELT Balloon
  • Little Big City Berlin
  • Madame Tussauds
  • Checkpoint Charlie Museum
  • Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
  • SEA LIFE Berlin
  • Berlin Dungeon
  • And more!

Be sure to read out post that compares the various tourist discount passes to see if any are good for you.


VIEWS FROM THE TOP

Panoramapunkt provides a 360° outdoor view of Berlin from 100 metres above the city.

Many notable sites are visible from this viewing platform, and you can actually purchase a map of the tower to help you spot each major landmark.

Here is a look at what you can see from this observation deck.

East View from Panoramapunkt Berlin
View of Tiergarten from Panoramapunkt Berlin

WHICH BERLIN OBSERVATION DECK IS BEST?

If you’re trying to decide which viewing platform to visit in Berlin, you’re not alone.

There are a few different options to choose from and it can be difficult to pick just one. That said, let’s weigh some of the pros and cons of each observatory.


Panoramapunkt Pros:

  • Panoramapunkt is 100 meters (328 ft) above the city and provides quite excellent views.
  • Ticket prices are much more affordable than some competitors and it doesn’t get very busy.
  • Panoramapunkt is right in the middle of the popular shopping center Potsdamer Platz, ensuring you’ll have plenty to see and experience both before and after your visit.
  • This location is also very close to many notable historic sites in the city such as the Brandenburg Gate.

Panoramapunkt Cons:

  • This isn’t the tallest observation deck in the city.
  • There is at least one alternative that costs less than Panoramapunkt.
  • Visitors looking for a more private experience may prefer another observatory.

If any of these factors don’t appeal to you, consider one of the following options instead.


TV Tower

This is probably the most popular observation deck in Berlin. At 203 meters (660 ft) above the city, this landmark towers (no pun intended) over the competition.

Unfortunately, you’ll pay a bit more per ticket for that view and you’ll probably run into much larger crowds. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, this might not be the best choice.

That all being said, it’s worth noting that tickets to the TV Tower are included for free with both the all-inclusive Berlin Welcome Card and the Berlin City Card.

Read our post on Berlin tourist passes to find out how to save money on this and other attractions.


Reichstag Dome

At only 47 meters (155 ft) high, this observatory won’t provide quite as impressive views as competitors like Panoramapunkt and the TV Tower, but you’ll still get a pretty nice view of the city.

This is also one of the most historic locations in Berlin, so history buffs may be more interested in visiting the Reichstag Dome.

Tickets to this viewing platform are actually free, making it perhaps the best deal out of all the observation decks in the area.


Die Welt-Balloon

Although it’s not quite the same, this is yet another way to experience excellent views of Berlin.

When you hop on this balloon, you’ll ascend to 150 meters (500 ft) above the streets for an unencumbered look at the city center.

Located near Checkpoint Charlie, it should be easy to fit this either before or after a historic tour. Due to the size of the platform, crowds definitely won’t be a problem with this option.

The biggest drawback is that tickets for this service are a bit more expensive than both TV Tower and Panoramapunkt.


Conclusion

When it comes to observation decks and viewing platforms in Berlin, your choice should probably depend on what you plan to do before and after this activity.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of this city, both the Reichstag Dome and the Die Welt-Balloon would make an excellent choice.

Alternatively, if you’re more interested in shopping or fun attractions like LEGOLAND, Panoramapunkt might be a better option.

If the price is a concern, consider either Reichstag Dome or Panoramapunkt.

About The Author

Anne Wittig

Anne was born in East Berlin and came of age in the unified city. She has an intimate relationship with her city of birth and still calls Berlin home. For the past 10 years, she has managed and written Free Tours by Foot's Berlin blog, detailing the best places to go, where to stay, and what to do in her hometown. This blog has been featured on Berlin's official website, mainstream press like Berlingske, and local blogs like Berlinforallthefamily.com. Over 14,000 visitors to Berlin have taken a tour from Free Tours by Foot.
Updated: February 16th, 2023
Back to Top
cross