Berlin Victory Column (Siegessäule) Guide
Tiergarten’s golden viewpoint: history, stairs, skyline, and easy pairings.
Rising at the heart of Tiergarten, the Victory Column blends Prussian history with one of the city’s best 360° viewpoints. This guide shows you how to visit, what you’ll see from the top, and how to fold the stop into an effortless day around the park and government quarter.
Victory Column at a Glance
A star-shaped roundabout, a tree-framed axis, and a golden statue locals call “Goldelse”. Getting here is half the fun: pedestrian tunnels lead you right into the base.
Where it sits
In the middle of Großer Stern, the grand crossroads inside Tiergarten. From here, straight lines point to Brandenburg Gate, Bellevue Palace, and the Zoological Garden.
Why it matters
Built in the 19th century and moved to its current position in the 1930s, the column is both a historical marker and a democratic lookout over today’s green Berlin.
What You See from the Top
Climb the spiral stairs for a classic 360°: treetops, river bends, and a tidy grid of landmarks.
North & East
Brandenburg Gate and the government quarter line up beyond Tiergarten’s canopy. On clear days, you’ll trace Unter den Linden toward Museum Island.
South & West
Zoo and City West with Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, plus long green corridors toward Charlottenburg and the lakes beyond.
The platform
An open-air ring with sturdy railings. Wind can pick up; bring a layer outside of summer.
Inside the base
Small exhibits and mosaics set the tone before the climb—worth a short look on the way in or out.
How to Visit the Siegessäule
Simple, affordable, and very Berlin. Here’s how to make it smooth.
Tickets
Entry is paid on site; online reservations help on busy weekends. Secure your slot via Tiqets.
Stairs
Expect a narrow spiral (no elevator). Take your time; passing spots appear every few turns.
Best time
Morning light for even city views; late afternoon for warm tones across Tiergarten. Weekdays are calmer.
Combine & save steps
Link your visit with a City Tour route or a relaxed Tiergarten walk (see below).
Walks & Easy Pairings
Use the column as a scenic pivot: green paths one way, icons the other.
Tiergarten Loop (60–90 min)
From the column, dip into lakeside paths and quiet lawns, circling back via Bellevue Palace and the Spree embankment.
Icon Axis (90–120 min)
Column → Brandenburg Gate → Reichstag terraces. A clean line that fits any Day-1 plan.
Family option
Plenty of benches and wide paths. Combine with a café stop in the park and a short government-quarter stroll.
More ideas
Browse curated picks in Locations and themed City Tours.
History Notes
A 19th-century monument re-contextualized by a 21st-century city.
Origins & moves
Conceived after 19th-century military victories, the column’s relocation to Großer Stern reshaped its urban role—from boulevard marker to park-centered landmark.
Today’s symbol
From marathons to demonstrations and celebrations, the Siegessäule anchors shared civic moments in modern Berlin.
Photo Tips
A little timing goes a long way.
Golden hour
Warm tones across Tiergarten; silhouettes of Brandenburg Gate and rooftops line the horizon.
Symmetry shots
Center your frame on the star junction from the platform. A short focal length captures the geometry.
From below
Use the tunnels to pop up at different quadrants; each offers a slightly different statue angle against the sky.
Wind & layers
It’s breezy up top—pack a light layer so you can wait for gaps in the crowd and nail the shot.
Practical Info
All you need to know in one table.
| Topic | Essentials | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Großer Stern, Tiergarten | Reach the base via pedestrian tunnels only. |
| Tickets | On site or Tiqets | Weekends & holidays: consider booking ahead. |
| Stairs | Spiral staircase (no elevator) | Take it slow; the platform is open-air. |
| Best time | Morning or late afternoon | Softer light, fewer crowds, clearer views. |
| Pair it with | City Tours | Connect with Brandenburg Gate & Reichstag for a tidy loop. |
| More nearby | Locations | Filter by “Tiergarten / Government Quarter”. |
