At the beginning of my time here in Berlin, I spent one sunny day traipsing about a kilometer down Strasse des 17. Juni, the road that runs from Tiergarten Station straight to the Victory Column (Siegessäule). And what a treat!
The column sits smack in the middle of a four-lane roundabout, Großer Stern (Great Star). To get to it safely, you duck down some stairs and through a tunnel, just like at Paris’s Arc de Triomphe.
At first, I thought, Germany doesn’t have that many recent victories to celebrate, but the column was actually built to honor military wins from the 1800s. It originally stood in front of the Reichstag but was moved in the 1930s. Despite the chaos of WWII, it survived mostly intact.
It’s quite ornate—lots of gold, including the Golden Angel (“Goldelse”) crowning the top. She’s officially Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory.
The column is decorated with four bronze reliefs depicting Germany’s past wars (l below), captured cannon barrels, and a mosaic frieze by Anton von Werner showing the unification of Germany (r below).
At 67 meters (220 feet) tall, it’s not a tiny structure, and yes, you can climb it. For 4.50 euros, I staggered up the roughly seven flights of spiral stone stairs (I read it’s about 285 steps, but I’m sure it’s more). The climb is narrow and winding, with people going in both directions, so hang on to the rails whenever possible.
There are landings after a couple of flights where you can catch your breath and even snap a few photos. Benches are scattered throughout, and you shouldn’t feel bad if you take a break, as many do, including yours truly. The observation deck is narrow, but the panoramic views of Berlin are worth every moment of my aching feet. I could even spot the Brandenburg Gate from the top!
Afterward, I wandered back through Tiergarten Park, which runs parallel to the road. It’s much quieter than the street, with wide paths for walkers, bikers, joggers, and dogs. There’s a little pond, a stream, and benches to rest. Perfect for unwinding after your climb.
Tips if you go:
- Access from Tiergarten Station is easy, or you can start at the Brandenburg Gate if you’re already exploring there.
- Wear comfortable shoes and pace yourself on the stairs.
- Bring a camera—the views are gorgeous, and the column itself is incredibly photogenic.
Whether you’re a history buff, a photography fan, or just in it for the stairs and views, the Victory Column is well worth a stop on your Berlin adventure.