Name: Victory Column
Address: Großer Stern 1, 10557 Berlin, Germany
Telephone: 030 115
Rating: 4.6

67m-high gilded column commemorating victory in the Prussian-Danish war, with a deck for city views.

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Visitors can climb a spiral staircase with 285 steps to reach the viewing platform at the top of the Victory Column, offering panoramic views of Berlin.

Steps to the Top

The base of the column features four reliefs that symbolize Prussian victories against Denmark, Austria, and France, as well as Prussia's unification.

Commemorative Reliefs

The Victory Column stands proudly in the heart of Berlin's Tiergarten Park, a sprawling green space offering a peaceful escape from the city.

Park Location

Victory Column

The Siegessäule, or Victory Column, in Berlin is distinguished by its gilded statue of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, affectionately nicknamed "Goldelse" (Golden Else) by Berliners. Erected to commemorate Prussian victories in the Danish-Prussian War, Austro-Prussian War, and Franco-Prussian War, its construction ironically predates the unification of Germany. The column's height is not constant; it has been increased once, after the Franco-Prussian War, with the addition of further decorative elements.

Notably, the column narrowly escaped relocation during Nazi Germany's planned redesign of Berlin, known as "Germania." While moved slightly to accommodate a grand avenue, it was spared demolition, perhaps due to its symbolic value. The viewing platform near the top offers a panoramic vista of the Tiergarten and the city beyond, accessible via a challenging spiral staircase within the column's interior. The column's base features bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the wars it commemorates, providing a historical narrative in stone.

Introduction

The Victory Column in Berlin offers a panoramic viewing platform located directly beneath the golden sculpture of Victoria, approximately 51 meters high. Reached by a narrow, spiraling staircase of 285 steps, the ascent requires a reasonable level of fitness. The platform provides expansive views across Tiergarten, Berlin's largest park, and extends to Bellevue Palace and beyond, showcasing much of the city.

The column, originally built to commemorate Prussian victories in the 19th century, has evolved into a landmark offering one of the best panoramic views of Berlin. After extensive restoration, the viewing platform was reopened to visitors, providing a unique vantage point to appreciate the city's layout. From this height, one can see historical highlights, including the Brandenburg Gate and the Memorial Church.

The viewing platform is open nearly year-round, offering a sensory experience of the city with the wind and panoramic views. Locals affectionately refer to the Victoria statue as "Goldelse" or "Golden Lizzie," adding a touch of local charm to the experience. The Victory Column stands as a testament to Berlin's history and offers a unique perspective on the city.

Panoramic Viewing Platform

The Victory Column, a prominent landmark within Berlin's Tiergarten, stands as a focal point in the park's expansive green space. Originally erected to commemorate Prussian victories, its location within Tiergarten has transformed its symbolism over time. The column offers panoramic views of Tiergarten and the nearby Bellevue Palace from its viewing platform, accessible via a 285-step spiral staircase.

Situated in the heart of the park, the Victory Column provides a destination point for visitors exploring Tiergarten's peaceful walks, ponds, and gardens. The monument's presence enhances the park's environment, offering a blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The column's relocation to Tiergarten by the Nazis in 1938, as part of their redesign of Berlin, further intertwines its history with the park's landscape.

Today, the Victory Column serves as a reminder of German history and unity, inviting reflection on its past. Its location within Tiergarten allows visitors to combine a visit to the monument with leisurely activities in the park, creating a multifaceted experience. The column's viewing platform offers a unique perspective of Tiergarten, allowing visitors to appreciate the park's scale and beauty from above.

Tiergarten Landmark

The gilded statue of Victoria, perched atop Berlin's Victory Column, is affectionately known as "Goldelse," a nickname translating to "Golden Lizzy." This moniker reflects the statue's gleaming appearance and has become a popular term of endearment among Berliners. Designed by Friedrich Drake, the bronze sculpture stands 8.3 meters high and weighs 35 tonnes, making it a prominent feature of the monument and a recognizable symbol of the city.

The statue was added after Prussia's victory over France, altering the original plans for the column, which was initially conceived to commemorate the Prussian victory in the Danish-Prussian War. Goldelse represents the Roman goddess of victory and also embodies Borussia, the personification of Prussia, symbolized by the eagle on her helmet.

Visible from the viewing platform, the statue faces triumphantly towards France, commemorating the Prussian victory. The statue was cast by the Gladenbeck foundry in Berlin. The nickname "Goldelse" may have originated from an 1866 novel by E. Marlitt, where the heroine was named Lizzy. The statue is known as the ‘heaviest woman in Berlin’.

Goldelse Statue

Initially erected to celebrate Prussia's military victories in the Danish-Prussian, Austro-Prussian, and Franco-Prussian Wars, the Victory Column's symbolic meaning has evolved significantly over time. Inaugurated in 1873, it quickly transformed from a monument of Prussian military might to a symbol of German unity following the country's unification. The addition of the bronze sculpture of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, atop the column further solidified this new purpose.

During the Nazi era, the Victory Column was relocated to the Großer Stern as part of Hitler's plans to redesign Berlin into Welthauptstadt Germania, and it was augmented, gaining additional height. This move was intended to align the monument with the Nazis' vision of a grandiose German empire, appropriating its symbolism for their propaganda. However, following World War II, the column's demolition was considered, reflecting the complex and contested meanings it had acquired.

Despite calls for its destruction, the Victory Column survived and gradually became a symbol of hope and fortitude, representing the resilience of the German people in the face of adversity. The reunification of East and West Germany in 1990 further cemented its role as a symbol of German unity and the overcoming of a divided past. Today, the Victory Column stands as a reminder of German history, bearing the marks of militarism and nationalism while also representing the country's journey towards healing and reconciliation.

Symbolic Evolution

As part of the Nazi's plan to transform Berlin into Welthauptstadt Germania, the Victory Column was relocated in 1938/1939 to the Großer Stern, a large intersection, from its original location in Königsplatz, now Platz der Republik. This move was undertaken in preparation for the monumental redesign of Berlin. During this relocation, the column was augmented by 6.5 meters, bringing it to its current height of 66.89 meters. The relocation of the Victory Column likely saved it from destruction during World War II, as its original site in front of the Reichstag was heavily damaged by American air raids in 1945. The new location at the Großer Stern was spared from bombing.

The column is accessible to pedestrians through four tunnels built in 1941, designed by Albert Speer, who also widened the road between the column and the Brandenburg Gate. These tunnels were part of Speer's broader vision for Germania. The relocation placed the Victory Column on the visual city axis, intended to stretch from the Berliner Stadtschloss through the Brandenburg Gate to the western parts of Berlin, aligning with the planned north-south triumphal way. The monument's position was integral to the envisioned urban landscape of Welthauptstadt Germania.

Welthauptstadt Germania Relocation

Designed by Heinrich Strack after 1864, the Victory Column was initially conceived to commemorate Prussia's triumph in the Second Schleswig War against Denmark. However, by its inauguration in 1873, its purpose expanded to celebrate Prussia's victories over Austria and its German allies in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, and France in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. These victories led to the unification of Germany as an imperial power under the Prussian crown.

The monument's design incorporates elements reflecting these military successes. The base features bronze reliefs depicting scenes from the three wars, crafted by Moritz Schulz, Karl Keil, Alexander Calandrelli, and Albert Wolff. The column itself originally consisted of three sections, each representing a victorious war. Gilded cannon barrels, war trophies seized from Prussia’s enemies, were integrated into the design.

Adding to its symbolism, a bronze sculpture of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, was placed atop the column. Designed by Friedrich Drake, the statue, known as "Goldelse" by Berliners, stands 8.3 meters high and weighs 35 tons. She wears a helmet with an eagle, symbolizing Borussia, the personification of Prussia.

Originally located in Königsplatz, the Victory Column was moved to its current location at the Großer Stern in 1938-1939 as part of the Nazi's plan to transform Berlin into Welthauptstadt Germania. During this relocation, a fourth section was added, increasing the column's height to nearly 67 meters.

Victory Column

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Steps to the Top

Commemorative Reliefs

Park Location

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