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Stuttgart TV Tower: A Pinnacle of Innovation

Ascend to Stuttgart's iconic TV Tower, the world's first of its kind, for breathtaking panoramic views, delectable dining, and a unique blend of technology and tourism.

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The Stuttgart TV Tower, or Fernsehturm Stuttgart, isn't just a landmark; it's a pioneering feat of engineering and a symbol of Stuttgart. Completed in 1956, it was the world's first television tower constructed from reinforced concrete, serving as a prototype for countless others worldwide. Ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking panoramic views encompassing the city, the vineyards of the Neckar Valley, and the distant Swabian Alps and Black Forest. With its restaurants and viewing platforms, the tower offers a unique blend of technology, tourism, and gastronomy. Whether you're marveling at the architecture, savoring local cuisine, or simply soaking in the stunning vistas, the Stuttgart TV Tower promises an unforgettable experience.

A brief summary to Stuttgart TV Tower

  • Monday 10 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-10 pm
  • Friday 10 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a clear day for the best panoramic views stretching to the Swabian Alps and Black Forest.
  • Consider visiting during sunset for a particularly stunning and romantic experience.
  • Take advantage of the free parking available at the tower, but arrive early as spaces can be limited during peak times.
  • Check the official website for current opening hours and any weather-related closures of the observation deck.
  • Combine your visit with a meal at the Panoramacafé or Restaurant Leonhardts for a unique culinary experience with a view.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Stuttgart city center, the Stuttgart TV Tower is easily accessible via public transport. Take the U7 or U8 subway lines to the 'Ruhbank (Fernsehturm)' stop. Alternatively, the U15 also stops at Ruhbank. From the station, it's a short, well-signposted walk (approximately 5 minutes) through the forest to the tower entrance. A single ticket within Stuttgart (Zone 1) costs approximately €3.30.

  • Driving

    If driving, use the address Jahnstraße 120, 70597 Stuttgart for your GPS. Free parking is available at the TV Tower. However, parking spaces are limited, especially during peak hours. Be aware that Stuttgart has a Low Emission Zone; ensure your vehicle meets the requirements or park at a Park & Ride outside the zone and take public transport for the final leg. Parking at Park & Ride facilities typically costs €1-2 per day.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Stuttgart city center to the TV Tower will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €20-€25 for the ride.

Unlock the Best of Stuttgart TV Tower

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Discover more about Stuttgart TV Tower

Rising 217 meters above the Degerloch forest, the Stuttgart TV Tower, locally known as Fernsehturm Stuttgart, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and a beloved symbol of the city. Inaugurated on February 5, 1956, it holds the distinction of being the world's first television tower constructed from reinforced concrete, forever changing the landscape of telecommunications and tourism. The tower's history is intertwined with the advent of television broadcasting in the 1950s. Faced with the challenge of transmitting signals across Stuttgart's hilly terrain, engineers initially planned a conventional steel lattice mast. However, Fritz Leonhardt, a renowned bridge builder and structural engineer, proposed a radical alternative: a slender, elegant tower made of reinforced concrete. His vision not only provided a superior broadcasting platform but also incorporated public access, featuring an observation deck and restaurant. Construction began in June 1954 and lasted for 20 months, a period marked by public skepticism and financial concerns. Critics questioned the unconventional design and the high cost of 4.2 million Deutschmarks. Yet, Leonhardt's innovative approach prevailed, resulting in a structure that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The tower's slender silhouette and cylindrical pod, housing the observation deck and restaurant, quickly captured the public's imagination. Upon its completion, the Stuttgart TV Tower became an instant sensation. Visitors flocked to experience the unparalleled panoramic views from the observation deck, which offered a 360-degree vista of Stuttgart and its surroundings. The tower's popularity soared, and within five years, admission revenues had recouped the entire construction cost. Its success inspired the construction of similar towers across Germany and around the world, solidifying its legacy as a pioneering architectural achievement. Today, the Stuttgart TV Tower remains a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide. The observation deck, located at a height of 150 meters, provides breathtaking views of the city, the vineyards of the Neckar Valley, the Swabian Alps, the Black Forest, and the Odenwald. On clear days, the panorama extends for miles, offering a truly unforgettable experience. The tower also houses two restaurants: the Panoramacafé and Restaurant Leonhardts. The Panoramacafé, situated at 147 meters, is Stuttgart's highest café, serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, and dinner in a modern setting. Restaurant Leonhardts offers modern Swabian cuisine in a beautiful garden setting, open for lunch and dinner. Both restaurants provide a unique dining experience with stunning views of the cityscape. Beyond its architectural and touristic significance, the Stuttgart TV Tower continues to serve as a broadcasting facility, transmitting FM radio stations. Although the ARD TV network's analogue service ceased in 2006, the tower remains an integral part of Stuttgart's telecommunications infrastructure. A visit to the Stuttgart TV Tower is an immersive experience that combines history, engineering, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you're marveling at the tower's innovative design, savoring local delicacies at the restaurants, or simply soaking in the panoramic views, the Fernsehturm Stuttgart promises an unforgettable journey to the top of Stuttgart.

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