Olympiapark Berlin
The Olympiapark Berlin terrain represents a very diverse history in sports, culture and architecture. Before it was used during the Third Reich, especially of course for the Olympic Games in 1936, the terrain had already been used since the early 20th century, when a horse-racing track was built in this northern part of the Grunewald city forest in 1906. Several years later, in 1913, Emperor Wilhelm II opened the „Deutsche Stadion" here.
In the 20s, plans were already being made for the German Sports Forum (Deutsche Sportforum) which was then built between 1925 and 1936.
After World War II, the northern part of the Olympic area was occupied by the British Allied Troops. Until they left in 1994, the Deutsche Sportforum was the British Headquarters in Berlin and the terrain remained closed to the public. In 2004, the state of Berlin passed a resolution to gradually revamp the terrain and make it into an attractive sporting venue and park. Consequently, the property was then renamed to "Olympiapark Berlin". Since then, it has been and still is being used by several sports teams including Hertha BSC Berlin, the premier football team in Berlin. The development into an attractive sports venue and park has been ongoing and since 2009 the historic Olympiapark Berlin has been reopened to the public.
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Bell Tower
The Bell Tower next to the Olympiastadion Berlin is the landmark of the area in Grunewald. The tower was rebuilt in 162 and measures 77,17 m. This makes the tower about one meter higher than the original from the year 1936. On February 15, 1947 the British Military Government decided to demolish the original tower that was severely damaged in the war. The original Olympic Bell that was damaged during the blasting of the tower is now located at the South Gate of the Olympiastadion Berlin.
The observation deck at the top of the tower provides a wonderful view of Berlin - from Spandau in the west to the Alexanderplatz in the East. On a clear day, you can even see Potsdam and the Müggelsee.
For the World Cup 2006 the tower was completely modernized. A new elevator made of glass carries visitors up to the top and images shown provide a history of the tower. Downstairs in the Langemarckhall an impressive exhibition of the German Historical Museum provides information on the Olympic Games 1936 and the area's history that was dominated by change.
Opening hours for the Bell Tower and the Exhibition "Historical Olympic Area 1909 - 1939 - 2006"
April 1 to November 2, daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission for Tower an Exhibition:
Adults: 4,40 €
Groups of 15 or more: 3,00 €
Children (6-14 years): 2,00 €
For more information please visit: www.glockenturm.de
| © Olympiastadion Berlin GmbH 2011