Victory Column

The Victory Column (Siegessäule) stands as one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks, rising majestically 67 meters high in the heart of Tiergarten Park at the Großer Stern roundabout. Designed by Heinrich Strack and completed in 1873, this magnificent monument was originally built to commemorate Prussia’s victory in the Second Schleswig War against Denmark in 1864, but by its completion it had come to symbolize three major Prussian victories that led to German unification.

The column is crowned by an impressive 8.3-meter-tall gilded bronze statue of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, weighing 35 tons and designed by Friedrich Drake. Berliners affectionately call this golden figure “Goldelse” (Golden Lizzy), and she can be seen triumphantly looking toward France, holding a laurel wreath in her right hand and a standard with the Iron Cross in her left.

The monument’s base consists of polished red Swedish granite measuring 18.8 meters square, adorned with four bronze reliefs depicting scenes from the three victorious wars against Denmark, Austria, and France. The column itself is composed of four sandstone sections, with the first three decorated with 60 gilded gun barrels captured from defeated enemies – Danish 12-pounders, Austrian 8-pounders, and French 4-pounders.

Originally located at Königsplatz (now Platz der Republik) in front of the Reichstag, the column was moved to its current location in 1938-39 as part of Nazi plans to transform Berlin into “Germania,” the world capital. During this relocation, a fourth section was added, increasing its height to the current 67 meters.

Visitors can climb the narrow spiral staircase of 285 steps to reach the viewing platform at 51 meters high, directly beneath Victoria’s golden skirts. The panoramic views from the top offer spectacular vistas across Tiergarten Park, Brandenburg Gate, and the entire Berlin cityscape, making it one of the city’s most rewarding viewpoints.

The Victory Column has transcended its original military symbolism to become a beloved cultural icon, famously serving as the backdrop for Barack Obama’s 2008 speech and the annual Love Parade techno festival that once made it a symbol of Berlin’s vibrant music scene.