Berlin is reaching new heights—and it’s doing so in silent, elegant motion. Located 207 meters above the city’s vibrant streets, “Sphere Tim Raue” inside the iconic Berlin TV Tower combines culinary artistry, architectural heritage, and precision engineering to create an experience that is truly one of a kind. As of its grand opening, it holds the official title of the highest revolving restaurant in the European Union.
Sphere Tim Raue
It’s not just a meal; it’s a journey. When guests take their seats at Sphere Tim Raue, they are not simply settling in for dinner; they are boarding a rotating platform high above the German capital. As appetizer, main course, and dessert are served, the restaurant completes its silent revolutions. Outside the panoramic windows, the entirety of Berlin unfolds: the historic Prenzlauer Berg, the golden Victory Column, the vast expanse of Tempelhofer Feld, the forested Teufelsberg, and the sprawling landscape of Brandenburg beyond.
The dimensions of this feat are as impressive as they are precise. At full capacity, the rotating mechanism gracefully moves approximately 20 tons of mass—including guests, furniture, and technology. Yet, the experience is defined by its tranquility: the rotation is smooth, steady, and nearly silent, allowing the cityscape to take center stage.
Engineering Marvel from the Machine Room of History
The revolving restaurant is a technical masterpiece dating back to the TV Tower’s construction in the 1960s, and remarkably, its original mechanism is still in use today. The so-called “rotating ring” glides on rubberized rollers, each about 20 centimeters in diameter. These rollers guide the ring precisely along the outer glass facade, ensuring the movement is perfectly round and completely stable.
The entire system is powered by four electric motors, each with 1.5 kilowatts of power. The motors themselves remain stationary—the platform glides over them. The result is a flawless rotation without jerks, vibrations, or any sense of the underlying technology. The restaurant accelerates from zero to full speed in just three to four seconds. The rotation speed is adjustable, typically offering one or two full revolutions per hour. This means that during a classic restaurant visit, guests are treated to the complete Berlin panorama—often more than once.
Twice a year, the tower halts for a maintenance day. During this time, the rollers are lubricated, inspected, and replaced if necessary. These critical processes, along with the entire mechanics of the rotation, remain completely invisible to guests, preserving the magic of the 360-degree view from 207 meters.
The Highest Culinary Experience of Its Kind in the EU
The title of “Highest Revolving Restaurant in the European Union” is not merely a marketing claim; it is a fact-based superlative. This distinction sets it apart from mountain-top restaurants, static skyscraper venues, or locations that simply cite geographic altitude. The key differentiator is the combination of its structural height above ground and its active rotation.
What truly elevates Sphere Tim Raue above other spectacular viewing locations is the unique fusion of height, motion, and world-class cuisine. While there are higher restaurants elsewhere in the world, they do not revolve. And within the borders of the European Union, no other revolving restaurant reaches this altitude.
The fact that Michelin-starred chef Tim Raue has lent his culinary signature to this venue is no coincidence—it is a deliberate statement. It represents Berlin’s cuisine, reimagined: rooted in local tradition, executed with precision, and presented with a sense of surprise. This transforms the technical wonder high above the city into a genuine gastronomic destination. The view outside becomes an experience for all the senses, perfectly paired with the flavors on the plate.
A New Landmark for Berlin and Beyond
Sphere Tim Raue is more than just a restaurant; it is a new landmark that redefines the Berlin skyline experience. It offers both locals and international visitors a fresh perspective on the city—literally and figuratively. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking the pinnacle of Berlin dining, a visit to Sphere is an unforgettable journey to the top of Europe’s highest revolving restaurant.
For those looking to experience Berlin from its most dynamic vantage point, the message is clear: come for the history, stay for the view, and dine at the highest point in the EU.
PLEASE, do not confuse the TV Tower restaurant with the two star Michelin restaurant Tim Raue. The food is completely different. TV-Tower is not gourmet, more event gastronomy!