The golden statue of Victoria is locally nicknamed 'Goldelse' or 'Golden Lizzy'.
The monument was moved 1.8 kilometers to its current site in 1939 as part of Hitler's 'Germania' redesign plans.
The four granite base pillars are decorated with bronze reliefs depicting the history of Prussian wars.
The interior of the column contains a spiral staircase that is narrow and requires physical exertion.
The winged goddess Victoria holds a laurel wreath and a spear, symbols of victory and military power.
During the 2008 Berlin visit, Barack Obama gave a speech at the nearby street level, but not on the column itself.
The monument's relocation actually saved it from the heavy destruction that occurred in the city center near the Reichstag during the war.
The Victory Column (Siegessäule) is a 67-meter-tall sandstone monument topped by an 8.3-meter-tall gilded bronze statue of Victoria. Located at the center of the Großer Stern roundabout, it serves as a historic lookout point over the Tiergarten park and central Berlin. The monument was inaugurated in 1873 to commemorate Prussian military victories in the wars against Denmark, Austria, and France. Originally situated in front of the Reichstag, the structure was relocated to its current position in 1939. Visitors must climb a spiral staircase of 285 steps to reach the observation deck located just below the statue. The column's base features a glass-mosaic frieze restored to depict historical unification themes. From the top, the panoramic view encompasses the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building, and the spanning expanse of the Tiergarten. It remains one of the few prominent Prussian monuments that survived Allied bombing during World War II with significant structural integrity.
From the observation gallery looking east toward the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin skyline.
Wear comfortable, flat shoes as the ascent consists of 285 narrow, spiral stone steps.
Bring a camera with a zoom lens to capture the detailed gold gilding on the statue once you reach the observation deck.
Avoid visiting during extreme wind conditions, as the observation deck is exposed.
Do not attempt to walk across the busy traffic of the Großer Stern; use the designated underground pedestrian tunnels to access the column.
Open daily year-round, but access may be restricted during severe weather or high-wind events.
