Gasometer adventures

Who of you knows what a gasometer looks like, what it is used for... yet has even been on top of one??? I can answer all these questions with "yes" - and let me tell you, it's a real Berlin adventure!

In other cities people climb bridges secured to the construction with ropes... in Berlin people climb gasometers. One of those gasometers can be found in Schoeneberg, an area in the southwest of town. It is a facility that was used to "store" gas through underpressure between 1910 and the 90s. So much for the technical part. Then someone had the idea that it would be a great look-out point - and born was a new attraction for Berlin tourists and locals alike!

The climb is a bit exhausting but nothing worth to mention for an ex-athlete like me. :-) Short stops at different levels of the landmark give the visitor a chance to adjust to the height and rethink the undertaking. It is never too late to ask the guide to accompany one back. Not me though; I was burning (or was it my leg muscles?) to get to the top. And I was not to be disappointed! Boy, was that an amazing view. One could see everything in the city, and even beyond its borders. Of course, the height was a bit frightening, probably mostly due to the fact that the banister as high as my waist line was not very protective and the "floor" was totally see-through. Plus, it was a bit windy up there.

It took almost one hour to walk around the entire circle once, for the guide was able to explain every single building or tower on the horizon. Amazing. I could have stayed there all evening... This is a real adventure! An absolute must for every Berlin visitor free from giddiness.
During the summer time the company even offers "excursions" on top of the gasometer to watch fireworks from there. Maybe worth a second trip up those 456 stairs!

http://www.climb-berlin.com/de/