No Rotating Restaurant in Hamburg TV Tower After Renovation
Hamburg, January 21 – The Heinrich Hertz TV Tower, a landmark of Hamburg, will no longer house a rotating restaurant after its extensive renovation. This decision was announced on Tuesday evening during a meeting of the Bürgerschaft’s budget committee, where the costs and duration of the multi-million euro refurbishment were discussed.
Static Issues Force Design Change
Culture Senator Carsten Brosda (SPD) stated that the Heinrich Hertz Tower, affectionately known as ‘Telemichel’, cannot be operated as it was in the past. The steel rotating ring, a key component of the former restaurant, is too heavy to meet current static requirements and must be removed. The Bürgerschaft is expected to approve the funding for the renovation in early February.
The city of Hamburg will contribute approximately 20 million euros towards the project, with the federal government providing a similar amount. The total cost of the renovation is estimated to be around 40 million euros.
Criticism from The Left Party
The Left Party has criticized the fact that the city is covering the renovation costs for the owner and operator, yet will have no influence over future aspects such as ticket prices. However, Senator Brosda argued that private investors would not be able to finance the necessary structural changes. He emphasized that allowing Hamburg residents to visit the tower again is a clear political objective.
Delayed Start and 2031 Reopening
Due to detailed planning and a Europe-wide tender process, construction work is not expected to commence for at least two years. Paying visitors will likely be able to enjoy the view from the TV tower starting in 2031.
The Hamburg TV Tower has been closed since January 1, 2001. The reopening in 2031 will mark a significant milestone for the city, albeit without its iconic rotating restaurant.
Renovation Milestones and Costs
- Decision: January 21, 2026, Bürgerschaft budget committee.
- Funding Approval: Early February 2026, by the Bürgerschaft.
- City Contribution: Approximately 20 million euros.
- Federal Contribution: Approximately 20 million euros.
- Start of Work: Earliest in two years (2028).
- Reopening: Expected 2031.
The Senate has already approved the financial planning for the construction work, and building permit applications have been submitted, awaiting approval from the building authority.
Impact on Hamburg’s Tourism and Landmark Status
The Heinrich Hertz Tower is a significant landmark for Hamburg, and its reopening is highly anticipated by residents and tourists alike. While the absence of the rotating restaurant may disappoint some, the opportunity to once again access the viewing platform is seen as a positive development for the city’s tourism sector.
The renovation project aims to modernize the tower and ensure its structural integrity for future generations. The political will to make the tower accessible again underscores its importance to Hamburg’s identity.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/kuenftig-kein-dreh-restaurant-mehr-im-hamburger-fernsehturm,fernsehturm-118.html
