Friday, December 14, 2007

Rheinturm Düsseldorf


Yesterday evening Mrs S and I went with her work colleagues to a rather unusual, but not unique, restaurant in Düsseldorf. It was located high up in a tower which we have had our eyes on many times, wondering what it would be like to view the city from up there. Finally we got to experience it. It was stunning! Seeing all the glimmering city lights in the dark was breathtakingly beautiful. The restaurant floor was slowly revolving, while the windows on the outside and the kitchen and central areas in the middle were stationary. On the windows, names of what could be seen in that direction were displayed. Facing the window for best view, you kind of got disoriented with what was behind you. At one time you had the reception area behind you, only to find some flower decoration by a wall the next time you turned round. It was quite tricky to locate the toilets, so many people often sat tight and waited for the toilets to turn up again! Have a look what Wikipedia says and then check out the links for a spectacular 360-view and also the light clock in action. At last I know what those lights are!


(From Wikipedia)

The Rheinturm Düsseldorf is a 240.5 metre high concrete telecommunication tower in Düsseldorf, Germany, capital of the federal state (Bundesland]]) of North Rhine-Westphalia. It was built from 1979 until 1981. The Rheinturm carries aerials for directional radio, FM and TV transmitters and has in a height of 174.5 metre a revolving restaurant and at a height of 170 metres an observation deck.

The Rheinturm was inaugurated on December 1, 1981 . It contains 7,500 cubic metres of concrete and weighs 22,500 tons. Until October 15, 2004, when an aerial for DVB-T was mounted, it was 234.2 metres high.

As special attraction there is a light sculpture on its shaft, which works as a clock. This sculpture was designed by Horst H. Baumann and is called Lichtzeitpegel (light time level). The light sculpture on the Rheinturm is the biggest decimal clock in the world.


360° interactive panorama

View this clock in action(Javascript)

3 comments:

Matthew Rees said...

The colleague that I have most contact with at work lives in Dusseldorf and I'll have to try and find an excuse to go and visit him!ld

Eric Valentine said...

Seeing that picture Swen, reminds me of the CN Tower here in Toronto except the CN is a lot higher. When I first saw your pic, that's what I thought it was for a moment. :)

swenglishexpat said...

Matthew - It is certainly worth a visit, daytime or evening. But be aware, you have to pay to use the lift! There is a viewing deck as well, you see.

Eric - Yes, I have seen your tower on TV as well. Such towers are very impressive, I think.