Elevators: a swift ascent

At the beginning of 1996 the elevators were replaced. The new lifts travelled the distance up to the observation platform in only 40 seconds and were thus two seconds faster than their predecessors.

Both the express elevators move very rapidly, at approx. 6metres/second up to the observation platform. Each passenger lift can carry up to 15 occupants.

Wind load: It does move, but only a bit

Many visitors wonder how strong the wind must be to make the tower sway. Actually the oscillation of the tower is hardly perceptible. The maximum deflection at the top of the antenna amounts to approx. 60 cm, and at the height of the tower café, is only about 15 cm. The frequency of the oscillation is between 7 and 10 seconds.

Minimal oscillations are achieved by the help of a mass damper. This consists of a metal rod weighing 1.5 tons, which is suspended by three cables. Its momentum dispersed by four hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers.

Antenna: radio on many channels

The red and white antenna mast forms the crowning section of the TV tower. The mast is 118 metres high, and brings the TV tower up to its overall height of 368 metres.

The antenna mast, visible from a distance, is meant to be the only transmitter that can be seen. Through the variety of antenna on the TV tower, more than 60 radio and television programmes are broadcast. A minority of the radio programmes are still analogue transmissions, the other programmes are broadcast digitally.