Einstein Tower 🇩🇪

Located on the summit of the Potsdam Telegraphenberg within the Albert Einstein Science Park in Potsdam, Germany, the Einstein Tower (Einsteinturm) is an extraordinary functional solar observatory and a landmark of expressionist architecture. Designed by architect Erich Mendelsohn and completed in 1924 for astronomer Erwin Finlay-Freundlich, this striking facility was built to validate Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity by detecting solar red shift. Although Einstein never worked inside the tower, he supported its creation and famously described its unique sculptural design as simply "Organic." When you visit, you will encounter a building designed to channel light down a vertical shaft to an insulated basement laboratory wing.

The structure itself is a historic fusion of brick, concrete, and stucco topped by a wooden rotating dome. Near the entrance, look for the rescued bronze bust of Einstein and the single symbolic stone placed beside it. Out on the forecourt pavement, you can view the fist-sized "3 SEC Bronze Brain" sculpture by artist Volker März.

Still operating today under the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam, the tower continues to serve as an active site for studying solar magnetic fields, testing instruments, and training astronomy students.

What to see at Einstein Tower

• Landmark expressionist architecture designed by Erich Mendelsohn in 1924
• Working solar observatory testing solar magnetic fields and astrophysics instruments
• Historic entrance featuring a rescued bronze Einstein bust and symbolic stone
• Fist-sized "3 SEC Bronze Brain" pavement sculpture located on the forecourt
• Digital outdoor exhibition access via a sign explaining its scientific and architectural history

Visiting tips

Scan the sign located directly in front of the building to access the "Einsteinturm revisited" digital exhibition and learn about its architectural history.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Einstein Tower is easy to reach on Potsdam’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Sanssouci Palace and Cecilienhof. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Potsdam travel guide.