Trudelturm

The Trudelturm is a 20-meter-high concrete structure with a spiral external staircase situated in Berlin's Adlershof research park. The cylindrical form housed a wind tunnel experiment designed specifically for aerodynamic research.

It was built between 1934 and 1936 by the German Aviation Research Institute to study aircraft flight paths in controlled conditions. This prewar facility remains one of the few surviving examples of functional research architecture from that era.

The tower gained wider recognition after appearing on Rammstein's album series Zeit, drawing visitors interested in music and industrial architecture. Its raw concrete form and exterior staircase appeal to those who appreciate how science and art intersect in built structures.

The site is near Max-Born-Strasse and reached via a marked pathway called Zum Trudelturm within the science park. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to climb the external staircase, which is steep, while the surrounding grounds have level walking paths.

Researchers placed aircraft models in vertical airflow inside the tower to analyze spinning patterns using high-speed cameras. This direct observation method allowed engineers to study aerodynamic behavior before conducting actual test flights.

Location: Berlin

Inception: 1936

Height: 20 m

Made from material: concrete

Part of: Aerodynamic Park

Address: Brook-Taylor-Straße 2, 12489 Berlin

GPS coordinates: 52.43173,13.52947

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:00