In Berlin, we have quite a few giants and gigantic plans—from what was once Germany’s tallest skyscraper, to the never-realized “Mini-Manhattan” in Mitte, a formerly massive radio tower, to the crème de la crème: the Berlin TV Tower.
No one would have thought that the small town of Schipkau in Lusatia, of all places, would give us a run for our money. But there, the GICON high-altitude wind turbine has set a world record with an impressive total height of 365 meters and is the tallest wind turbine in the world!
The giant wind turbine in Schipkau: An impressive photo opportunity for your trip
The GICON high-altitude wind turbine in Schipkau is almost as tall as our beloved Berlin TV Tower! At 368 meters, it’s only 3 meters taller (and even that’s only since its antenna was extended in 1997). With a dizzying hub height of 300 meters, this massive turbine captures the strong and steady winds in the upper atmosphere to massively increase electricity production.
Even though there are currently no guided tours to the top of the tower, the view from the ground is simply breathtaking. The open lattice structure is reminiscent of a modern version of the Eiffel Tower, combined with futuristic energy technology and massive rotor blades that plow through the clouds.
Engineering excellence of the very highest order
Since no conventional construction crane can reach such heights, the engineers pulled a trick out of their bag: The tower was hoisted upward telescopically using a wire rope hoisting technique. A wide, steel outer tower serves as a guide for the inner tower—an amazing structure that, in this form, has never been seen anywhere else.
For tech enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and photographers, the tower is a must-see. Tip: It’s best to combine your stop at the wind turbine with a leisurely bike ride through the neighboring Lusatian Lake District.
Your relaxing trip to the wind turbine in Schipkau and the Lusatian Lake District
By car from Berlin,take the A13 highway toward Dresden, exit at Klettwitz or Schipkau, and you’ll be near this giant shortly afterward. If you prefer public transportation, take the regional train to Senftenberg station and from there take the local bus toward Schipkau.
📍 Schipkau, Lusatia, Brandenburg
📆 Anytime (freely accessible from the outside)
⏳ 30 to 60 minutes (photo stop and exterior viewing)
💵 Free
