As we all know, viewing things from above is the most fun. It’s only from up high that we realize just how beautiful Berlin and Brandenburg really are. For spectacular panoramic views , we often don’t have to travel far at all—the Wolkenhain on the Kienberg offers the perfect conditions just a stone’s throw from the city center. However, for those looking for a place that is not only a viewpoint but also a historic relic and a futuristic architectural project, we have the ultimate tip: The Biorama Project is one of Brandenburg’s most extraordinary architectural and cultural projects.
What today looks like a futuristic observation tower in the middle of the Schorfheide was originally a decommissioned GDR water tower from 1960. After decades of standing vacant, Britons Sarah Phillips and Richard Hurding discovered the tower by chance during a bike ride in the early 2000s—and decided to transform it into a visionary art, architecture, and nature project . The project is located about 70 kilometers northeast of Berlin, directly on Lake Grimnitz in the Schorfheide-Chorin UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The historic tower is about 21 meters high and has been completely renovated. In place of the former water tank, a spectacular 360-degree observation deck was built on the roof. Particularly iconic is the futuristic glass and metal elevator, which stands next to the historic tower like a small “space shuttle.” Visitors can reach the platform either via this accessible elevator or via an outdoor staircase with 118 steps.
The name “BIORAMA” is a combination of “biosphere” and “panorama.” That is precisely what the concept is all about: combining nature, architecture, art, and sustainable tourism. The view stretches across vast woodlands, lakes, and the Schorfheide —on a clear day, even as far as the Berlin TV Tower or toward Poland.
What makes the project so special: The tower is not only a viewpoint but also the home of the two founders. Inside, living spaces, offices, and workspaces spanning a total of about 140 square meters were created across several levels. The owners invested hundreds of thousands of euros themselves and also received EU funding for the conversion of the historic building.
Over the years, Phillips and Hurding have developed a complete cultural complex alongside the tower. This includes the so-called “White Villa,” a renovated late 19th-century villa that is now used for international art exhibitions, installations, concerts, and cultural events. Many projects focus on sustainability, nature, or regional identity.
