What is the World Clock on Alexanderplatz?

It is very popular attraction located in Alexanderplatz in Berlin, Germany as people can watch world clock, which is a big attraction nowadays. It is an amazing structure of digital clock that shows time in various global cities signifying that Berlin i s a world city.

History and Design

The construction of the World Clock was initiated in 1969 with an aim giving a glimpse of what the 20th anniversary if the German Democratic Republic would look like. It was designed by an architect, Erich John with apparent inclination towards modern structure. This was a contrivance made up of a large drum onto which were marked the names of 148 chief cities of the world. Every city has a metal plate with the city’s name on it and the current time shown on a dial.

Its construction is similar to a clock tower, has the height of 10 meters (33 feet) and a weight of about 16 tons. Due to its manufacturing materials of steel and aluminum, it remains rigid even up to this year. The World Clock looks like a complicated piece of engineering that can impress with the skills of its designers.

How Does It Work?

The World Clock is connected to an aircraft that has reception times from an atomic clock. It also means that the displayed times will always be own accurate and will be synched the larger standard time of the world.

Reading the World Clock

This is because, when you get near the World Clock, you will find that each city has its own dial in showing the time. H1 rotate perpetually to enable the real-time representation of time on the watch and H2 is also similar. That is the time mentioned is local time of those cities to which are converted in their respective time zones.

For example, if you see the hour hand on Moscow at 6 and the minute hand at 30, it means that the local time in Moscow is 6:30. Similarly, if you observe the hour hand on Beijing at 9 and the minute hand at 45, it signifies that the local time in Beijing is 9:45.

Interesting Facts

The World Clock on Alexanderplatz is also called “Urania-Weltzeituhr”.

The clock was relocated to the present position on Alexanderplatz in 1975.

The construction of the World Clock was realized in about one year.

Unfortunately the celestial globe rotates and is no longer in working condition as seen in the picture below;

The clock is used by people each time to meet each other or as a location that is in the center of the area.

World Clock on Alexanderplatz is also referred as the “Urania-Weltzeituhr”.

It was relocated to present area of the Alexanderplatz in 1975.

According to the history of the construction of the World Clock, it required nearly a year to establish this clock.

There is a feature of the clock that is a rotating celestial globe, which currently does not work.

Different people can also be found either standing around the clock to embrace each other or find it convenient to use this place of meeting because of the existence of the clock.

Visit the World Clock on Alexanderplatz

World Clock has been established in the middle of the Berlin, so it will be very easy to access for tourist. Alexanderplatz – this is the large square designed for trading and has wide range of shops, restaurants, various type of entertainments and etc.

When you approach the clock, do not forget to look at the creativity used in the work, and the cities that have been incorporated in it. If you are interested in history, you like clocks, or you just feel like getting a glimpse of the real Berlin, World Clock on the Alexanderplatz square is worth a visit.

Opening Hours and Admission

The World Clock on Alexanderplatz is freely accessible to the public. You can visit at any time of the day or night, as it is always open.

Getting There

Alexanderplatz is very accessible because this place is one of the largest transport interchanges in Berlin.

If you are using the public transport, there is both the U-Bahn/Underground or S-Bahn/Suburban train;- both can be accessed through Alexanderplatz station. Many trams and buses are also available near this location as well.

If you like using your own two feet then Alexanderplatz can be easily reached on foot from many of the central areas in Berlin.

Car owners should note that there could be difficulties to find a good parking site especially in the central business district. It is advised instead to take public transport.

Explore the Surroundings

Speaking of Alexanderplatz, you should also consider the area around it. With a view over the city go to the Television Tower [Teleschnau] or explore the new atmosphere of Hackescher Markt, a fashionable district with shops and stickers.

Conclusion

Modern time display on Alexanderplatz does not only play its utilitarian function of the World Clock but represents a Berlin’s interdependence on the world. That is built in the centre of town, possesses the essential British architectural features, and has a long history, is frequented by both residents and guests.

Any time being in Berlin do not miss this great point of interest and enjoy the spectacular view of the time differences all over the world.