Roof renovation in Berus completed: tours of the broadcasting hall start!

Roof renovation in Berus completed: tours of the broadcasting hall start!

In Berus, a small community near Überherrn, construction work to renovate the roof of the historic “Europe 1” broadcasting hall was completed. This extensive renovation took almost a year and was completed at the end of June 2025. During this time, a crane and scaffolding dominated the area. Various construction companies were entrusted with the work, which posed a logistical challenge as material had to be transported onto and off the roof. Fortunately, the scaffolding is now gradually disappearing, revealing the impressive broadcasting hall.

The broadcast hall itself has great historical significance: it used to be the most powerful long-wave transmitter in the world and has been a listed building since 1999. What is particularly noteworthy is that the broadcasting hall has been preserved in its original condition, as it was on the last day of broadcasting operations. In 2021, it was also added to the list of historic engineering landmarks in Germany, further underlining its cultural value.

Public tours start soon

With the completion of the roof renovation work, public tours of the Europe 1 broadcast hall are now available. These tours will begin at the end of July 2025 and have been suspended for a long time due to previous reasons related to construction work. Anyone interested can register at the cultural office of the municipality of Überherrn. A fee of 10 euros per person is charged for taking part in the tours, which last around 90 minutes. To ensure a pleasant atmosphere, the maximum number of participants is limited to 25 people per tour.

The tours not only offer a look inside the impressive broadcasting hall, but also the opportunity to learn more about the history of this important facility, known as the “Cathedral of the Waves”. A report on the transmitter system by Eugen Düpre, DK8VR, in CQDL 11/2022, contains further information and details about the historical significance of the facility.

The broadcasting hall remains an important part of Überherrn and a magnet for experts and history buffs. The upcoming tours are an opportunity to experience a piece of technology and broadcasting history up close.

For further information about the tours, those interested can contact the cultural office of the municipality of Überherrn on 06836-909122 or by email at kultur@ueberherrn.de.