The Olympic Stadium in Berlin is a special place for sports enthusiasts, and for over 14 years, it has been my second living room. It is the home of Hertha Berlin, and I have experienced the team’s ups and downs through the 2nd leagues as well as in European competitions. Having visited many places and stadiums, I can say with certainty that there is nothing quite like a home game in Berlin.
I have always been looking for the perfect shot that can capture the essence of the Olympic Stadium. It dawned on me that the sun might shine through the second side of the stadium, illuminating the entire structure. However, this was only possible on four days of the year, which was a challenge considering Berlin’s weather.
Finally, on March 10th, 2014, at 5:45 pm, the conditions were perfect. I tried to convince the gatekeeper to open the gate to have a clear visual of the stadium, but he refused. However, a delivery truck left the stadium area, and I had a brief window of opportunity to capture the stadium bathed in the sunlight.
It’s worth noting that the sunlight is broken by the fire bowl for the Olympic flame, known as the Eternal Flame.
History of the Berlin Stadium
The Olympic Stadium in Berlin is a historically significant venue that has hosted many major events, including the 1936 Summer Olympics. The stadium was originally designed by architect Werner March and constructed between 1934 and 1936. It was intended to hold up to 100,000 people and was a crucial piece of propaganda for the Nazi regime.
After World War II, the stadium became part of the British occupation zone in Germany, and later, it was used as a venue for football matches, including the 1974 FIFA World Cup Final. The stadium underwent a significant renovation in preparation for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Germany, and it now has a capacity of 74,475 people.
The stadium’s design is characterized by its monumental architecture, including its elliptical shape, which was intended to evoke ancient Greek stadiums. The distinctive Olympic Bell Tower, which stands at 77 meters tall, also adds to the stadium’s iconic look.
One of the most unique features of the stadium is the Olympic Bell, which weighs 4,764 kilograms and was cast from the metal of French cannons captured during World War I. The bell is sounded before the start of major events and is one of the most recognizable sounds associated with the stadium.
The stadium’s rich history and unique architecture have made it a must-see destination for tourists visiting Berlin. In addition to sporting events, the stadium also hosts concerts and other cultural events throughout the year. Visitors can take guided tours of the stadium to learn more about its history and see some of its most impressive features, including the Bell Tower and Olympic Bell.
Technical Details
Camera: Canon EOS 500D
Lens: Canon EF-S 10-22mm @ 16mm
ISO: 100
Exposures: 7 in steps of 1 EV
Aperture: 13
Exposure time (middle): 1/15s
Tripod: Manfrotto 190CXPRO4
Size: 13.1 MPx
Date: Taken in March 2014
Location: In front of the eastern gate of the Olympic Stadium in Berlin
Software: Lightroom 5.2, Photoshop CS6, Photomatix Pro
Interesting links regarding the Olympic Stadium in Berlin
» Olympic Stadium: Opening Hours
» Tickets for a game: Hertha BSC
