Backöfele, Wooden observation tower at Schneeberg summit, Germany
Backöfele is a wooden observation tower standing on the summit of Schneeberg mountain in the Fichtelgebirge region. The structure sits at 1,051 meters elevation and provides a viewing platform for visitors who reach the peak.
The original structure was built following a 1498 defense directive by Margrave Friedrich as part of a medieval observation network. This network protected the territories between Brandenburg and Kulmbach from outside threats.
The name Backöfele comes from an old tradition of people baking bread at this location during the Thirty Years War. This naming reflects how mountain peaks served as refuge and resource during difficult times.
The tower is accessible only by foot or bicycle on marked trails, with visitors expected to follow nature reserve regulations during their visit. Sturdy footwear and weather protection are advisable since the summit is exposed to the elements.
The current tower was rebuilt in 2017 using oak wood donated by Bavarian State Forests, sourcing the material from local woodlands. This newer structure replaced the 1926 tower that had stood for decades at this location.
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