Bismarck Tower

Bismarck Tower in Essen is a memorial structure with a square base and five distinct architectural elements built from basalt lava stone on Mechtenberg hill. The tower rises approximately 17 meters and shapes the landscape with its solid stone construction.

The structure was built in 1900 through public donations to honor Otto von Bismarck, with Emil Kirdorf and the Bismarck Association leading the initiative. This memorial form emerged during an era when such monuments became common across German cities.

The tower displays the name Bismarck carved in stone on its front and back faces, decorated with a forged coat of arms. Visitors can see these inscriptions while walking around the structure and understand how memorial architecture of that era was made visible.

The monument sits on Mechtenberg hill in Essen's Kray district with parking available for visitors exploring the surrounding landscape park. The hill is easy to reach and suits a casual walk with views of the area.

A fire bowl once sat at the summit and was operated by a pressure pump system until its removal during World War II due to material shortages. This burning top was once a notable nighttime landmark on the hill.