Bismarck Tower, Memorial tower in Jena, Germany

Bismarckturm Jena is a 21-metre round tower of limestone blocks on the Tatzend. A four-metre base, 14 metres across, is ringed by 18 columns carrying a balcony viewing platform; the shaft above is 10.9 metres wide. A dome with buttresses topped by stone eagles crowns the three storeys, and a second platform runs at 15 metres.

Construction of the tower began in 1906 after students and citizens raised funds to commemorate a 1892 visit by the Prussian chancellor. The architect Wilhelm Kreis designed the structure drawing inspiration from historical architectural models.

The tower bears the name of the Prussian chancellor who visited the city in 1892 and left a strong impression on residents. The sculptures and architectural details speak to the admiration that citizens and students held for this historical figure.

The tower was closed year-round until 2007 and could only be viewed from outside. Since reunification, small repairs have been made, including fitting windows into all openings. The Berggesellschaft Forsthaus e.V. association now uses the tower and opens it at regular intervals.

Between 1953 and 1990, during the period of the German Democratic Republic, the structure received a different name and became known as the Tower of Youth. After German reunification, it returned to its original name.