Bismarckturm, Gothic tower on Vogelberg hill in Lütjenburg, Germany
The Bismarckturm is a brick tower standing on Vogelberg hill in Lütjenburg, rising about 18 meters high. A narrow spiral staircase with 96 steps leads up to an observation platform with views over the surrounding landscape.
The tower was built from architect Hugo Groothoff's design and opened on September 2, 1898. It came about through an initiative by Lütjenburg's citizens and belongs to a group of Bismarck monuments that arose across northern Germany during that era.
The tower is named after Otto von Bismarck, who died six days before the final construction decisions were taken in August 1898. It was inaugurated on Sedantag, 2 September 1898, a date commemorating the Prussian victory over France in 1870. The opening began at 5 p.m. with a musical performance, and the tower was run by innkeeper A. Hamm, who collected 10 pfennigs from each visitor.
The climb is strenuous because of the tight spiral staircase, so wear comfortable shoes with good grip. The best time to visit is during dry weather when the view is clear and the steps are safe to walk on.
The tower is the oldest of the eight Bismarck towers and columns in Schleswig-Holstein and ranks among the 17 oldest of the roughly 240 known Bismarck towers. It is illuminated at night, and access to the platform is paid at the restaurant. The tower stands 1.5 metres taller than the Hessenstein.
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