Bismarck Tower

Bismarck Tower is a stone structure that stands on Wilhelmshöhe hill within the Hoher Busch woodland and rises 18 meters (59 feet) into the air. The building dominates the landscape and marks the highest vantage point in the Viersen area.

Construction began in 1900 after local citizens raised funds and held a design competition that drew hundreds of architectural proposals. The project grew from the community's strong desire to commemorate the nation's first Chancellor.

This monument belongs to a movement of Bismarck towers built across Germany to honor the first Chancellor and founder of the unified nation. These towers still stand today as markers of that historical veneration across the country.

The tower welcomes visitors from April through September on designated opening days, with licensed radio amateurs managing the site and running exhibitions. Plan your visit around these seasonal dates to ensure you can access the tower.

Until World War I, an annual beacon ceremony took place on Bismarck's birthday, with flames leaping up to 5 meters high into the night sky. This spectacular tradition vanished during the war years and is no longer performed today.

Location: Viersen

GPS coordinates: 51.26282,6.36976

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:22