Schellenberger Turm, defensive tower in Upper Bavaria, Germany
The Schellenberger Turm is a fortress tower in Marktschellenberg, Bavaria, constructed of stone with a square shape and four stories. Its walls display Romanesque architectural details, and it is topped with a distinctive tent-like pointed roof.
The tower was built around 1252 to protect the saltworks and the Berchtesgaden monastery, serving as part of a defense system to control trade traffic. In the 17th century, a gate was added to function as a customs station, and after secularization, Bavarian authorities took over border supervision.
The tower's name relates to its historical connection with the region and the nearby town of Berchtesgaden. Its location on this important trade route made it a place where people from different areas met and their paths crossed.
The tower sits on a hillside next to the main road B305 and is surrounded by hiking trails that lead to mountain destinations like Untersberg and Schellenberger ice cave. Access is limited to special opening days, so it is best to check with the local tourist office beforehand.
A boundary stone from 1517 near the tower bears inscriptions with welcoming wishes in German, revealing how long the border line has existed at this location. This stone illustrates the deep historical roots of this place in the region's life.
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