Bismarckstein, Bismarck tower in Göttingen, Germany
Bismarckstein is a monument in Göttingen featuring a square base with two external staircases that lead to a viewing platform about 23 feet (7 meters) high. From this raised position, visitors can observe the city layout and the surrounding areas below.
The monument was built in 1903 as part of a nationwide movement to honor Otto von Bismarck, the first Chancellor of the German Empire. This period reflected widespread admiration for the political figure who shaped modern German unification.
Local residents call the structure the 'Elephant's Toilet' due to its distinctive and somewhat unconventional shape, a nickname that has stuck and shows how the monument is part of everyday conversation. This playful name reflects how the building has become familiar and even affectionate to those who see it regularly.
The location is best reached on foot and offers a good vantage point over Göttingen, particularly rewarding when the weather is clear. Visitors should note that climbing the stairs to the platform requires appropriate footwear and some physical effort.
The original platform was designed with twelve fire columns surrounding a central fire bowl, though these were removed during the 1970s. Visitors with a careful eye can still spot traces of their mounting points on the platform surface.
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