Bismarck Tower, Monument tower in Bad Ems, Germany.
Bismarck Tower is a stone structure on Bismarckhöhe hill, built from quartzite and basalt materials, rising about 12 meters above the ground. The tower features an iron door leading to a balcony-like platform and a large cast-iron fire bowl at its top.
The foundation stone was laid on June 26, 1900, with construction finishing in April 1901. It was built as one of approximately 40 nearly identical towers erected across German cities before 1911, all following a winning competition design.
This tower represents one of many monuments built across the German Empire to honor the Prussian chancellor, reflecting a widespread historical admiration for him. Today it stands as a reminder of that era, with visitors experiencing the same view that people have enjoyed for over a century.
You can reach the tower via the nearby mountain station of the Kurwaldbahn cable car, making access to the hilltop straightforward. A restaurant with a panoramic terrace sits right beside the structure, offering a convenient spot to rest and enjoy the views.
At the tower's peak sits a large cast-iron fire bowl about 2.65 meters across, reached by an iron ladder from the balcony-like platform below. This bowl was originally meant to hold fire, creating a visible signal that could be seen across the surrounding landscape.
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