Bahnorama, Wooden architectural tower in Vienna, Austria.
Bahnorama is a wooden observation tower in Vienna with two glass panoramic elevators that carry visitors to a viewing platform above the ground. The structure tapers gradually from its wider base to a narrow peak, creating a distinctive silhouette.
The tower was built in 2010 as a temporary installation to serve an urban development project and stood for five years. Its construction used modern timber techniques that were uncommon for such a large structure at the time.
The structure drew inspiration from the 1935 hertzian tower in Gliwice, Poland, representing a connection between historical and modern architectural designs.
The ride up in the glass elevators offers views at different heights during the ascent itself. Visitors should be mindful of weather conditions, as the upper platform can be more exposed to wind and moisture.
The structure was built entirely from wood without any steel or concrete, which is noteworthy for a project of this scale. This construction approach demonstrated innovative possibilities for using timber in temporary large-scale installations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.