Gurtenturm, Wooden observation tower in Köniz, Switzerland
The Gurtenturm is a wooden observation tower on the Gurtenberg mountain with a height of approximately 25 meters. The spiral staircase inside leads visitors to a viewing platform from which you can see across the region and toward the distant Alps.
The tower was built in 2000 to honor the centennial of the Master Carpenters Association of Bern and surrounding regions. It stands as a monument to an important woodworking tradition in the area.
From the observation deck, visitors can identify major peaks of the Bernese Alps, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains through educational panels.
The best way to reach the tower is by the Gurtenbahn funicular railway, which climbs from the base of the mountain. From the top station, it is just a short walk to reach it.
The structure was built entirely from wood and uses an innovative design with star-shaped wooden slats that allow the tower to sway slightly in the wind. This flexible system protects the tower from strong wind loads while giving it a subtle movement that most visitors barely notice.
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