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.
In the 15th century a high watch stood here, with a "Chutz", a huge fire beacon lit when danger approached; the fire warned the townspeople while the bells of Bern Minster rang the alarm. The Gurten-Chutz burned for the last time in 1847. The present wooden tower, 25.5 metres tall, was built in 2000 and recalls that watch.
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 tower stands where a 15th-century Hochwacht kept watch: a huge fire basket, the "Chutz", was lit when danger approached, warning Bern's residents while the bells of the Bern Minster rang the alarm. The Gurten-Chutz burned for the last time in 1847.
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