Schlossberg Tower, Observation tower on Schlossberg hill, Freiburg, Germany
The Schlossbergturm is a 33.27-metre observation tower on the Salzbüchslekuppe ridge of the Schlossberg, about 500 metres east of Freiburg's Altstadt. Its twisted design sets long Douglas-fir trunks around a steel staircase, and 153 steps lead to three platforms, the highest reached by a small spiral staircase. The top stands 463 metres above sea level, 185 metres above the city's average height.
The tower was initiated by the Kuratorium Schlossberg e. V. and inaugurated in November 2002. Its construction cost 375,000 euros, two thirds of which came from donations collected by the committee. In 2017 the original Douglas fir trunks were replaced by galvanised steel supports after damage at their bases.
The tower was designed by Freiburg architect Hubert Horbach for the Kuratorium Freiburger Schlossberg and inaugurated in November 2002. It stands on the grounds of the former Fort de l'Aigle von Auban, known locally as Salzbüchsle. The tower is closed every New Year's Eve for safety reasons.
The tower stands on the Salzbüchslekuppe, about 500 m east of the Altstadt, and is reached on foot; the top platform is up a small spiral staircase after 153 steps. The tower is closed on New Year's Eve for safety reasons. The structure is not wheelchair accessible.
The tower's 34-metre Douglas firs came from the city forest of Ottilienwald, about a century old and felled by Hurricane Lothar; together they weighed some ten tonnes, too heavy for the planned helicopter lift, so a special cable crane moved them into place.
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