Adlerturm Dortmund, Medieval tower in Dortmund, Germany

The Adlerturm is a medieval fortification tower in Dortmund and one of the few surviving structures from the city's defensive system. Inside, museum exhibits across different levels show how the city looked and functioned during the Middle Ages.

The Adlerturm was a 14th-century defensive tower of Dortmund's city wall; the adjacent wall section dates from the 13th century. The tower was reconstructed in 1992 above the original foundations, which were left untouched. The 30-metre reconstruction stands on pillars so that the medieval masonry below bears no load.

The tower's name refers to the eagle, the heraldic bird of Dortmund's coat of arms. Inside, a children's museum on six floors lets visitors replay the Dortmund Fehde of 1388 on a large city map with Playmobil figures, and try calligraphy, armour and excavations.

The tower stands in the city center and is within walking distance of downtown Dortmund. Visitors should allow time to explore the different floors and may want to check ahead if they plan to visit with a group.

The museum's concept came from archaeologists Georg Eggenstein and Heiner Deutmann, and museum designer Michael Wienand shaped the exhibition. On a giant city map, visitors replay the Dortmund Feud of 1388 with Playmobil figures. Finds from the Kuckelketor, the Höllenturm and the Adlerturm itself are on display.