Besucherwindanlage Windfang, Windkraftanlage mit integrierter Aussichtskanzel Aachen
The Besucherwindanlage Windfang is a wind turbine with an observation platform located near Aachen, built in 1999 by Enercon. A spiral staircase winds up approximately 63 meters (207 feet) inside the tower to a glassed-in deck that provides views across the surrounding landscape and city.
The turbine grew from a 1995 energy project called 'Zukunftsenergien Aachen-Heerlen' that aimed to plan renewable energy supply for the Avantis business district. Until 2023, visitors could climb inside to experience wind power generation firsthand.
The name Windfang was chosen through a contest held among students from Aachen, connecting the turbine to the local community. For many residents, it represents a visible commitment to renewable energy and sustainability in everyday life.
Access to the platform required advance booking and understanding that the installation is aging. Note that guided tours and climbing inside the tower are no longer available as of 2023, though the turbine itself remains visible and can be viewed from the exterior.
More than 17,000 people have visited this installation to experience wind power generation firsthand. Few wind turbines worldwide feature visitor platforms, making this location a rare opportunity to understand renewable energy up close.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
