Tower of Unity, Observation tower on Heldrastein mountain, Treffurt, Germany.

The Tower of Unity is a 30-meter observation tower on the 503.8-meter Heldrastein near Treffurt. Built in 1962 as an open steel lattice radar tower, it was converted in 1996: the radome was removed, the steel frame clad in wood, and a 166-step staircase added. An octagonal shelter stands at its base, and guy wires anchor the free-standing structure.

The structure was built in 1962 as a radar station near the German-German border during the Cold War division. After the fall of the Wall in 1989, it was converted into a public observation platform starting in 1996.

The tower's name marks German reunification: the radar post stood in the restricted border strip until the frontier opened at the end of 1989, and the rebuilt lookout was given the name Turm der Einheit. The 1996 conversion was funded by sponsors and cost 205,000 DM.

The climb involves 166 steps to reach the observation platform at the top. Wear comfortable shoes for this ascent, and plan to bring water since there are few facilities on the mountain itself.

The tower is free-standing yet additionally secured with guy wires, an unusual arrangement for a steel lattice mast. The 1962 radar installation sat on top until the conversion, when the radome was cut off and the open steel frame was clad in wood.