Idaturm, Observation tower in Bückeburg, Germany.

The Idaturm is a 28-metre-high observation tower on the Harrl ridge, built of sandstone quarried nearby. Its cylindrical shaft of rough brown and grey stone blocks rises beside a curving wall topped with slotted stone merlons, and a small rectangular opening sits high on the tower. Inside, a spiral staircase of 128 steps leads up.

The Idaturm was built in 1847 by Prince Georg Wilhelm zu Schaumburg-Lippe for land surveying, in a year of inflation and famine, so that the workers employed would earn a wage. It is named after his wife, Princess Ida zu Waldeck und Pyrmont. The Wilhelmsturm in the Rehburg hills at Wölpinghausen was built at the same time. The tower belongs to the princely house of Schaumburg-Lippe.

The tower is named after Princess Ida zu Waldeck und Pyrmont, wife of Prince Georg Wilhelm zu Schaumburg-Lippe, who had it built in 1847. It stands on the Harrl ridge between Bückeburg and Bad Eilsen and is a destination for walkers; the Bückeberg-Weg (X11) and the Sigwardsweg pass by it. At its foot is an excursion restaurant, run before the COVID-19 pandemic by the Alte Schlossküche of Bückeburg Castle and open again at weekends since 2023.

Visitors reach the observation platform by climbing internal stairs, so it helps to arrive on clear days to enjoy the best views. Opening hours vary by season, so checking in advance is worthwhile.

The tower was built in 1847, a year of famine and inflation, so that labourers could earn a wage; it is named after Princess Ida zu Waldeck und Pyrmont, wife of Prince Georg Wilhelm. The sandstone came from a nearby quarry, and the tower remains the property of the Schaumburg-Lippe princely house.