Helmertturm

The Helmertturm is a 15-meter-tall red brick structure located on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam, featuring decorative architectural details from late 19th-century German design. The tower's solid masonry construction and period styling reflect the building traditions of that era.

Construction of the tower took place in 1893, establishing it as a center for geodetic measurements and observations from the start. Its creation reflected Germany's growing investment in scientific research and geographic precision.

The tower takes its name from Friedrich Robert Helmert, a German geodesist whose work shaped the field of precise Earth measurement. This naming reflects the site's deep connection to scientific advancement and geographic knowledge.

The tower sits on the grounds of the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, a large research facility where access may be restricted for ongoing scientific work. Plan your visit ahead, as not all parts of the campus are open to the public at all times.

The tower housed highly precise instruments used to establish geographic coordinates across Germany, serving as a reference point for national surveying efforts. Its role in this work made it essential to mapping and positioning systems of its time.

Location: Potsdam

Inception: 1893

Height: 15 m

Operator: GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam

Part of: Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences

GPS coordinates: 52.43982,13.06534

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:43