Hoher Hagen, Volcanic mountain summit in Dransfeld, Germany
Hoher Hagen is a volcanic mountain in the Dransfeld Municipal Forest near Göttingen, in Lower Saxony. A concrete observation tower with a restaurant stands at the summit, and an elevator carries visitors up to the viewing platform.
In the 19th century, the mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss used this peak as a surveying point for his geodetic work across the region. The concrete tower was built in 1964 and named after him in recognition of that work.
The Gauss Tower takes its name from the mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss, who used this summit for geodetic work. Visitors today can eat at the restaurant inside the tower, where hikers and day-trippers tend to gather after the walk up.
Several marked trails lead to the summit, and there is parking near the tower for those arriving by car. Clear days offer the widest views from the platform, so it is worth checking the weather before setting out.
The mountain is made of basalt, which points to volcanic activity in a part of Germany where this is rarely expected. The tower platform sits well above the natural summit level, which adds considerably to how far you can see across the surrounding hills.
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