Wasserturm Cottbus, Water tower in Vetschauer Street, Cottbus, Germany

Wasserturm Cottbus is a water storage facility featuring a cylindrical brick shaft that narrows toward the top and is crowned by a spherical steel tank with 500 cubic meter capacity. The interior preserves an original single-flight iron staircase with wooden steps and flat steel railings that lead to an observation deck.

The Prussian State Railways built this tower in 1914 to supply water for steam locomotives, with operations ending in 1955. Its construction occurred during a period of major railway expansion across Germany.

The tower displays the Klönne container system, a steel construction method created by the Dortmund-based Aug Klönne company that shaped the design of many similar structures across Europe. This engineering approach became the standard solution for water storage in railway facilities of that era.

Access is gained via the original iron staircase, which becomes increasingly narrow as you climb and offers an authentic but tight experience. The ascent requires physical effort and good head for heights, especially as you approach the upper platform.

The tank exterior features a combined walkway-ladder system that allowed maintenance workers to inspect the container surface from outside. This practical feature was specifically designed to enable routine inspection and upkeep of the large storage vessel.

• Location: Cottbus
• GPS coordinates: 51.74950,14.32190
• Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:05