Spiegelslust tower, Observation tower in Marburg, Germany.
Spiegelslust tower is an observation structure made of sandstone that rises 36 meters above Marburg with 167 steps leading inside to a viewing platform. The climb rewards visitors with sweeping views across the city and the rolling countryside beyond.
Construction of the tower took place from 1887 to 1890 as a monument honoring Wilhelm I, the German emperor. Memorial plaques inside recognize soldiers from the city who fell during the Franco-Prussian War years earlier.
The tower holds a curious place in student folklore at the local university, where climbing it before exams is believed to bring academic failure. This superstition has woven itself into campus culture and remains a talked-about tradition among those who study in the city.
Reaching the top requires climbing a long flight of stairs, so wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for physical exertion. The location sits on a hillside, and getting there is possible either on foot or by using the local bus system to cut down travel time.
Inside the tower sits an interactive light installation called Siebensiebenzwölfnullsieben that visitors can trigger by making a phone call to create heart-shaped illuminations. This modern art piece creates an unexpected contrast with the old structure around it.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
