Luchtwachttoren 7Z3 - Oud Schoonebeek

Luchtwachttoren 7Z3 is an observation tower made of concrete near Schoonebeek with a simple, functional design featuring a raised platform. The structure includes a sheltered area and sits among tall poplar trees that mark the landscape.

The tower was built in 1954 as part of the Netherlands' air defense system and operated through the early 1960s. It was designed to detect low-altitude aircraft that radar systems of the time could not effectively monitor.

The tower serves as a reminder of how ordinary people were involved in Cold War defense during the 1950s. Visitors can see how a simple concrete structure held significance for the community and the nation during that tense period.

The tower is located in a rural area near the Dutch-German border and requires traveling along country roads to reach it. Plan extra time to find the location, as it sits somewhat removed from main traffic routes.

Of the many similar towers built across the Netherlands in the 1950s, only a handful remain accessible today. This one stands out for showing how basic the surveillance infrastructure actually was during the Cold War era.

Location: Emmen

Architects: Marten Zwaagstra

GPS coordinates: 52.65111,6.87833

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:07