Historic Towers & Viewpoints

This collection highlights Thuringia’s diverse architectural verticality, featuring historic watchtowers, industrial heritage, and scenic lookouts. The list includes medieval remnants like Erfurt's Paulsturm and the Barkhäuser Turm, industrial landmarks such as Treffurt's historical water tower, and Cold War relics like the DDR border observation tower. For panoramic views, the selection features the 26.5-meter Thüringer Warte and the Hugo Hartung-designed Alteburgturm, alongside platforms within the Hainich National Park and the Thuringian Forest.

Thüringer Warte

A 26.5-meter-high observation tower situated atop a 678-meter peak, providing expansive views across the regional landscape.

Historischer Wasserturm

An industrial structure located at the site of the former Treffurt railway station in the Wartburg district.

Alteburgturm

Located on the Alteburg hill near Arnstadt, this tower was built according to the designs of Berlin architect Hugo Hartung.

Hainich-Blick

An observation tower located near Hütscheroda within the Hainich National Park, offering views over the protected forest landscape.

Barkhäuser Turm

A historic round watchtower located between Udestedt and Stotternheim, originally serving as a defensive lookout point.

Carl-Alexander-Turm

Situated on the 638.9-meter Ringberg near Ruhla, this tower serves as a prominent viewpoint in the Thuringian Forest.

Paulsturm

The sole surviving tower of the former Paulskirche, located in the historic old town of Erfurt.

Historischer DDR-Grenz-Beobachtungsturm

A preserved Cold War-era observation tower formerly used by East German guards to monitor the inner-German border.