The Bismarck Tower in Göttingen Tower description This 31.50 m high observation tower without fire bowl was designed as a hexagonal, four-storey main tower (height 21.24 m) with an attached, 10 m higher round stair tower (Luginsland). The hexagonal main building and the round tower of the Wilhelminian quarry stone building with ashlar elements each have a crenellated viewing platform. The viewing platforms can be climbed via a stone spiral staircase with a total of 171 steps in the round tower. Another 8 steps lead down to the basement of the tower. A large portal in the three-storey main building leads to the large entrance hall. From here, a door leads into the round tower. After 36 steps and four steps you reach the room on the 1st floor, after another 32 steps and four steps you reach the Bismarck Memorial Hall on the 2nd floor. The ceiling of the hall received a carved wooden paneling. The walls of the hall were covered with oak panelling up to a height of 1.50 m. In the middle of the hall, a bronze bust of Bismarck, made by H. Magnussen, was placed on a marble pedestal. The stained glass of the four 0.80 m x 3.00 m windows of the hall was decorated with the coats of arms of the German Empire, Prince Bismarck, the Province of Hanover and the city of Göttingen. After another 51 steps and six landings, you reach the exit to the lower crenellated viewing platform with a 1.10 m high parapet and five striking, 1.90 m round towers at each corner. A further 52 stone steps and six steps lead to the upper round platform with a diameter of 4.00 m. The (today's) round, 1.20 m high metal exit construction has a diameter of 2.30 m. The width of the walkway is 0.85 m. The height of the stone parapet is 1.10 m. Tower history 1896-1904 The ceremonial inauguration of the tower took place after completion of the Memorial Hall on 18 June 1896 (Memorial Day of the Battle of Waterloo), at the same time as the inauguration of the large Kaiser Wilhelm monument at Kyffhäuser. In his inauguration speech, Dr. Eckels emphasized that without Otto von Bismarck there would be no German Empire, no German emperors and no national celebration at Kyffhäuser. The ceremonial speech was given by Counsellor Dr. Eckels, and telegrams were sent to Prince Bismarck and the Emperor. The celebration was followed by a garden party in the city park. Subsequently, the building was used as an observation tower. The Bismarck Tower Association dissolved at a general meeting on 30 March 1898 and handed over the building to the city of Göttingen. The association also decided that the tower should be illuminated in Bengali every year "for eternity" in the evening hours on April 01st (Bismarck's birthday). In addition, 21 cannon shots are to be fired at the foot of the tower in honor of Bismarck on these evenings. The magistrate confirmed this application on 30.04.1898. On 01.04.1899 the building was lit with red Bengali light. The annual illumination is said to have taken place until 1915. In 1904, the number of visitors was 70 people a day. 1905-1933 The entrance fee in 1921 was 10 pfennigs per visitor. In the 1920s, the tower head of the round tower was damaged by lightning. The planned resumption of the annual illumination of the tower on 01.04. in 1933 did not take place for unknown reasons. 1934-1985 After the Second World War, the tower was plundered, the bust of Bismarck was stolen, part of the dedication plaques and all the panes were destroyed. The Göttingen Beautification Association (G.V.V.) took care of the tower in 1952 and renovated it until June 12, 1953. The original bust of Bismarck was replaced by another bronze bust of Bismarck. In 1985, the Bismarck Tower was renovated again. 1986 to present In April 2014, the building was very well preserved inside and out. The dedication plaques of the Ring donors in the Bismarck Hall are still present. On average, more than 6,000 visitors visit the Bismarck Tower in Göttingen every year. Opening hours (as of 2023) April to the end of October Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 10.00 a.m. to 18.00 p.m. Entrance fees adults: 2 €, children 1 € Special openings for groups of 10 or more people at the Fachdienst Stadtwald 0551/21022

• published: 26 May 2023
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