Reaching heights: Our observation tower tips in Germany

Reaching heights: Our observation tower tips in Germany

From where can a city be better overviewed than from an observation tower? Both historical city towers and modern television and office towers with sky bars and rooftop terraces offer a very special way of sightseeing. On our observation tower tour, you will find the best insider tips for beautiful views and romantic sunsets throughout Germany.

Alpine Views & History at the Perlachturm in Augsburg

A journey through time through the history of Augsburg with breathtaking views of the Alps

Located centrally on the Augsburg market square, the historic Perlachturm in Augsburg exudes Mediterranean flair due to its Campanile-style architecture. The tower was built in 989 as a watch tower and underwent numerous redesigns over the centuries. Today, it serves as an observation platform. When the warm Föhn wind blows, a yellow flag is hoisted – a sign that you can see as far as the Alps from 70 meters high. Around Michaelmas Day on September 29th, there is always a special event at the Augsburg Perlachturm: every hour, the so-called “Turamichele” (“Tower-Michael”) appears in the lower window. The historical puppet play, which is popular with children, is framed by a big festival on the town hall square.

Germany's tallest structure: The Berlin TV Tower

Experience the breathtaking view from the Berlin TV Tower!

If you’re planning a visit to the German capital, don’t miss out on the Berlin TV Tower. One special feature of the Berlin TV Tower is its height: at 368 meters, it is the tallest tower in Germany. Located centrally at Alexanderplatz, this city landmark offers an unparalleled 360-degree view of the impressive Berlin skyline from its observation deck. In just 40 seconds, you’ll reach the Sphere revolving restaurant and Bar 203 at a height of 203 meters. These venues are open until 23:00 in summer and 22:00 in winter, making them the perfect spots to admire the sunset over the capital city.

Prominent Landmark: Rheinturm Düsseldorf

An impressive view and a spectacular clock

He is a integral part of the Düsseldorf Rhine panorama: the Rhine Tower (Rheinturm). Located right next to the North Rhine-Westphalia Parliament and the Westdeutscher Rundfunk building, the 240-meter high observation tower offers a great view of the Media Harbor, the Old Town, the Court Garden (Hofgarten), and the famous Kings Avenue (Königsallee). Below the viewing platform, you can recharge at a self-service restaurant. It’s worth staying seated here: Once an hour, the restaurant rotates around its own axis. A special eye-catcher of the Düsseldorf TV Tower are the illuminated portholes: 39 out of the total 62 portholes together form the world’s largest decimal clock.

Big city feeling on the Maintower in Frankfurt am Main

Frankfurt's tallest building with breathtaking views and unique attractions

Who doesn’t know it – the imposing skyscraper in the center of the Frankfurt Banking District? The Maintower is a high-rise building owned by Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen (Helaba) and an absolute tourist attraction. Whether from the Maintower observation deck on the 56th floor or from the restaurant on the 23rd floor, the view of the impressive skyline of Mainhattan is simply breathtaking. As the tallest building in Frankfurt, the Maintower also houses the art collection of Helaba and Europe’s highest fitness club on the 53rd and 54th floors.

The Galeria Kaufhof rooftop terrace in Frankfurt am Main

Insider tip: Hidden beauty above the Zeil

Although not quite as well-known, the view of the Frankfurt skyline from the Frankfurt Galeria Kaufhof rooftop terrace is no less spectacular. The building is located on the popular Zeil shopping street near the banking district. On the rooftop terrace on the 7th floor, you can enjoy the view over the roofs of the Main metropolis in comfortable chairs free of charge. With the restaurant on site, it’s wonderful to linger a bit longer.

A different kind of observation tower: Skylinebar 20up Hamburg

Enjoy Hamburg's harbor with a cocktail

A very special place for a sunset over the Hamburg harbor is the Skylinebar 20up. In a stylish atmosphere, you can enjoy a cocktail while taking in the unique view of the Harbour Quarter and the Elbe River through the 7-meter high panoramic windows. The bar, with its 20-meter long counter, is located at a height of 90 meters and belongs to the Riverside Hotel. Night owls are also welcome here – the Skylinebar 20up is open until 1:00 am.

Cologne Triangle - Office Tower with a View

Offices, observation platform, and event venue in one

For almost 20 years, Cologne has had a new attraction: the Cologne Triangle (Köln Triangle). Although the observation tower in Cologne-Deutz primarily serves as an office building, on the 29th floor, at approximately 100 meters high, you will find a spectacular rooftop terrace. The 400-square-meter observation platform offers a fantastic view of the cathedral city. From the Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge to the left bank of the Rhine and the Old Town, as well as the Great St. Martin Church and the Museum Ludwig. On clear days, you can even see as far as Düsseldorf, the Siebengebirge, and the Bergisches Land. In the event spaces of KölnSKY on the 27th and 28th floors, civil weddings can also be held. It’s a great location for the most special day of the year.

Romantic sunset from the Friedrichshafen Pier Tower

Experience the breathtaking view of Lake Constance

During a trip to Lake Constance, a visit to the Zeppelin city of Friedrichshafen is a must. One absolute must-see is the lookout tower Friedrichshafen located on the harbor pier. From this 22-meter-high observation tower, you’ll have a beautiful view of Lake Constance and Friedrichshafen. You can also admire the orchards in the hinterland and the panoramic view of the Alps. The ascent of 117 steps is especially worthwhile in the evening. The sunset over Lake Constance is a truly special experience.

Lake Constance Part Two: The New Lindau Lighthouse

The southernmost observation tower in Germany

One more viewpoint nearby is the New Lindau Lighthouse. The southernmost observation tower in Germany is beautifully situated at the entrance of the harbor in Lindau. From a height of 35 meters, it offers a fantastic view of the old town as well as Lake Constance and the Alps behind it. As the only lighthouse in Bavaria, it is one of the few that have a clock with two dials on its facade. What makes it special is that one dial faces the town and the other faces the lake, providing time orientation for the passenger ships.

Pure postcard panorama: Old Peter Munich

Experience Munich from above

If you’re good at walking and not afraid of heights, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Munich here – from the tower of the church of St. Peter Munich. A total of 300 steps lead you to the 56-meter-high tower. From here, you have a unique view of Mary’s Square (Marienplatz), the City Hall, and the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche). On clear days, even the Alps can be seen. In the tower of Munich’s oldest parish church, there was once the room of the tower watchman. Until the year 1901, he sounded the alarm whenever he spotted a fire in the city.

Tourist Attraction Television Tower Stuttgart

A popular excursion destination in Stuttgart

The television program is no longer broadcast from here. However, the Stuttgart TV Tower is not only a great tourist attraction but also a popular destination for locals. The 217-meter-high landmark of the state capital was the world’s first TV tower made of reinforced concrete. Both the observation deck and the restaurant are highly popular among visitors. On clear days, the fantastic view from the basket of the TV tower extends all the way to the Swabian Alb.

Above the treetops of the National Park: Hainich Treetop Path

Beautiful views and exciting forest experiences for the whole family.

There is no observation tower here. However, the Hainich Treetop Path in the Thuringian Forest offers an observation platform at a height of 44 meters. From here, you can look out over the treetops of the National Park’s forests. The path leads through the treetops for a total of over 530 meters. During a guided tour, you will learn fascinating facts about the ecosystem of the forest. Perfect for families: Near the treetop path, you will find a serviced log cabin and an adventure playground.

How did you like our 12 observation tower tips in Germany?

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