Friedrichsturm · Stadtwiki Baden-Baden

The Friedrichsturm is a 30-metre observation tower on the Badener Höhe, the highest point within Baden-Baden’s municipal boundaries. Built of red sandstone, the listed monument is visible from far around and opens up a wide view across the northern Black Forest.

The [Friedrichsturm](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/friedrichsturm/) on the [Badener Höhe](/en/natur-und-freizeit/badener-hoehe/).

The [Friedrichsturm](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/friedrichsturm/) and the [Badener-Höhe-Hütte](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/badener-hoehe-huette/) shelter on the [Badener Höhe](/en/natur-und-freizeit/badener-hoehe/).

Detail of the entrance door to the [Friedrichsturm](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/friedrichsturm/) on the [Badener Höhe](/en/natur-und-freizeit/badener-hoehe/).

Entrance to the [Friedrichsturm](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/friedrichsturm/) on the [Badener Höhe](/en/natur-und-freizeit/badener-hoehe/).

Ornate stonework above the door of the [Friedrichsturm](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/friedrichsturm/) on the [Badener Höhe](/en/natur-und-freizeit/badener-hoehe/).

Information sign at the [Friedrichsturm](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/friedrichsturm/) on the [Badener Höhe](/en/natur-und-freizeit/badener-hoehe/):

The architect's name, chiselled into the façade of the [Friedrichsturm](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/friedrichsturm/) on the [Badener Höhe](/en/natur-und-freizeit/badener-hoehe/):

The view from the [Friedrichsturm](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/friedrichsturm/) – the [Merkur](/en/natur-und-freizeit/merkur/) rising out of a sea of cloud

The [Badener-Höhe-Hütte](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/badener-hoehe-huette/) seen from the [Friedrichsturm](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/friedrichsturm/) above it on the [Badener Höhe](/en/natur-und-freizeit/badener-hoehe/).

A group of hikers seen from the [Friedrichsturm](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/friedrichsturm/).

The Hornisgrinde with its transmission tower and wind turbine, shot against the light from the [Friedrichsturm](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/friedrichsturm/)

Wind turbines in the Black Forest, photographed from the [Friedrichsturm](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/friedrichsturm/) on the [Badener Höhe](/en/natur-und-freizeit/badener-hoehe/)

History

Grand Duke Friedrich of Baden laid the foundation stone on 9 June 1890. Anton Klein built the tower, and Grand Duke Friedrich I of Baden inaugurated it on 5 October 1891. The Baden-Baden section of the Schwarzwaldverein (Black Forest Association), founded in 1884, took on the tower as one of its first projects. In 2002, safety defects forced the tower to close. A donation campaign funded the necessary restoration work, which went ahead quickly, and the tower reopened on 19 June 2003.

Architecture and view

The tower is built of red sandstone and stands 30 metres tall. A spiral staircase climbs 35 steps to the lower viewing platform, which sits about 6.5 metres up, just above the sloping buttresses. Another 133 steps lead to the upper platform, where a lockable metal housing shelters the stairway exit. From here the view sweeps across the northern Black Forest, breathtaking in its reach — as far as the Vosges on a clear day and, when the air is exceptionally clear, even to the Swiss Alps.

Visiting the tower

The Friedrichsturm is a popular destination for a day out. It is open to the public and offers an excellent view of the Black Forest and the surrounding regions. In 1974, the Schwarzwaldverein added a shelter hut beside the tower, where hikers can rest and take cover. Two circular trails lead to the tower: the Badener Höhe Rundweg and the Vorfeld Rundweg.

Sources

Article Friedrichsturm auf der Badner Höhe verbindet die Generationen in the Acher-und-Bühler-Bote, 9 September 2003