Will Upper Bavaria ever cease to amaze us? No, I don’t think so given it’s filled with towns like Altomünster (and its 48 (!) villages) with modern day conveniences and its historical sites.

It wasn’t always a modern town though with guided tours and electric bicycles to rent (only about 5 Euro for the whole day).

No, Altomünster was once the site of a Benedictine Monastery (it was founded in 750), that changed to a Bridgettine Order a few centuries later. To understand more about this strict monastic order, I would suggest visiting the Bridgettine Order Museum.

The monastery might be gone (since 1803), but the church dedicated to St. Alto and St. Bridget is still here.

Another museum I wouldn’t miss seeing is Altomünster’s Museum of Modern Art. Or, it’s Local History Museum (a.k.a. Heimatmuseum) for that matter.

The most important museum in town is the Brauereimuseum or Brewery Museum, which details the history of the Brauereigasthof Kapplerbräu. The brewery has been here since the 1560s, but the building itself didn’t come along until the late 17th century, built in the Baroque style of the time.

Yeah, beer, great — but this is Bavaria so you’ll really want to be outside. That electric bike is a really good idea, and there are a number of bike trails (one is 14km long, so you don’t have to go too far) that’ll lead you off into the countryside.

Of course there are hiking trails if you’d just rather walk yourself around. Don’t worry, no one will judge if you can’t ride a bike, it’ll be our secret. ;-)

Altomünster might be famous for its former abbey, but it’s also known for its Baroque Market Festival in Early October.

Hey, it’s good that the Baroque period get the respect it deserves. Everyone always wants Medieval Markets and Festivals.

Does this sound like a place for you? I sure hope it does, and the best part is its easy enough to get to from Ingolstadt, Augsburg, and Munich.

And I sure hope Upper Bavaria never ceases to amaze you, but with places like Altomünster I don’t think that’ll happen.

Only 25 kilometers to the south of Hamburg is the Low German speaking town of Jesteburg.

As with many German towns, the love of art and culture is quite evident amongst the thatched roofed cottages in the north of Germany.

One such place (the art, not the cottage) is the Kunstätte Bossard, built by Johann Michael and Jutta Bossard. They spent their lives decorating three hectares (that’s 30,000 square meters) with architecture, art, and sculpture.

The Kunsthaus is also where you’ll find more art for the weary soul.

Sorry, didn’t mean to get all philosophical on you. ;-)

The Art Museum isn’t the only museum in town. I was pleasantly surprised to find this small town of around 7,500 people had a number of museums. Speaking of…

The Doll Museum is charming in itself, and there is a Film Museum in town too.

The Local History Museum does a fine job detailing some of the region’s history.

But, to see history up close and personal, might I suggest stopping at the Hünengrab, a graveyard from around 2,500 B.C.

Go from the historical to the romantic, which is exactly what Jesteburg’s historical water mill from 1865 is. It’s called Wassermühle Lüllau, a Cultural Heritage, and part of the Lower Saxon Mills Route for good reasons: The accompanying Brookhoff farm offers a beer garden; a number of festivals, concerts, events, and flea markets throughout the year; it even attracts radio and TV stations. And in their farm shop you get a chance to buy fresh local produce.

All right, we’re done with all the artsy and historical stuff, it’s time to become one with nature.

Jesteburg lies right along the Lüneburg Heath, perfect for a day of hiking or biking. How about camping out for a night in the Heath?

No? OK, just follow the Märchenwanderweg (Fairytale Trail) for a while and come right back to town to sleep.

Sound better?

Good, ’cause you don’t want to miss out on the Village Festival every year at the end of August. As big as the Village Fest is, it’s nothing compared to Jesteburg’s Art Week in early September. For an entire week, thousands of artists flock to town to show off their talents.

An artsy good time, I would say. Which I think you’ll have even if you don’t make it for Art Week. The Brookhoff is just awesome and… yummy!

How many of us are distracted by… Oh, look, shiny artwork! Yeah, you get my point? There’s something special about a beautifully blown piece of glass, isn’t there?

I know I love all things crystal. So, if you’re like me, then the Glass Route, or Glasstrasse in German, is the perfect scenic route for you.

The Glass Route is a 250km/155mi long route through Lower Bavaria, the Upper Palatinate, and the Bavarian Forest showcasing the Bavarian and Bohemian glass craftsmanship tradition.

The Start Of The Glass Route

The route starts and ends in Passau and kinda zig-zags its way along the border of the Czech Republic (who are also known for their crystal).

Three rivers come together in Passau, and it’s where you’ll find a Local History Museum, a stunning Baroque Cathedral, and the Passau Glass Museum.

As hard as it is to leave Passau, you’ve got a bunch of other pretty towns & villages to see. But, as I warned you, the Glass Route is made up of a number of circular routes, and you may decide to just go from south to north. And that’s exactly what I’m gonna do… go from south to north, and you pick what interests you most.

Vilshofen is big in glass making and even has a Fachhochschule (University for Applied Science) for glass technology.

Saldenburg has a forest landscape, a mansion that’s now used as a youth hostel (save money anyone?), a pilgrimage church, and cross country skiing trails.

Not only was glass big in the next town of Waldkirchen, so was salt & gold. The Gold Trail Museum is worth a stop too.

Jandelsbrunn is your next town that was once under Austrian rule. It has fishing, 55 hiking trails, an 18-hole golf course, and a lake with water so pure you can drink it!

Grainet, a glass producing town since the 15th century, also has 120km of hiking trails (including themed walking paths), horseback riding, swimming ponds, and carriage rides. How romantic!

Your next stop is the village of Philippsreut, located between the Bavarian & Bohemian Forests. After taking a glass factory tour, why not get out and enjoy the Bavarian air on any one of the cycling and walking paths?

Then in Sankt Oswald-Riedlhütte you MUST see the Riedlhütte, one of the oldest glassworks in the Bavarian Forest. They’ve been making glass here since the year 1450! Kloster St. Oswald is also one of the town’s highlights.

Hohenau is a town with not only a glass factory but a brewery, too. Come see glass in a whole new light — filled with a good Bavarian beer ;-)

The glass loving town of Grafenau (Lower Bavaria) trumps with the world’s biggest snuff glass weighting more than 30kg!

You’ll like Spiegelau andh its old churches, artist studios, and Lead Crystal Works.

Zwiesel, oh Zwiesel… you are a glass & crystal lovers dream! Glassworks, stained glass, cathedral glass — Zwiesel has it all & more! Come see the student’s artwork on display at the Trade School; and the glass pyramid in the center of town is totally amazing.

Make a quick sidetrip before you continue on towards the north and pay a visit to Regen and its awarded Gläserner Wald (Glass Forest) with a growing collection of glass sculptures. You may also like to stroll through the Museum Fressendes Haus next to it. Be careful though… this museum translates to Eating House! ;-)

Back by the border is Bayerisch Eisenstein, a town of just over a thousand, is filled with all sorts of glass artisans & a glass factory. And Lohberg with its Glashütte Alte Kirche, a lovely church displaying glassworks since 1540.

Lam, too, has been making glass for over seven centuries. Like the stained glass at the Pilgrimage Church Maria Hilf and the town’s fairytale castle.

Drachselsried might be a newcomer to the art of glass making. But, you’ll find quite a few local artists that realize quality is better than quantity.

No major glass production goes on in Arnbruck. But, don’t skip out before you’ve seen the St. Bartholomäus Church and the Lady Chapel.

In Viechtach, you’ve got a quartz protected nature area, a Nostalgia Museum — remember the good old days ;-) — a Crystal Museum, and the awarded Gläsernen Scheune (Glassy Barn). More shiny things!

The next town, or village rather, of Sankt Englmar, is where glass had been produced since the 18th century. While you’re here, you might as well enjoy the summer art exhibits and the winter skiing & tobogganing.

Prackenbach is more of an outdoorsy town. Besides the glass paintings in its Parish Church St. Georg, it has over 100km of walking, cycling, and hiking trails; and boating trips, a bird park, miniature golf, and a sauna. Ahhh, I feel refreshed already!

Hiking’s big over in Arrach with over 99km of hiking trails. Not as big as glass production and glassblowing which has been done here for over 700 years.

Within the Bohemian Forest, there has been three generations of glass makers in Winklarn. But, that’s nowhere near as long as in the town of Waldmünchen, where it’s been going on since the 13th century. Although, most of the glass & crystal production on this German/Czech border town was relocated to Neustadt (we’ll get to that one shortly).

Almost done!

We’re about to get to the last circular part of the Glass Route, which starts in Oberviechtach, a village with lots of local glass artists. It was also big on stained glass production — and now has a Culture Heritage Museum to visit.

Over in Schönsee you’ve got nature trails and a glass fountain right outside the Rathaus. It’ll be hard not to go see the works of art on the inside, too.

Plößberg is knee-deep in glass business with its Porcelain & Glass Museum that shows you tried & true crafting techniques. Afterwards, you’ve got Wildenau Castle and ruins of Burg Liebenstein to see.

Tirschenreuth is more known as a porcelain town. But, when you’ve got museums, natural rock formations, a Stadtmauer, and a Gothic church, I’m not gonna split hairs.

You’ll more than make up for it in Waldsassen, where glass has been in production since 1884. That’s a mere drip in time compared to some of the other towns — but, its 12th century Cistercian Abbey is lovely.

Mitterteich‘s glass factory produces about 55-thousand tons of glass a year. That’s all fine & dandy, but I personally like the glass sculpture at the Station Square’s water fountain instead, while vying over egg fights with my fellows.

Glassblowing has been going on in Neustadt an der Waldnaab for centuries. You’ve got two glassworks to see, a Baroque palace, a City Museum, a parish church, AND a gorgeous cobalt blue glass sculpture standing 6 meters high at the New Town Hall.

Weiden, our last stop (for today anyway), is a 750 year old town and glass production has been going on for most of them. The New Town Hall is full of glass objects d’art and the Old Town Hall has wonderful stained glass mosaics. Need I say more? OK, Weiden also has a great pedestrian zone for shopping and eating!

We’re done with the Glass Route — phew! Can you believe it?

That was a wholatta glass & stuff to see and touch. I hope you enjoyed the Glasstrasse as much as I did (and still do).

Glass Route Web Site

Here’s the official Web site of the Glass Route.

Let’s face it, we’re all kids at heart. No matter what birth date is stamped on your passport, you’ll feel like a young’un when you decide to follow the Deutsche Spielzeugstrasse, the German Toy Road.

Now, this 300km (186mi) route kind of zings around Thuringia and Upper & Middle Franconia in Bavaria. But, hey, who cares if you back track a wee bit — this is Germany! It’ll give you a chance to just see more of the countryside anyway (like that’s a bad thing?).

Of course this route does have some of the more mature “adult” sites (NO, I don’t mean ADULT sites ;-) — but, it has plenty to keep the younger ones (and those of us who never grew up) happy and entertained!

The Start Of The German Toy Road

The German Toy Road starts in the Thuringian city of Erfurt. With everything to see in Erfurt, the “toy” theme might get a little blurred. Standing in front of a monastery church and a bazillion timber framed houses, you’d think you were on a “historical” themed route instead (especially since this is where Martin Luther went to college).

However, Erfurt boasts both an aquarium AND a zoo! I know, I know, what’s this got to do with toys? Nothing really, it’s just that toys & kids kinda go hand-in-hand — so it’s nice to do an honorable mention.

It’ll be an even bigger effort to leave Erfurt (sounds funny, yes?) especially on the 2nd weekend of June during the Krämerbrückenfest when thousands (and thousands) of folks come to party — which involves lots of music and food.

Oh, good — you’ve managed to leave Erfurt and now you’re on your way to Waltershausen; and its 17 (!) German doll factories. And every doll should have a doll house. Maybe you can model one after Waltershausen’s 12th century Schloss Tenneberg. Every little girl wants to live in a castle — even if you can’t, there’s no reason why your dolls shouldn’t.

A stone’s throw from Waltershausen is the Kneipp health resort town of Tabarz. After hiking the Märchenwiese (Fairytale Meadow) your kids will want to splash in the TABBS Wellness & Spa-Ressort. Oh, and be here when the Märchenfest, the Fairytale Festival, takes place. Plus, Heinrich Hoffmann, author of the Struwwelpeter fame, used to housed here.

Just about 20km from Tabarz is the town of Ohrdruf, the old stomping grounds of Johann Sebastian Bach. Better yet, the Kewpie Doll was invented here in 1913. All kids love their dolls — boys just call theirs “action figures.” ;-)

If you liked Ohrdruf, you’ll LOVE Arnstadt — another one of Bach’s towns (he played at the Church of Our Lady) and known as the Puppenstadt or Puppet City. Arnstadt’s Old Town district is a pedestrian only zone, so walking around is a pleasure. No worries about the little ones running of into traffic! A great stop along the German Toy Road is the Palace Museum with its magnificent collection of Baroque period dolls.

Your next town along the German Toy Road takes you from Bach to Goethe, who used to live in Ilmenau. I know, kids don’t care — but, mommies & daddies do. The Rathaus (Town Hall) on the Marktplatz is simply charming. But when the little ones have had their fill of “grown up” stuff, take ’em to the DDR Toy Museum filled with all sorts of toys & trains from the East German period.

Oberweißbach is next on the route and where you’ll find Thuringia’s largest church with Europe’s biggest pulpit (it holds up to 2000 people!). Whether you spend 5 hours or 50 hours here, don’t miss out on having a look out over the countryside and a nosh at the Fröbelturm (both an observation deck & restaurant).

But, what’s that got to do with the German Toy Route, you ask? It’s because of people like Friedrich Fröbel, founder of the “Nursery School” as we know it. Starting an educational revolution wasn’t all that Herr Fröbel was known for; he also designed toys, too!

OK, the Deutsche Spielzeugstrasse splits here just a bit as it’s got two sideways. You can head towards Lauscha to see the town’s huge collection of Christmas toys and decorations (hey, what’s Christmas without TOYS?). The best part? It’s Christmas all-year round with all sorts of glass and decorations that can be purchased anytime the mood strikes you.

Then in Steinach there’s the Museum Steinacher Spielzeugschachtel with historical toys and toy boxes. The town is also known for its toy manufacturer, Marolin.

Or, you can travel towards Sachsenbrunn and visit the only Marble Museum in Germany. No, I don’t mean marble as in the stuff to make statues — I mean marble, as in the little round pebble things kids play with (and hopefully don’t get stuck up their nose — sorry, Mom! ;-)

Either choice you meet up again at Schalkau and the Deutsches Gold-Museum or German Gold Museum (Theuern district). Also pay a visit to the Puppet Museum in the Schildkröt manufactory in Effelder-Rauenstein and the Porzellankabinett (China Cabinet) in Schloss Rauenstein.

Sonneberg, our next stop on the German Toy Road, is where the Toy Museum is dedicated to 19th/20th century dolls, rocking horses, and teddy bears. Everyone in the family will just love the Marine Aquarium afterwards!

If you skipped the Lauscha part of the route, you can still catch up on some awesome Christmas toys at the Christmas Museum in Neustadt bei Coburg — along with visiting a real live doll & teddy bear doctor.

Notice, too, that you’re now in Upper Franconia, Bavaria.

It’s not Christmas, but bumblebees that take center stage in the town of Rödental. There are lots of little bumblebee figurines (along with all sorts of other things) at the Porcelain Museum.

Make sure you get a few pics of the huge bus that greets you as you arrive. Visitors from all over also stop at Schloss Rosenau (Queen Victoria was fan!) for its walking trails and musical concerts.

Coburg is where the German Toy Road meets up with Martin Luther again. Luther came through Coburg not for toys, but to find sanctuary in the town’s fortress. Luther was here when the half timbered building that houses the Doll Museum was built (15th century) but the dolls weren’t — they didn’t come along until the 19th century.

You’ll find Luther’s influence again in your next town, Weitramsdorf and its village of Tambach, when the Deutsche Spielzeugstrasse meets up with the Martin Luther Trail. Not known so much for toys as it is for its natural beauty, Tambach is the perfect place to hike alongside waterfalls. Oh yeah, and the kiddies will want to pay a visit to the Jagd- und Fischereimuseum (Hunting and Fishing Museum) in Schloss Tambach.

If you think that’s nice — wait ’til you and your kiddies get a look at the Jagd- und Fischereimuseum (Hunting & Fishing Museum) with a totally awesome bat exhibit! Then a trek around Castle Tambach is in order — and not for reason you might think, either. Castle Tambach is now a Wildlife Park that’ll the whole family is able to enjoy!

It’s back to Bavarian dolls & doctors when you arrive in Michelau in Oberfranken! Here you can take a doll making class, pick up a dolly pram (stroller), and visit yet another teddy bear doctor. Afterwards some fun swimming and camping at the Rudufersee (a beautiful lake) is always a good idea.

I know this is SUPPOSED to be a toy route, but the town of Hirschaid is a beer town (making lots of mommies & daddies happy)! There’s nothing like sitting at a Bavarian beer garden after a day at the Museum Alte Schule (the local history museum), the Rural History Museum, and an 18th century manor house — known as Schloss Sassanfahrt.

The kids will have fun again in Muggendorf (part of Wiesenttal) and one of its attractions, the Modellbahnmuseum (Model Railroad Museum).

Over in Gößweinstein you’ll have the Franconian Toy Museum (Fränkisches Spielzeugmuseum) to see, with three floors of dolls, trains, and everything in between. There’s also a gorgeous 11th century castle, a natural history museum, AND a fabulous 18th century Pilgrimage Church that’s now a basilica thanks to Pope Pius XII in 1948.

More beer gardens are found in Eisenheim, a town of barely 1500 people. Although you might decide to not go there as it’s a bit far off the German Toy Road, you’d enjoy (lots) of wine tasting, after visiting the Toy Museum. It’s closed on Tuesdays, so make that your special beer & wine drinking day!

Give yourself time to recover before you reach Zirndorf, which has plenty of rides at the Playmobil Fun Park. For those of you that get a bit of motion sickness, the Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum) might be a bit more your speed.

Nuremberg is next — and it’s amazing how much history can be packed into one place! Not only is Nuremberg home to one of the world’s largest toy fairs, its Christmas Market welcomes over 1 million visitors a year; and there are lots of doll/teddy markets, the Nuremberg Castle, the old Nazi Rally Grounds (with visitors center), and one of the most beautiful churches you will ever see — St. Lorenz’s Church.

Did I mention this is only the tip of the iceberg of what to see in Nuremberg?

Ah, who cares about history when you’re on the German Toy Road? Yeah, that’s what I thought, too. Nuremberg has not only a Toy Museum, but the National Germanic Museum has a collection of toys as well.

As much as anyone would love to just spend the rest of their time (and life) in Nuremberg, you’re not quite done yet.

Dietenhofen is another town not really known for dolls; more for the countless bicycle and walking trails throughout its 28 villages. After a visit to the Local History Museum — you have to see its St. Andreas Church, built in 1000 A.D. Then give your children a few hours to savor the 47 square meters (and counting!) of Germany’s largest N scale Model Railroad. Your kiddies will fall in love with it. You’ll find it in the Minuatur Erlebniswelt in Langenzenner Strasse 10.

Once you arrive in Schwabach, you’ve completed the German Toy Road. Phew! Well, only after you’ve visited Schwabach’s Marktplatz (Market Square), its former synagogue, a puppet stage performance, and its City Museum with a special collection of toys!

Can you believe you’ve gone 300km (186mi) already? I know I can’t! Time sure does fly when you’re having fun; and who doesn’t have fun when playing with toys?

German Toy Road Web Site

Here’s the Web site of the German Toy Road.

It’d be a good guess that a German’s obsession with time (how many of you have heard jokes about us Germans always being on-time or trains actually leaving when they’re supposed to) started in the clock and watch making region of Baden-Württemberg.

So, in honor of the clock, particularly German Cuckoo Clocks — welcome to the German Clock Route; or as we call it in Germany, the Deutsche Uhrenstrasse. And who can think of a more beautiful place to follow a scenic route in Germany than through the Black Forest.

Mind you, this route is not done in a day. So prepare properly and plan at least three, preferably five days to really get the most out of this historical and enlightening tour of and through our German clock making tradition.

A Starting Point Of The German Clock Route

The German Clock Route is a circular route, so any town along the way is a proper starting point.

Let me start it off in Waldkirch with its Altstadt (Old Town), the ruins of the Kastelburg, and the Elztalmuseum with exhibits on everything from musical instruments to 18th/19th century watches made by the Ignal Brothers.

In addition to making the famous Black Forest Clocks, the village of Simonswald is known for its four mills, folklore evenings, and jewelry making.

It’s a quiet place in the village of Gütenbach with its 1,200 residents, and where you’re greeted by the Village Museum’s Clock Tower. I know its off-topic, but the model railway exhibit is pretty nifty too.

It’s back to the clocks when you arrive in Furtwangen with its gigantic collection of Black Forest Clocks at the German Watch Museum (Deutsches Uhrenmuseum). Go there first because if you climb Furtwangen’s observation tower you won’t be thinking about clocks anymore, I assure you.

Do you think, perhaps, the folks who make the cuckoo clocks in Schönwald were inspired by the nature reserve area? Just a thought… ;-)

Speaking of cuckoo clocks, two of the world’s largest are found in neighboring Schonach. I think you can hear them clear right to the Blindensee (Blinds’ Lake). Ha-ha!

After a good swim, it’s time to go to Triberg. Besides its Baroque Church and famous waterfalls, it has a watch factory and the Schwarzwald Museum (some exhibits include delicately made music boxes, but also clocks). Yeah I know… the only reason you’re actually visiting Triberg is to snap photos and videos of the biggest cuckoo clock in the world (according to the Guiness Book of World Records)!

Isn’t that what you’re here to see?

More cuckoo clocks are found in Hornberg, but make sure you see the Clock Tower and City Museum. Oh, and a performance at Horberg’s Outdoor Theater is a grand idea.

Welcome to Lauterbach (Schwarzwald), the grandfather of the Deutsche Uhrenstrasse. I mean, grandfather of clocks… which you can see on the weekends at the Rathaus. Save the trip to Lauterbach’s observation tower for a weekday.

I almost forgot about the clocks in Schramberg when I learned about the ruins of three castles and Roman Fort there. Good thing I had the Astronomical Clock to remind me.

If you’ve ever wondered how those big clock towers work, here’s your chance to learn. Just call ahead to the Catholic Church in Tennenbronn for the opportunity.

Another Rathaus that’s proud of its clocks is St. Georgen. The watchmakers workshop in the Heimatmuseum Schwarzes Tor is quite interesting, as well.

Two hundred years of clock making history can be seen in Königsfeld im Schwarzwald, a mere drip in time compared to the millennia old church or even the Waldau Ruins.

In Niedereschach the Romans that built the baths didn’t have clocks, but the more modern day Rathaus has a lovely clock tower. And there’s a Heritage Museum and a chapel to see, too.

Had it not been for the sundial at the Cathedral of Rottweil or the 18t century clock tower at its Town Hall, you might feel like you’re on some German history tour. Rottweil is the oldest town on the German Clock Route, nestled nicely between the Swabian Alb and the Black Forest. You’ll find a number of museums to visit here too.

Add one more museum to your list on the Deutsche Uhrenstrasse, the Watch History Museum in Deißlingen. You just better be a morning person, ’cause it’s only open 8am-11:45am Monday to Friday.

Two more museums will greet you in the musical town of Trossingen — the Electric Railway and Harmonica Museums. However, not only is it home to the huge harmonica and accordion producing Hohner company, but also to a large mail-order watch company that gives it its place on the German Clock Route.

Who can bear to be indoors when you’re in the Schwarzwald? Alternate between the nature area of Villingen-Schwenningen and its clock collection at the Franciscan Museum and the Local History/Watch Museum.

Vöhrenbach might be where you’ll see the Linach Dam and the Bruderkirche, but they’ve also been making clocks and watches for centuries in the Uhrmacherhäusle from 1725.

Less than a handful of towns left, anyone know the time?

Kidding. I’m only joking because Eisenbach has a World Clock — so I know what it is anywhere. The town’s also got a huge watch collection, so no excuse not to know.

Lenzkirch has got its share of clocks too due to the formerly world renown clocks manufactory, Lenzkircher Uhrenfabrik. This exhibit is all about the Grandfather types. They’re so classy looking, aren’t they?

The entire clock movement actually kicked off in the next town of Titisee-Neustadt, where the first one was made in 1644. Watchmaking history is seen as an exhibit at the Local History Museum (called Heimatmuseum).

St. Peter is the end of our journey, and where you’ll see one of the prettiest Baroque clocks from the 18th century; hanging right above the staircase at the local monastery church. There’s also a number of charming farmhouses here in St. Peter, but I know that’s got to be another scenic route altogether. ;-)

You may have heard of and/or seen the (former) bungee jumping platform atop the Dortmund TV Tower, the Florian Tower. Sadly, the platform was closed forever after an accident in 2003 and dismantled in 2008. Although you may still see it on old photos, it’s gone.

With that out of the way, let’s get down to business.

The Florian Tower, or Florianturm in German, sitting at a height of 208 (and a half) meters, was once the tallest building on the European continent. I know that’s been eclipsed by other towers and buildings that came along later, but that doesn’t mean we should take anything away from the Florian.

The Florian Tower (or simply called Florian) has two observation decks (one at 141 meters, the other at 144 meters) that overlook Germany’s eighth largest city, Dortmund. Try looking for the city’s medieval Marienkirche, 9th century Reinoldkirche, and its Stadtmauer; they’ve been here long before Florian was built in 1959. I mean 1958.

I guess I should say it this way… Construction commenced in May 1958, finally finishing in April 1959; designed by Werner Niemeyer at Westfalenpark; just in time for the 1959 Federal Garden Show. See, 1958 and 1959.

Despite having plenty of medieval and other historical and cultural sites, the Florian Tower is one of Dortmund’s largest attractions; it has tens of thousands of visitors come annually to pay it homage. But, what makes this steel and concrete tower so special?

Didn’t I already say that it has some of the most stunning views of Dortmund, along the Ruhr River? I can’t think of a better way to see this “Green” city.

Yes, I can. Grab yourself a DAB (Dortmunder Actien-Brauerei) beer (or as some friends call it Damn Attitude Beer, but that’s another story), take it to one of the observation decks; and have a toast to the view from Dortmund’s television tower. ;-)

I wish I was there to see how they fixed its antenna back in 2004 using a helicopter. I guess its 762 steps weren’t going to get the crew high enough, huh? Good thing its top portion is painted red and white, this way the crew of the chopper couldn’t miss it after a couple DABs. ;-)

The Florian Tower now broadcasts 24 digital TV channels (amongst others) at 50,000 Kilo Watts. Yeah, that’s a lot of firepower — I mean TV power — that transmits signal for CNN, EuroSport, ARD, ZDF, RTL, Sat1, ProSieben, and other German TV stations; as well as radio signals from its antennas.

What’s it take to support this kind of structure, not to mention the weight of the 250 people the observation decks can hold? That’s a lot of people & not exactly a place to be alone now, or is it? Its base goes eight meters down into the ground (with a 25 meter diameter base), which supports the 7,700 ton weight (660 tons are steel alone) of the reinforced concrete tube and basket.

In 2006 Florian was closed for repairs after some of its concrete plunged down to the street below. Don’t worry, it’s all fixed now and reopen for business as usual.

Yeah, thanks for reminding me of the business side of the tower. It’s owned by the German Radio Tower, which is a division of Deutsche Telecom. Hey, someone has to take responsibility for getting the signals out to all our televisions and radios. I’m handy and good with electronics, but I must have slept when discussing TV and radio transmission in school a few decades ago. ;-)

Well, Florian, your bungee jumping might be gone; but, I’m glad you’re still here and open to the public. The next time I grab a DAB, I’ll have a drink to you.

Florian Tower Location

Are you blind to read this far? OK OK, got it… it’s night and you just can’t see him… (or you want to write our beloved Florian a post card!)

Here’s the address of the Florian Tower:

Florianturm
Florianstrasse 2
44139 Dortmund
Phone: +49-231-5026100

I don’t know what’s more impressive, the view from the Rhine Tower, or the view of the Rhine Tower in Düsseldorf? This is no ordinary television tower, you see. It is also the largest digital clock in the world.

I’ll get to that in a minute.

Düsseldorf’s Rhine Tower was the creation of Harald Deilmann, its architect. It is his brilliant design that created this 22,500 ton concrete and steel tower, the tallest building in the city. So, you can’t say you didn’t see it, especially since it’s only a few minutes from Düsseldorf’s historic city center.

You’ll also find this landmark close to the 704 and 709 tram lines, as well as other public transportation (yes, you can take the bus here). It’s so beautifully lit up at night, it’s hard to miss then, too.

It took three years to build, with the beginning starting in 1979 on top of an already used location. After it was finally finished in 1982, everyone could enjoy the views of Düsseldorf from its observation tower at 166 meters above the bottom.

Rhine Tower, or Rheinturm as it’s called in German, has a revolving restaurant at the top of its basket, traveling around at once per hour. It spins with a rotation of once per hour for its 180 diners (maximum), and depending on the time of day in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction. Like it matters?

Making this 240 meter high tower was German engineering at its best. It has 1,100 tons of steel, using 7,500 cubic meters of concrete, and has little porthole windows throughout its long stem. Of course it’s much thinner in diameter than its base, which is some 27 meters.

Construction even took into account its close proximity to the River Rhine, so that the area wouldn’t be subject to flooding. Good thinking, Guys!

The Rhine Tower is a working tower, with 24 digital stations and microwave signals broadcasting from it to as far away as the Netherlands and the Eifel region of Germany. It also works as a radio relay (bouncing off less strong signals). Most of its working guts are below ground in its basement.

Safety is of the utmost importance at the Rhine Tower. Its two visitor elevators (moving at a mere 4 meters per second) and its two service elevators are used on a different electrical circuit, as well as having an advanced sprinkler system. Even its building materials (no, it’s not ALL concrete and steel) are virtually fireproof; right down to its red & white painted fiberglass tip (complete with aviation warning lights). In an emergency there are 960 steps in its fire-escape to take you to the ground.

Management (I should say German Radio Tower, a part of Deutsche Telecom) also has a maximum number of people allowed within the tower at one time, 700 to be more precise. There’s a counter system in place, so don’t think you’re sneaking in. More than a quarter of a million people come to the Rhine Tower every year, so you won’t have to wait too long. ;-)

Besides, it’s all right if you have to wait. It’ll give you a chance to see its “light sculpture.” Oh, a euphemism for this large digital clock (yeah, the largest one in the world like I mentioned), the brain child of artist Horst. H. Baumann. It runs on the 24-hour clock like most of Europe, just to let you know.

Thank you, Horst and Harald, you’ve made a most fantastic place to visit within this part of North Rhine-Westphalia. Plus you’ll always know what time it is, so you’ll never be late. ;-)

Rhine Tower Location

OK… so you think those lights you see up there in the sky are visitors from other planets? Kidding, kidding… you’ll find the Rhine Tower at the following address:

Rheinturm
Stromstraße 20
40221 Düsseldorf
Phone: +49-211-8632000
Web: http://www.guennewig.de/drheintu/homepage_e.php

Look! It’s the Odenwald. No, it’s the Palatinate Forest. It’s the Odenwald again. There goes the Palatinate Forest again. There it went.

Dizzy yet? I hope not. But, from atop the Mannheim TV Tower near the center of Mannheim that’s the view you’re going to get from both its observation tower and revolving Restaurant Skyline Mannheim.

Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

Notice that it’s actually a telecommunications tower, not a TV tower. That’s because it doesn’t transmit television signals but microwave and radio signals across this part of Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. However, I hope you don’t mind me still lovely calling it the Mannheim TV Tower and respectfully place it among other TV Towers in Germany.

When the Fernmeldeturm Mannheim, as it’s called in German, was commissioned to be built back in the early 1970’s (its foundation was laid on April 10, 1973) architects and engineers (both Erwin Heinle and Fritz Leonhard of the Stuttgart TV Tower fame) were looking for the perfect spot. It was found right near the Luisenpark, right off the historic city center and along the Mannheim-Heidelberg rail line (all aboard!).

Don’t you just love it when these attractions are so easily accessible? Yeah, I do too.

The Mannheim Telecommunication Tower was completed on May 26, 1975 with a total height just shy of 205 meters (204.9 meters to be exact).

Less than 20 years later a helicopter smashed into the tower, causing the antenna to fall. After repairing this 18 thousand ton concrete and steel structure, its final height was increased to 218.8 meters. From the 166 meter height to the tip was painted a cautionary red and white, as well as equipped with aviation safety lights.

At the base of the tower is a memorial plaque in memory of those died on that fateful night.

Sorry, you won’t get to that height since its revolving Skyline Restaurant sits only at the 124 meter height. But, its views of the Palatinate Forest and Odenwald are striking (is that the Heidelberg Castle I see?). Seventy thousand visitors to the restaurant alone couldn’t be wrong, could they? That’s not even including the tens of thousands of other visitors who come just to look out the observation deck.

Four meters below the Skyline Mannheim restaurant is the telecommunication tower’s observation deck. At 120 meters it is the “least highest” of its kind (that’s just a nice way of saying there are other observation decks that aren’t as low) even though it is one of the tallest TV Towers in Germany.

It’s all right though, once you’ve taken its two elevators (traveling at 6 meters per second) to see the countryside, all will be forgiven.

There are even restrooms in the tower’s public areas, just in case you need them once you’ve gotten up there.

It’s hard to go from the spectacular view of the Odenwald to the nitty-gritty aspect of the tower. But, it needs to be told. Otherwise no one would be able to sit and eat, or walk around the aluminum tower basket. Right?

The widest point of the tower is its base, which is 27 meters in diameter. You won’t see it, of course, it’s below the ground. The widest part of it that you can see is 13 meters in diameter.

Some people thought these television (or telecommunication) towers were just horrid monstrosities. But, after getting to know them many have softened their stance. These towers are remarkable testaments to German engineering, aren’t they?

Not to mention, they offer some of the best views in Germany (if not in Europe). But, how many times do I have to tell you I’m a tad bit biased? One look from the top of this tower and you will be too, I can tell you that much. ;-)

Mannheim TV Tower Location

In case you haven’t see him yet, you’re going to find the Mannheim TV Tower and its Skyline Mannheim restaurant at this address here:

Fernmeldeturm Mannheim
Hans-Reschke-Ufer 2
68165 Mannheim
Phone: +49-621-419290
Web: http://www.skyline-ma.de

Berlin might be Germany’s capital, but in the case of the Stuttgart TV Tower this city reigns supreme. This 216 meter high tower is not only the city’s most famous landmark (go figure), but also the inspiration for the Berlin TV tower, the Space Needle in Seattle, USA and for one television tower in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Stuttgart, you’ve got admirers. ;-)

The Stuttgart TV Tower is the world’s first television tower (which is a misnomer because it only broadcast radio until 2006) built in concrete. Some radio stations you’ll hear from the Stuttgart television tower are the BBC, Klassik Radio, and DeutschlandFunk.

Come to think of it, they’re also the same ones transmitting from Berlin’s TV Tower.

Construction was commissioned by the South German Radio Stuttgart; and started (technically) in 1949, but is said to have “officially” started six years later on June 10, 1954, ending on August 17, 1955. It didn’t have an official “opening” for another year, however.

The Stuttgart TV Tower weighs a massive 3000 tons total, half of which comes from the foundation alone; which just so happens to be almost three times as wide (27 meters in diameter, sitting a mere eight feet underground) as its narrower shaft (at its widest point it is 15 meters in diameter), all designed by architect Erwin Heinle and engineer Fritz Leonhard.

Stuttgart’s TV tower (radio tower, whatever) has two observation decks (one at 150 meters, the other at 152 meters) above Baden-Württemberg’s capital. Look down and you’ll see a much smaller radio tower that’s also being used.

I like how you can see both the Schwarzwald (hey, put that piece of Black Forest cake down, it’s mine) and the Swabian Alb from the top. I think I see vineyards, too. Oh yeah, I do.

Great, now I want a glass of German wine. Good thing there’s a restaurant at the top (at the 147 meter mark) to get one.

It won’t even take long for you to see the view (or have that wine), just 36 seconds once you’re on one of its two elevators (traveling at around 5 meters per second, WOW).

It holds a “historic landmark of German engineering” title, which it earned in 2009. Yeah, I’d say it deserves it.

Unlike the Berlin TV Tower (which sits in the city center), Stuttgart’s television tower is a bit more out of the way. It is accessible via train, and even has its own train station.

Stuttgart’s television tower, which broadcasts as far as Pforzheim, Heidelberg, and even Freiburg im Breisgau, was an expensive venture. Today it would cost over nine million Euro to build, but the funds used back in the 1950’s were made up within five years of it opening to the public.

It did have the observation towers and a restaurant back then, but today (since 2006) it added an exhibit highlighting the history and construction of the tower, as well as theater playhouse (appropriately named Theater in the Clouds).

At the base you’ll find a circle of flags and at the top there are ultra bright Xenon lamps that act as a “lighthouse” of sorts and red airplane lights. At Christmas, the Stuttgart TV Tower gets in the holiday spirit, when it’s even more lit up. All the better to see you from a distance, my pretty. ;-)

I know Stuttgart is an awesome metropolitan city with museums and all other sorts of cultural activities, but its television tower deserves a bit of respect. After all, it was the model for future television towers around the world.

Stuttgart TV Tower Location

You’ll find the Stuttgart TV Tower south of the city center at the following address:

Fernsehturm Stuttgart
Jahnstrasse 120
70597 Stuttgart
Phone: +49-711-232597

The Munich Olympic Tower (Munich’s television tower) blasts enough power from its radio and TV antennas to be heard as far as the Upper Palatinate, Swabia, Lower Bavaria, and even into Austria. Wow, that’s a lot of juice!

Millions of people tune in everyday to listen to classical music, opera, or the news, either by radio or TV. It even acts as a relay tower for HAM Radio (I didn’t even think that was still around). I think its listening public is only rivaled by the number of visitors to the tower that sits in the Olympic Park near the skating and swimming centers.

Construction began on this 291 meter tower in 1965 (June 1st), a year before Munich was told it was to host the 1972 Olympic Games. It was completed in plenty of time, February 22, 1968; a full four years before the start of the Games.

It was designed by Sebastian Rosenthal from concrete and steel. They are the standard building materials, aren’t they? I mean, all TV towers in Germany are made from them. I guess if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. ;-)

The Munich Olympic Tower has seen more than 36 million people since it was finished; six million before the Olympic Games in 1972 alone. It’s not like you’re just staring up at this massive tower sticking out into the Bavarian air; there’s more to it than that.

The tower has two observation platforms, one at 185 meters with a bar and Rock Museum. No, not like in stones; I mean like in Rock-n-Roll. Throughout the year, the museum holds quite a few concerts this high in the sky.

The other observation deck is slightly higher, 189 meters. There’s also a souvenir photo studio on this level. They thought of everything, didn’t they?

On a lower level than the first observation deck is its revolving restaurant. It can spin a full rotation in either 49 or 70 minutes for its 200 or so patrons. Just a note, if it isn’t spinning it’s because the wind is whipping around at more than 80km per hour (it’s a safety feature, so don’t be upset).

Getting to the top of the tower is quite simple. Just get in one of its two public elevators (each can hold up to 30 people) for a quick 7 meters per second, taking just 30 seconds to get to the top. The service elevator moves at a snail’s pace, just 4 meters per second.

Just be lucky you don’t have to climb to the top, it’s got 1,230 steps. And that’s just to the 185 meter point! Oh, goodness, that’s a lot of steps. I got tired just thinking about it, let alone attempting it. ;-)

Sorry, you can’t take the two sets of steps at its 192 meter mark; they’re for servicing the Munich Olympic Tower.

You’d be amazed at what it takes to support this thing. It weighs 52 and a-half thousand tons (I’m gonna do the math for you, that’s 104 million pounds) with a base of more than 28 meters in total diameter, going 12 meters below the ground. Something’s got to support that extreme weight, right?

The Munich Olympic Tower is quite a famous landmark, even being commemorated in postage. I want my picture on postage. I think I’ll have mine take up at the top of the tower; German officials can use that likeness of me. ;-)