Draft:Schönberg Tower

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Schönberg Tower
Schönbergturm
General information
CountryGermany
Year(s) built1905
Design and construction
Architect(s)Theodor Fischer

The Schönberg Tower or Schönbergturm is an observation tower located in Germany, built in 1905-1906 by Bavarian architect Theodor Fischer on the Swabian Jura massif in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Situated on the Schönberg, a hill reaching a height of 793 meters, which is part of the so-called Albtrauf (the transition point between the Neckar plain and the Swabian Jura itself), the tower is located approximately two kilometers south of the town of Pfullingen and overlooks the Echaz river valley.

Due to its shape and location, it is referred to as "Onderhos" in the local dialect, which means "big underpants." The Schönberg has a plateau at its summit, and the tower was constructed at the eastern end of this plateau.

History[edit]

Schönbergturm was commissioned by the Schwäbischer Albverein. The first attempts to build a tower on the Schönberg were made as early as 1893, but it wasn't until 1905 that the plans by architect Theodor Fischer were realized. During that time, Fischer was also working on the Pfullinger Hallen, which were music and sports halls in the area. The building permit was issued on June 28, 1905, by the Oberamt of Reutlingen, and the construction was carried out between August and November of the same year by the Luipold und Schneider company from Stuttgart. The inauguration ceremony took place on March 25, 1906.

The construction of the tower cost 17,000 Goldmark.

The tower, made of reinforced concrete, stands 28 meters tall, including the foundations. It consists of two octagonal towers with staircases for tourists to ascend and descend. The towers are connected by both the entrance area and the panoramic gallery, which is 8.5 meters wide. The roofs of the towers and the observation platform (which are joined together under a single cover) were originally covered with wooden shingles. However, in November 1949, they were replaced with copper coverings that had oxidized over time, creating the characteristic green patina.

The unique double tower structure is distinctive and stands out on the Swabian Jura below, significantly shaping the landscape. The tower is considered the symbol of the city of Pfullingen. The Schönberg Tower can only be reached on foot, and the paths leading to it are not always easy to navigate, although there is an asphalt road that leads up to 500 meters from the summit of the hill. The Schwarzwald-Schwäbische-Alb-Allgäu-Weg trail, also known as HW 5 and managed by the Schwäbischer Albverein, passes near the tower. The area is equipped with benches and picnic tables, two fire pits, and a kiosk.

From the observation platform, reached after climbing 108 steps, visitors can admire the forested area of Stuttgart-Schönbuch and, on clear days, even the television tower and the Schurwald forest. Towards the southeast, it is possible to observe the Albtrauf line between the Jusi mountain and the Roßberg.

The ownership of the tower remains with the original commissioning party, the Schwäbischer Albverein, whose flag is displayed during weekends from the flagpole protruding from the western tower.

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