Poppenbergturm

Anyone setting out for the southern Harz region will usually look forward to a hike on the Poppenberg. With its unique landscape of volcanic rocks that have formed fascinating terraces over millions of years, it is considered one of the most beautiful destinations for hikers in this region. In addition, a reward beckons when you have made the ascent of the approximately 600 metres in altitude: the Poppenberg Tower. Built as early as 1894, it is now one of the most important landmarks in the Harz Mountains and one of the most popular destinations for holidaymakers in the municipality of Ilfeld.

The Poppenberg Tower in the Harz Mountains - Viewing Platform for the Southern Harz Mountains

The Thuringian part of the Harz has become particularly popular among connoisseurs. The hiking trails are not too crowded, even in the high season, and they also offer a play of nature that cannot be found in this way in other parts of the Harz. The Poppenberg is certainly the highlight for hikers. Another advantage is that the mountain can be climbed on family-friendly paths as well as on challenging hiking trails that can sometimes be quite steep. But the goal for every hiker is actually the same - everyone wants to get to the Poppenberg Tower in the Harz Mountains.

As early as the late 19th century, the Harzklub branch club in Nordhausen recognised the importance of the summit of the Poppenberg and began a fundraising campaign to finance an observation tower. In 1894, the tower was finally inaugurated and from then on was available for visitors to this part of the Harz Mountains. Since the entire summit area is also called "Fürst Ottos Höhe" in recognition of the former forest owner Prince Otto zu Stolberg-Wernigerode, this name is not infrequently used for the tower as well.

It is said that 530 hundredweights of steel were used in the construction of the 33-metre-high tower - something that is hardly noticeable in the almost slim construction. It was always important to the Harzverein that the tower be freely accessible to visitors. Of course, this did not prevent the Poppenberg Tower from having to be closed twice for longer periods of time because the weather in the Harz Mountains led to significant corrosion on the tower.

View as far as the Brocken and the Thuringian countryside

In 1955 and finally again in the 1980s, the tower had to be closed due to the damage. After reopening in 1992, however, it was possible to celebrate the 100th birthday of the structure and open it to visitors again. While the tower is without question an absolute sight in the Harz Mountains, it is not necessarily the best choice for people with a fear of heights. 177 steps have to be climbed before you reach the top and you have a permanent view down. But at the end you are rewarded with a unique view. On a good day, you can see all the way over to the Brocken massif, have a wonderful view of the Thuringian Land and perhaps one of the best views the Harz has to offer. Visitors report that on really nice days you can see as far as Kassel. So if you are looking for a beautiful destination in the southern Harz, the Poppenberg Tower in the Harz is definitely one of the best options.