Wanne Observation Tower

The Wanne observation tower stands on the 778-metre Wanne mountain east of Villingen in the Schwarzwald-Baar district. Built in 1888 by a local cooperative, it is one of the oldest lattice towers still standing. The bell foundry Grueninger of Villingen carried out the construction. The tower rises 30 metres above the summit and has an unusual octagonal shape. Its three viewing platforms offer wide views across the Black Forest and into the Baar region. The lowest platform sits just above ground level, the middle one at about 15 metres, and the top platform at the full height. Visitors climb an external staircase that winds around the outside of the lattice structure. The surrounding forest and open meadows on the mountain top make the tower a quiet place to stand above the treetops. On clear days the Alps can be seen to the south. The tower’s age and simple ironwork give it a plain but honest character.