Aussichtsturm Dietzenbach

The Dietzenbach observation tower stands on the Wingertsberg, a small hill just under 200 metres high, on the edge of the town of Dietzenbach. It was designed by the architect Wolfgang Rang and built in 2001 as a steel tube structure 33 metres tall. The viewing deck sits 21 metres above ground, reached by a left-turning spiral staircase of 119 steps. The circular deck is set off-centre on the shaft and measures 8.5 metres across. The tower is topped by two horizontal metal spoked wheels. The lower one is offset opposite the deck, while the upper one is centred on the shaft. The upper wheel has blades around its rim and turns in the wind, giving the tower its nickname the Helicopter Tower. Eight thick steel cables anchor the whole structure to the ground, four of them passing through the deck to add stability. From the viewing deck there are wide views over the surrounding countryside. On clear days the skyline of Frankfurt, about twelve kilometres away, and the Taunus hills beyond can be seen. The simple metal framework and the spinning upper wheel make the tower a striking landmark against the horizon.