Pfeifturm

The Pfeifturm stands in Ingolstadt’s old town beside the Moritzkirche. This 14th-century Gothic watchtower rises from the pavement of Moritzstraße and once formed part of the city’s defences. Its 63-metre stone shaft was first recorded in 1497, while the slender baroque dome was added in 1720. The tower owes its name to the night watchman who lived inside and blew a whistle to warn of fire or danger. The post survived until 1938, when automatic alarms replaced the human sentinel. Today 201 steps lead to an observation deck 45 metres above the street, reached after a 2006 renovation that stabilised the structure. Visitors climb the spiral staircase to the platform for views across Ingolstadt’s rooftops. The tower also hosts the Pfeifturmbläsers, a brass ensemble that plays every fortnight and sounds the new year on New Year’s Eve.