Ravensberg Watertower

The Wasserturm Ravensberg stands in Kiel’s Ravensberg district on a small artificial mound. Designed by city architect Rudolph Schmidt in 1896, the brick tower echoes medieval fortifications to fit the expected surrounding buildings. Its circular base rises about thirty metres and once held a 1,500 cubic-metre water tank thirty metres above ground. The tower replaced an earlier 2,500 cubic-metre reservoir built in 1886 to serve Kiel’s new water network. By the late 19th century, taller buildings along Holtenauer Straße needed higher pressure, so engineers raised the mound and placed the new tank inside the tower’s outer wall. After decades of service, the tank was taken out of use in 1990 and the tower became a private events venue. Visitors today see the preserved brick façade and a modern interior of thirty-four flats arranged over several levels. The original Intze-type tank space remains visible in the walls, while a new lift connects the floors. From the mound’s summit there are views across Kiel’s harbour and the surrounding cityscape.