Altenburgwarte

The Altenburgwarte is a viewing tower 700 metres south-west of Quedlinburg in the Harz region. It stands on the highest point of a sandstone ridge called the Altenburg, about 198 metres above sea level. The first tower, a round structure about five metres thick, was built in the 14th or 15th century. The Harz Club rebuilt it in 1889 after the old one had decayed. Today’s tower is about ten metres high, has a pentagonal shape and a spiral staircase leading to the viewing platform. The tower belongs to the Quedlinburg watchtower and land-grave system that once protected the town. After several restorations it now offers clear views across the Harz landscape. The platform is reached by 51 steps inside the tower. Visitors climb the Wendeltreppe to the top for wide panoramas of Quedlinburg and the surrounding countryside. The Altenburg ridge is part of a larger sandstone heights system. The area around the tower is quiet and open, with paths leading through mixed woodland. The sandstone rock formations add a rugged character to the scene. From the platform visitors can see the town below and the forested hills beyond. The tower stands as a reminder of Quedlinburg’s medieval defences.