Albrechtswarte

The Albrechtswarte is a protected viewing tower on the Röhrlkogel summit in Bairisch Kölldorf, Steiermark. It stands at the highest point of the mountain, reached by the Parapluie path. The tower is also known as the Parapluie because of its umbrella-like roof. Ludwig von Weldens designed the structure, completed in 1840. The Gleichenberger and Johannisbrunnen Aktienverein built it to improve views from the peak. The tower has served visitors for nearly two centuries. A warden once kept a visitor’s book and a telescope called the Tubus. A white-and-green flag showed when the view was clear. The Kameradschaft vom Edelweiß restored the tower in 1984, and further work was done in 2000. The communities of Bad Gleichenberg and Bairisch Kölldorf funded the repairs. Visitors climb a wooden spiral staircase to a six-metre-high platform. The open brick tower offers wide views across the surrounding countryside. Nearby stands a 25-metre Osterkreuz, Austria’s tallest, decorated with Easter motifs. The cross dates back to at least 1929 and marks the spot for seasonal celebrations. The area remains a quiet place for walkers and sightseers.