Felixsee Observation Tower

The Felixsee observation tower stands in the village of Felixsee, a former open-cast mine lake on the north-west edge of the Muskau Arch. It sits in the Bohsdorf district of the municipality of Felixsee, about 22 kilometres south-east of Cottbus in Brandenburg. The lake and tower occupy land that was reshaped by brown-coal mining in the 20th century. The tower was built quickly in 2004, rising from a foundation stone on 29 March to completion by 16 October. Its 36-metre timber-and-steel frame cost roughly 360 000 euros and carries three viewing decks at 4.5, 7.5 and 30 metres. The top deck reaches 191 metres above sea level and is reached by 160 steps. Information boards on each platform explain the local geology and landscape. After vandal damage and a 2019 landslide that closed the lakeside slope, the tower received a new roof during stabilisation work in 2021. Visitors climb past the lower decks to the open-air top platform for wide views over the lake and surrounding countryside. The middle deck offers a closer look at the water and reed beds. Below, the restored slope now allows safe access to the shoreline. Interpretive signs mark viewpoints and geological features around the tower.