Fährenpfortenturm

The Fährenpfortenturm stands in the south-west corner of Hann. Münden’s medieval core, where the city wall once turned east at a right angle. Built as part of the 14th-century defences, it was first recorded in 1410 and originally rose about 26 metres. In the 19th century the tower was raised by one third to 40 metres for a new purpose: Carl Georg August Natermann installed a shot tower on the top floor to cast lead shot for ammunition. The process gave the building its nickname Hagelturm, and the Fulda valley echoes still recall the clatter of falling shot. Today the tower houses the Museum der Arbeit, which explains the shot-making machinery and displays artefacts from Haendler & Natermann. Visitors climb to the summit viewing platform for a wide view over the three rivers at Hann. Münden. At Christmas the tower glows red, crowned by a yellow flame that looks like a giant candle. The museum’s annexe shows historic machines exactly where the molten lead once fell through sieves to form shot. A short walk east along the old wall leads to the Ziegelpfortenturm, the next surviving turret. The Siebenturm, once 80 metres north, has vanished, leaving only its street name. The building’s thick walls and iron-bound doors still show its military past, while the upper rooms preserve the heat and noise of the shot foundry. From the platform the eye follows the Fulda downstream to where the Werra and Weser meet.