Ernst Moritz Arndt Tower

The 26.7m high Ernst Moritz Arndt Tower with the striking glass dome roof was built in memory of Rügen's best-known poet and historian Ernst Moritz Arndt (1877) on the "Rugard" (Slavic "Rügenburg") rampart. The Rugard itself stands on a 91m high wooded elevation. The tower, known locally as the Rugard or Arndt Tower, offers 3 viewing options at different heights. From the Ernst Moritz Arndt Tower you can enjoy a wonderful all-round view of the island of Rügen (Hanseatic City of Stralsund, Island of Vilm, Island of Hiddensee, Cape Arkona).

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The tower itself stands on the highest point in Bergen and offers a great overview of the center of the island of Rügen. The adjoining hotel is highly recommended.

The city of Bergen is located on the 91 m high Rugard, on which the Ernst Moritz Arndt Tower was built in 1877, which was named in honor of the poet who was born in Groß-Schoritz on Rügen. From the viewing platform you can enjoy a wonderful view over the island.
A memorial to Ernst Moritz Arndt was erected in the 1970s with this 27 m high round brick tower. The foundation stone was laid on December 26, 1869, the poet's 100th birthday. The decision was made in favor of the design by the Berlin architect and master builder Hermann Eggert and the actual construction began in the autumn of 1872, which could only be completed in 1877 due to lack of money. The construction was financed by donations from the people, in which even Kaiser Wilhelm I participated with a thousand thalers.
In the 1930s, the forest area of the Rugard had reached a height that no longer permitted an unobstructed panoramic view from the top gallery of the tower. Citizens submitted a proposal to raise the tower, but it was unsuccessful. In 1944 the cupola was removed and replaced with an anti-aircraft gun. The Red Army then used the tower from 1945-1953. From that point on, the monument was no longer open to the public. The following year the platform was demolished and the tower got its new/old dome back. The tower has remained in its form since 1955 and was not changed until 1999. In addition, at that time there were only small cosmetic repairs and no restoration work. During the thorough renovation carried out from 2000 to 2002, it was therefore decided to replace the wooden dome from 1955 with a dome made of glass and steel (while preserving the historical shape), and thus to create an additional viewing platform at a higher level.
From there (118m above sea level) large parts of the island up to the coastline can be overlooked in good weather conditions. In order to be able to experience the view, however, the 80 steps of the spiral staircase must first be conquered. But the effort and effort is worth it.