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Thüringer Warte Observation Tower

Thüringer Warte Observation Tower

Highlight • Viewpoint

Thüringer Warte Observation Tower

Recommended by 334 hikers out of 337

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Naturpark Frankenwald

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Location: Ludwigsstadt, Kronach, Upper Franconia, Bavaria, Germany

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Best Hikes to Thüringer Warte Observation Tower

4.7

(24)

107

hikers

1. Lauenstein Castle – Cook's Grave loop from Probstzella

15.3km

04:36

470m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Intermediate

4.7

(6)

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2. View of Lauenstein Castle – Cook's Grave loop from Springelhof

7.65km

02:13

200m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.8

(110)

458

hikers

3. View of Lauenstein Castle – Sky lounger with castle view loop from Lauenstein

7.39km

02:18

280m

270m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

Tips

Andrea und Huskys 🐺

July 25, 2025

The 26.5-meter-high observation tower on the Ratzenberg (678 meters) is only about 200 meters from the state border between Bavaria and Thuringia. The inner-German border strip, now protected as the "Green Belt," is still clearly visible here. The 34-ton square steel structure was intended to stimulate tourism. The tower was inaugurated on June 17, 1963, the Day of German Unity, which commemorated the popular uprising in the GDR on June 17, 1953. The keynote speaker was Rainer Barzel (CDU), then Federal Minister for All-German Affairs. The Thuringian Lookout became a magnet for visitors who wanted to see Thuringia, including Federal President Heinrich Lübke in October 1964. The tower, partially renovated in 1993 and 2012, houses a permanent exhibition about the inner-German border.

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Steffen

June 17, 2019

The climb is worthwhile in any case, a lot of information on the former inner German border. Once you have reached the top you can enjoy the beautiful view

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Jag2ooo

April 16, 2015

A little German history and a wonderful view!

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Details

Informations

Elevation 720 m

Weather

Today

Friday 24 October

7°C

4°C

100 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

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Location: Ludwigsstadt, Kronach, Upper Franconia, Bavaria, Germany

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Thüringer Warte Observation Tower

Thüringer Warte Observation Tower

1. Lauenstein Castle – Cook's Grave loop from Probstzella

2. View of Lauenstein Castle – Cook's Grave loop from Springelhof

3. View of Lauenstein Castle – Sky lounger with castle view loop from Lauenstein

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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