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Germany
Rhineland-Palatinate
Rhein-Hunsrück-Kreis
Sankt Goar

Spitzenstein Optical Telegraph Station and Observation Tower

Discover
Places to see
Germany
Rhineland-Palatinate
Rhein-Hunsrück-Kreis
Sankt Goar

Spitzenstein Optical Telegraph Station and Observation Tower

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Spitzenstein Optical Telegraph Station and Observation Tower

Recommended by 365 hikers out of 379

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: UNESCO Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal

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    Best Hikes to Spitzenstein Optical Telegraph Station and Observation Tower

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    1. Spitzenstein Observation Tower – View of the Loreley Rock loop from St. Goarshausen

    14.3km

    04:14

    410m

    410m

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

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    Intermediate

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

    Intermediate

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

    Intermediate

    Tips

    September 10, 2021

    Spitzer Stein viewpoint
    History / wing telegraph

    Optical telegraphy for the transmission of messages according to the Chappe system. The French technician Claude Chappe developed at the time of the French. Revolution a technically feasible optical telegraph device based on the transmission of characters with the aid of pivoting signal arms. A swiveling crossbeam was attached to a high mast with two further swiveling bars at each end, so that different letters could be signaled with a code depending on the position. The telegraph stations were located between nine and twelve kilometers apart, depending on the nature of the terrain, so that the signs could be clearly seen with a telescope. Napoleon Bonaparte used this flexible and fast system to communicate with the various troops and probably also to organize the entire Rhine province. In 1794 a telegraph line was set up between Paris and Lille, which spanned 270 km with 22 stations. The transmission time of a letter or a coded message took about 2 minutes! Source: Text information board - Hubertus Jäckel dipl.-ing. architect bda bwd

    Spitzer Stein viewpoint
    Wing telegraph

    Optical telegraph for the transmission of messages. System / Sign System Chappe - Each of the two signal arms could assume seven different positions, the crossbars two more each. The system thus enabled 196 different characters. Source: Text information board - Hubertus Jäckel dipl.-ing. architect bda bwd

    Translated by Google •

      April 28, 2021

      With this communication technology, which had its peak at the time of the French Revolution, messages can be sent based on the transmission of characters through swiveling signal arms. For this purpose, two swiveling crossbars with two further swiveling bars at each end are attached to a mast, which means that different letters can be signaled by means of a code, depending on the position. In order to make this kind of communication understandable to the visitors, which is unusual from today's point of view, display boards are also integrated on the railing for visualization. The telegraph pole will also be fully functional and should invite you to try it out. The new observation tower also refers to the cultural significance of the pointed stone. Works by Carl Haag, who died in Oberwesel in 1915, are also presented on display boards and his famous landscape paintings, which also depict the natural monument, are presented to visitors.
      welterbe-mittelrheintal.de/lag-wom/foerderung/leader/projekte-2014-2020/aussichtsturm-mit-telegrafenmast-am-spitzen-stein

      Translated by Google •

        The old stone building is still standing and the telegraph has been recreated on the new, modern observation tower.

        Translated by Google •

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          Elevation 410 m

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          Location: Sankt Goar, Rhein-Hunsrück-Kreis, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

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