Wooden tower near Griesbach is a new attraction on the Iron Curtain Trail long-distance cycle path
The new observation tower on the border ridge is massive and yet delicate. The wooden construction on the road between Griesbach and Asch has been attracting a lot of attention since December. Who built the tower and when will it be open to the public?
by Michaela Kraus (from O-netz - Der neue Tag)
The Mähring municipal council has unanimously approved the observation tower, which is to be built on the edge of the "Iron Curtain Trail". This long-distance cycle path along the former Iron Curtain is also being expanded in the Tirschenreuth district. Several rest and service stations are planned. The construction of the tower on the Kostenberg between Griesbach and Asch is also due to begin this year.
At the most recent meeting, the Mähring municipal council approved the observation tower, which with its wooden construction is reminiscent of a former surveillance tower on the border. The 9.20 meter high structure is mounted on a 3.2 meter high raised tank that is no longer needed. The floor plan for this observation tower is 6 by 6 meters.
The committee had already discussed the tower in a closed session in the August meeting. The issue was an increase in costs. Mayor Franz Schöner announced that the planning costs for the observation tower are expected to increase by 7,000 euros. The costs for the tower are currently around 100,000 euros, which according to the minutes of the meeting includes an increase of 14,000 euros. After initial consultation with the funding body, the additional costs will be subsidized at 80 percent, like the entire project. The market town council took note of the increase in costs and agreed.
The main funding body is the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. Ikom Stiftland has applied for the project to upgrade the "Iron Curtain Trail" for the four affected communities of Waldsassen, Bad Neualbenreuth, Mähring and Bärnau. The approval came at the end of 2021, as regional manager Markus Frank announced in response to a request from Upper Palatinate media. "It's about expanding Germany's cycle network," he explained. Individual path construction measures are currently underway for the premium cycle path, for example between Querenbach and Maiersreuth and Hermannsreuth and Asch. Rest and service stations are also being built near Egerteich, Bad Neualbenreuth and Asch. (by Michaela Kraus (from O-netz - Der neue Tag)