Hagberg tower

The exposed location in the Welzheim forest on the edge of the northern slope towards the Rot and Kocher valleys allows wide views to the west, first over the Welzheim forest with the water tower near Kaisersbach, to the right of it the Murrhardt forest, behind this the Löwenstein mountains, to which the Mainhardt forest adjoins on the right. To the north, the small forest valley of the Rauhenzainbach stream leads out into the wide valley of the Fichtenberger Rot. The incision of the Kocher valley stretches from north-east to east, beyond which are the Limpurger mountains, which have their northern end point with the Einkorn above the Hall plain. To the south, the idyllic valley of the Schwarze Rot runs towards the Lein. Behind it, the Albtrauf mountain range is more than half its length: to the east, the television tower on the Braunenberg, then Rosenstein, Kaltes Feld, Rechberg and directly to the south, Hohenstaufen. Further west, depending on visibility, the view sweeps over Teck, Hohenneuffen, Achalm to Roßberg and perhaps even Hohenzollern.

The Hagberg tower has an eventful history. It was built in 1901 by the local beautification association, financed in part by a donation lottery. In the 1930s, the Swabian Alb Association took over the tower. During the Second World War, it served as an observation post for the air guard stationed there. The upper pagoda was removed in 1943 to provide a clearer view. After the war, the tower was given a roof again to protect it from the damaging effects of the weather.

In 1970, the Hagberg tower was severely damaged by a storm and finally closed in 1973 due to a lack of traffic safety. Demolition was considered. However, thanks to grants and donations, the tower was renovated a few years later and reopened to visitors in 1980.

In its current form, the tower is very close to its original appearance from 1901.

Opening times

Open from the third Sunday in April until the end of October. At all other times, the key can be collected from a local farm in return for a deposit. You can find the contact details at https://tuerme-wanderheime.albverein.net/aussichtstuerme/hagbergturm-bei-gschwend-ostalbkreis/

There is a kiosk at the tower with a small lounge and a simple snack menu.

Price:

Adult non-members pay one euro into the tower treasury for the ascent. Donations for the preservation of the tower are very welcome.