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About this place
Eschenbergturm in Winterthur is a lattice-steel lookout tower about 30 metres tall, rising from the forest on Eschenberg hill in the canton of Zurich. On a clear day the view from the top reaches from the Alps to the Black Forest. It counts among the oldest Swiss observation towers still standing in their original structural form.
What is this tower and where does it come from?
The present steel structure replaced a wooden tower built in 1871 and taken down in 1875. It went up in the late 1880s, during the construction boom that followed Winterthur's railway crisis. Its framework clearly echoes the Eiffel Tower, finished a year earlier. The tower is a listed monument of supra-municipal importance in the Zurich cantonal heritage inventory.
What can you see from the top?
In good conditions the horizon takes in the Alpine chain from the Säntis to the Jungfrau, plus the Black Forest, with the Uetliberg to the southwest. Because the tower stands in woodland, climbing it is what lifts you above the treetops. The ascent is on a metal stairway, so visitors uneasy with heights should keep that in mind.
How do you get to Eschenberg?
The tower sits deep in the forest, so you arrive on foot. A popular route starts at Sennhof-Kyburg: roughly 12 km, about 165 m of climbing and around 2 hours 15 minutes to the tower, according to the ZVV hiking map. Shorter approaches lead up from Winterthur along forest roads, and the Eschenberg is the city's largest recreation area with a dense trail network. Check current ZVV public transport timetables for your chosen starting point.
What else is nearby?
Around the tower there are benches and fire pits for grilling. Close by are the Wildpark Bruderhaus wildlife park, the Eschenberg restaurant and an observatory. That makes the tower an easy anchor for a half-day family outing.
When is the best time to visit?
Pick a day with good visibility, particularly in autumn or early spring, when the air is clear and the Alps stand out sharply. In summer the forest shades the walk up, and the top of the tower catches a breeze. Bring water and sturdy shoes, as trails can be muddy after rain.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is the Eschenbergturm?
About 30 metres, built as a steel lattice structure.
Is there an entrance fee?
The sources consulted list no fee; the tower stands in public forest.
What can you see from the platform?
In clear weather, the Alps from the Säntis to the Jungfrau, the Black Forest and the Uetliberg.
Is it the same as the Brühlbergturm?
No. The Brühlbergturm is a different lookout in Winterthur. The Eschenbergturm stands in the Eschenberg forest, west of the city centre.
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