The panoramic view of the Bismarck Tower Apolda

The myth of Bismarck 

The myth of the former Reich Chancellor Bismark, who died in 1898 and went down in history as the Iron Chancellor, also influenced the conservative citizens of Apolda. The observation tower, built on the Mattstedter Höhe 225 m above sea level, was designed by master builder Adolf Günther and officially opened in 1904. Today you can climb it and enjoy the Weimar countryside. 

Laying of the foundation stone

When the foundation stone was laid on April 1, 1902, Bismarck's 87th birthday, a glass box containing the Apolda Chronicle (1871), a construction drawing and a Bismarck speech (1888) was walled in.
The 23.75 m high tower, built on a square terrace (5.6 m x 5.6 m), is made of rough, hewn Possenk limestone. The Bismarck family coat of arms, a bronze-cast portrait of Bismarck by master bell founder Schilling, a relief of the imperial eagle and a coat of arms of the Grand Duchy of Saxony-Weimar-Eisenach adorn the entrance area. 

Artistic viewing platform

After climbing 93 steps, you reach the crenellated viewing platform with a fire bowl and artistic gargoyles. From here, you can explore the panorama as far as the Ilm-Saale plateau and, to the north, the Finnerücken ridge with Eckartsburg Castle.