Kaiser Wilhelm Tower, Marburg

Tower in Marburg

Spiegelslustturm Ruckseite
Spiegelslustturm Ruckseite
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hydro

Spiegelslust Tower, also known as the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Turm, is one of the best places to visit in Marburg if you're looking for wide-open views and a bit of exercise to go with your sightseeing. Perched on the wooded Lahnberge above the town, this 36-metre lookout tower dates from the late 19th century and rises above the trees like a stone periscope. Climb the 167 internal steps and you're rewarded with sweeping vistas over Marburg, the Landgrafenschloss, the Lahn valley, and the rolling hills beyond. It's a lovely contrast to the narrow streets and half-timbered houses in the valley below.

Before the tower was even built, the nearby Spiegelslust restaurant was already a popular local escape, thanks to its views and forest setting. For a long time, the restaurant and tower had the same ownership, and their names became intertwined in local speech-“Spiegelslust” can mean the viewpoint, the tower, the restaurant, or all three together. Today, the area is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Marburg that continues up from the old town, swapping cobbles and spires for woodland paths and big skies.

History and Significance of the Spiegelslust Tower

The Spiegelslust Tower was built between 1887 and 1890 on the Lahnberge, part of a broader 19th-century trend of constructing lookout towers and pavilions to celebrate both landscape and nation. Standing 36 metres high, it soon became a proud vantage point above Marburg, offering a place for townspeople and visitors to enjoy views that had previously only been accessible from limited clearings or from the valley itself. The 167 steps inside the tower marked a small rite of passage: climb them, and you earned a panoramic reward at the top.

Its alternative name, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Turm, reflects the era’s enthusiasm for dedicating monuments to German emperors and national figures. At the same time, its close association with the already popular Spiegelslust restaurant made it part of a more everyday culture of Sunday outings, coffee-and-cake trips, and gentle excursions out of town. Over time, the tower and restaurant were owned by the same proprietor, which blurred the names in local memory-people would simply say they were heading to “Spiegelslust,” whether they meant the terrace, the tower, or both.

Today, the tower is a small but cherished part of Marburg's leisure landscape. It offers a different angle on the city than you get from the castle or riverside, stretching your sense of the geography and surrounding hills. Its late-19th-century stonework, forest approach, and layered connections with local social life make it an easy, satisfying addition to any Marburg itinerary.

Things to See and Do in the Spiegelslust Tower

The main attraction is, of course, the climb. Inside the tower, 167 steps spiral upward through the stone shaft, occasionally offering glimpses of light before you emerge at the top viewing platform. From here, the view opens up dramatically: you can see the old town clustered around St. Elizabeth's Church, the Landgrafenschloss crowning the Schlossberg, and the Lahn river winding through the valley, all framed by the forested ridges beyond. On clear days, the far-off hills seem to layer into the horizon, giving a real sense of central Hesse's landscape.

Back at ground level, take time to wander the surrounding area. The Lahnberge are criss-crossed with walking paths, so you can turn your tower visit into a short hike, a forest stroll, or a loop that starts in town and returns by a different route. The original Spiegelslust restaurant area (or its successors, depending on current use) has long been a place to pause for refreshments with a view, echoing the late-19th and early-20th-century tradition of combining scenic towers with gemütlich cafés.

Even if you're not in the mood for a full climb, simply reaching the tower and exploring its base and nearby viewpoints is rewarding. The combination of trees, stone tower, and glimpses of Marburg below gives the place a slightly romantic, “forest lookout” feel. For photographers, sunset can be spectacular: the castle and old town catch the last warm light, while the valley slowly fills with shadow.

How to Get to the Spiegelslust Tower

Most visitors arrive in the region via Frankfurt Airport, which has frequent domestic and international flights and lies roughly an hour to an hour and a half from Marburg by rail or road. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Marburg on Booking.com.

From Frankfurt or other regional hubs, trains run regularly to Marburg (Lahn) station; from there, you can either take a local bus or taxi towards the Lahnberge area, or start your walk from the old town and follow signed paths uphill towards Spiegelslust Tower. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you're driving, follow autobahn and main-road routes towards Marburg, then continue up towards the Lahnberge and signed parking areas near Spiegelslust; from parking, it's a short walk through the woods to reach the tower itself. If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Many locals and students simply walk or cycle up from different parts of Marburg, turning the journey into part of the outing rather than just a transfer.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Spiegelslust Tower

  • Suggested tips: Bring water and wear comfortable shoes-between the forest paths and the 167 steps, you’ll get a decent mini-workout along with your view.
  • Best time to visit: Late afternoon or early evening is especially atmospheric, with golden light over Marburg and often beautiful sunsets from the viewing platform.
  • Entrance fee:
  • Opening hours: Nov to March: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m; Sundays and public holidays: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m April 1st to Oct 31st: Mon to Sat: 1pm to 7pm; Sundays and public holidays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m
  • Official website:
  • How long to spend: Allow 45-90 minutes if you’re walking from nearby parking, climbing the tower, and spending time enjoying the views; longer if you add a forest walk or meal.
  • Accessibility: The forest paths and internal staircase make the tower itself unsuitable for visitors with limited mobility, though some nearby viewpoints may be reachable with less climbing.
  • Facilities: Facilities depend on the current use of nearby buildings (such as a restaurant or café); it’s wise to bring basics like water and a snack, especially outside peak times.
  • Photography tip: Bring a wide-angle setting for panoramic shots of Marburg and a longer lens if you want to pick out details like the castle or church towers from above.
  • Guided tours: Occasionally, local organisations or guides offer themed walks or events that include Spiegelslust Tower; check Marburg event listings if you're interested in joining a group.
  • Nearby food options: Before or after your visit, you can eat in Marburg’s old town, where plenty of cafés and restaurants line the streets around the market square and riverfront.

Where to Stay close to the Spiegelslust Tower

Staying in Marburg’s centre puts you within easy reach of both the old town sights and the paths up to Spiegelslust Tower. A comfortable, well-equipped option near the Lahn is VILA VITA Rosenpark, which gives you quick access to riverside walks and bus links towards the hills. If you prefer to be right in the middle of town life, Welcome Hotel Marburg is close to the pedestrian zone and offers a convenient base for exploring the castle, St. Elizabeth's Church, and the climb up to the Lahnberge. Those looking for a quieter residential setting might choose Hotel Im Kornspeicher, a short drive or bus ride away but handy for combining city visits with countryside outings.

Is the Spiegelslust Tower Worth Visiting?

Spiegelslust Tower is definitely worth visiting if you enjoy viewpoints, light hiking, and seeing a city from a different angle. The climb up the 167 steps adds just enough effort to make the panorama feel earned, and the payoff is a broad sweep over Marburg that you simply can't get from street level. The setting among trees on the Lahnberge also gives the outing a relaxed, almost retreat-like character, especially if you linger on the paths or terraces.

For many travellers, a trip to Spiegelslust rounds out their impression of Marburg: you see how the castle, old town, university, and river fit together in the landscape, rather than just as separate stops. Combined with its 19th-century history and ties to the old Spiegelslust restaurant, it becomes one of the things to do in Marburg that balances culture, nature, and a bit of adventure.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (1,901)

Spiegelslustturm at Herma-Bauer-Weg 2 in Marburg sits on a wooded rise reached by a steep, sometimes confusing path from the station; many visitors recommend walking through the forest and following local trail signs rather than relying on navigation apps. From the tower (small admission fee reported by visitors) you get expansive views over Marburg and the surrounding area, and there's a café nearby where people stop for coffee and cake — staff there may point out a small access door to reach the top.

Iosefina Blazsani Batto
4 months ago
"The tower is closed, ca ot be visited. I could climb only one level. It is a nice historical landmark and offers a full view over Marburg. The waytill there, the last part, is thought a forest. Very nice surroundings. And many possibilities to walk into the forest...."
Hiba Laskri
12 months ago
"What a worth risky place to visit ! We climbed all the long the mountain into the woods to get there. We witnessed the beautiful sun goes down thedown, with great coffee and cakes from that Cafeteria. Finally we walked back the same road in dark. Google maps showed us wrong roads !! Thank God we remembered our path.n⚠️ Reading Scout road signs is very important if you're go a take the same path.n😉 Don't forget to ask the Cafeteria to show you the secret door to the top of the tour. It costs only 1 euro...."
Mary-A van der Linden
10 months ago
"It's a long and steep walk from the station, but it's definitely worth it! From here you can see Marburg and the surrounding area very clearly. Youcan enter the tower and there's a cafe too. I got a bit lost because I followed Google maps, which shows the wrong directions...."

FAQs for Visiting Spiegelslust Tower

The tower stands about 36 metres tall and has 167 internal steps that visitors climb to reach the viewing platform.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with a steady climb up a spiral staircase; take your time and rest if needed.
Yes, you can walk up from Marburg or take public transport part of the way and continue on foot; many visitors combine it with a forest walk.
There may be a small fee or suggested donation for climbing the tower, while the surrounding area is generally free; check locally for current details.
Access can vary with season, weather, and management, so it’s best to confirm current opening times before planning your visit.

Nearby Attractions to the Spiegelslust Tower

  • Landgrafenschloss (Marburg Castle) - A medieval hilltop fortress with museum exhibits and superb views over the town and Lahn valley.
  • St. Elizabeth's Church - A pure Gothic church housing the shrine of St. Elizabeth of Hungary and impressive stained glass.
  • Marburg Old Town (Oberstadt) - Steep cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and lively squares clustered below the castle.
  • Lahn Riverside Promenade - A scenic path along the river, ideal for a gentle walk, picnic, or canoe hire.
  • Old Botanical Garden - A peaceful green space near the university, perfect for a quiet stroll among trees and plant collections.

The Kaiser Wilhelm Tower appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Marburg!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Nov to March: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m; Sundays and public holidays: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m

April 1st to Oct 31st: Mon to Sat: 1pm to 7pm; Sundays and public holidays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m

Address: Spiegelslustturm, Hermann-Bauer-Weg, Marburg, Germany
Marburg: 2 km

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