Bismarck-Säule (Bismarck Tower), Heidelberg

Bismarck-Säule, or the Bismarck Tower, is an observation tower near Eichendorff-Anlage park. The tower was built in 1903. Tourists are able to enter the tower where they can climb the steps to see view of Heidelberg's old town region.

There are numerous Bismarck Towers throughout Germany. They were originally built as part of a design competition among students in 1899. Wilhelm Kreis won the competition, after which nearly 50 towers were built according to his design. Bismarck-Säule in Heidelberg is one of the towers modeled after Kreis's original plans.

The towers were named in honor of Germany's first chancellor, Otto von Bismarck. There were a total of 240 Bismarck towers built across the country between 1869 and 1934. Though they have the appearance of observation towers, they are actually beacons with the purpose of being lit at specific times of the day in honor of Bismarck.

Bismarck-Säule bears a relief of an eagle with the serpent of discord. At the top of the tower sits a cast-iron fire bowl that is about eight feet in diameter.