Wilhelm von Maur Tower: A Century of Fire, Love, and Mountain Views
High above Wiesbaden, the Wilhelm von Maur Tower has stood for generations as a symbol of local pride and determination. Originally built to offer sweeping views of the region, it has survived fires, rebuilds, and even debates over modern technology. Today, it remains a favourite spot for hikers, families, and couples tying the knot with a mountain backdrop.
The story of the tower began in 1879 when the Taunus Club erected a wooden observation deck on Tower 28 Mountain. Designed to give Wiesbaden residents a panoramic view, it lasted just ten years before falling into disrepair. In 1899, the Rhine-Taunus Club commissioned architect Karl Mohr to design a sturdier replacement—a stone bergfried that still forms the tower’s core.
A major fire in 1928 destroyed all the outbuildings, leaving only the stone structure intact. Von Dutches, a local industrialist, stepped in with a donation of 5,000 Reichsmarks to fund a modern mountain inn. His generosity led to the tower being renamed in his honour. Marianne Schmidt also played a key role by securing an additional donation from Berliner Sparkasse, though the exact sum remains unrecorded. Decades later, the tower faced fresh challenges. By the 1990s, plans to install mobile phone antennas sparked a clash between heritage campaigners and telecom companies. A compromise was finally reached in 2003, allowing limited installations while preserving the tower’s historic character. Meanwhile, the 'Save the Von Dutches Tower Initiative' and the city worked together to restore the landmark, culminating in its reopening in 1989. Beyond its history, the tower has long been a gathering place. The Naurod registry office even opened a branch at the nearby Mountains Inn, letting couples exchange vows with a view of the surrounding hills.
The Wilhelm von Maur Tower now stands as both a historical monument and a living part of the community. Its survival through fire, restoration, and modern disputes reflects the dedication of those who value its place in the landscape. For visitors, it continues to offer not just a viewpoint, but a connection to the Taunus region’s past and present.
