Kernerturm

Magnificent view

As early as 1900, District Administrator Robert Majer raved about the magnificent view from the Kirgel, Gaildorf’s striking local hill. At that time, of course, the ridge was still largely bare, offering a 360° panoramic view. It was Majer who first suggested erecting a permanent viewing tower on this hill, some 130 metres above the town.

The Gaildorf branch of the Swabian Alb Association took up this idea and decided two years later to begin construction of the tower. The result was a wooden tower approximately 12 metres high, resting on a square stone foundation. Inside, a wooden staircase with 30 steps leads up to a wooden viewing platform at a height of around seven metres.

Thanks to the great commitment of the citizens of Gaildorf, who supported the project through donations, free transport of materials to the 457.5-metre-high summit of the Kirgel, and even a charity concert by the town band, the tower was officially inaugurated on 14 September 1902.

In honour of Theobald Kerner

The tower was named in honour of Theobald Kerner. The doctor, poet and democrat was born in Gaildorf in 1817. His father, the well-known poet and doctor Justinus Kerner, served as the district medical officer in the town from 1815 to 1819.

Although the view has changed over the decades due to increasing forest growth, and the view in some directions is restricted by tree tops depending on the season, the tower remains a worthwhile destination. The unobstructed view across the ski slope down to the town, the Kochertal valley and the Limpurger Mountains rising to the north-east continues to attract numerous visitors to this day.

The Kernerturm is open on Sundays and public holidays from Easter until the end of October.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)