Reichenturm Guide
Climb to New Heights: Discover the Reichenturm, Bautzen's Leaning Tower Guide
The Reichenturm, or Rich Tower, is one of Bautzen's most iconic landmarks. This medieval tower, known for its noticeable lean, offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Upper Lusatia region. It's a must-see for visitors seeking a historical perspective and breathtaking scenery. Originally built in the 15th century as part of the city's fortifications, the Reichenturm served as a watchtower and a fire lookout. Over time, the tower began to lean due to unstable ground conditions. Despite the lean, the tower has remained remarkably stable and continues to be a popular tourist attraction. Its distinctive tilt has earned it the nickname "The Leaning Tower of Bautzen." Visitors can climb the Reichenturm's winding staircase to reach the observation platform at the top. From there, you can enjoy unparalleled views of Bautzen's historic Old Town, the Spree River valley, and the surrounding countryside. The tower also houses a small museum that tells the story of its history and construction. While not directly related to the Reichenturm, Bautzen offers a variety of traditional Saxon cuisine. Be sure to try local specialties like Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast) or Quarkkäulchen (potato pancakes with quark).
Transportation
The Reichenturm is located in the heart of Bautzen's Old Town and is easily accessible on foot. Several bus lines stop near the Old Town, including lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100. Check local schedules for the most up-to-date information.