Holderlin Tower Guide
Hölderlin Tower: Where Poetry Breathes Guide
The Hölderlin Tower, or Hölderlinturm, is a charming, unassuming yellow tower nestled on the banks of the Neckar River in Tübingen. It's more than just a building; it's a poignant memorial to one of Germany's greatest poets, Friedrich Hölderlin, who spent the last 36 years of his life living within its walls. A visit here offers a unique glimpse into the life and mind of a literary genius, providing a deeply moving and intimate experience. Hölderlin, suffering from mental illness, was deemed incurable and placed under the care of the carpenter Ernst Zimmer in 1807. Zimmer and his family provided a safe and supportive environment for the poet, allowing him to continue writing and living a relatively peaceful life within the tower. The tower itself dates back to the Middle Ages and has served various purposes throughout its history, but it is forever linked to Hölderlin's residency. The Zimmer family's compassion and Hölderlin's enduring spirit are palpable within the tower's walls. Today, the Hölderlin Tower houses a museum dedicated to the poet's life and work. Visitors can explore the rooms where Hölderlin lived, view original manuscripts, and learn about his literary contributions and the circumstances of his later years. The museum offers a profound understanding of Hölderlin's poetry and the challenges he faced. The tower also hosts literary events and exhibitions, keeping Hölderlin's legacy alive. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition associated with the tower itself, exploring the nearby Altstadt (Old Town) offers opportunities to sample Swabian cuisine.
Transportation
The Hölderlin Tower is easily accessible on foot from the Tübingen city center. From the main train station (Tübingen Hauptbahnhof), you can take bus lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 826, 828, 829, 830, 831, 832, 833, 834, 835, 836, 837, 838, 841, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848, 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, 856, 857, 858, 860, 861, 862, 863, 864, 865, 866, 867, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 875, 876, 877, 878, 879, 880, 881, 882, 883, 884, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889, 890, 891, 892, 893, 894, 895, 896, 897, 898, 899, N81, N82, N83, N84, N85, N86, N87, N88, N89, N90, N91, N92, N93, N94, N95, N96, N97, N98, N99 to the "Neckarbrücke" stop and walk a short distance along the river.
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Ticket Price
Adults: €4, Reduced: €3