Rising 30 meters into the sky, the stone Helenenturm stands as a testament to love and remembrance. Justice Councillor Eduard Strohn erected this tower in 1858. It honored his beloved wife, Helene. We are standing before a structure steeped in history. It offers panoramic views and a poignant tale.
The Helenenturm’s story begins with a legal battle. The Strohn family fought for their right to fair ferry fees on the Ruhr River. Justice Councillor Strohn, a sharp lawyer in Berlin, took on the case against the Prussian state. After a two-year legal fight, he won. The state had to pay compensation.
Tragedy struck shortly after the victory. Helene died during childbirth. Grief-stricken, Strohn waived his legal fees. He requested that a tower be built to honor Helene and commemorate the significant legal win. The family agreed and donated the land. The Helenenturm was born.
Imagine the Witten of 1858. It was a town of fewer than 7,000 people. The industrial age was dawning. Yet, modern conveniences were unimaginable. Helene, born in 1818, was the granddaughter of Friedrich Lohmann. The company founder married Strohn in Berlin. Their happiness was shadowed by the ferry dispute back home.
Ascend the 144 steps to the observation platform. You can almost feel the echoes of the past. On a clear day, the view stretches towards Bochum and Dortmund. This vista inspired Friedrich Goebel in 1886. The photographer captured a 360-degree panorama of Witten from this very spot.
The Helenenturm has seen changes over the years. In 1909, Witten acquired the tower. It gained protected status in 1985. The tower underwent renovations from 2021 to 2023. It is now open for special occasions and guided tours.
Interestingly, a children’s home once stood nearby on Helenenberg. The Kinderheim Helenenberg opened in 1930. It served various purposes including as a lung sanatorium and a hospital for infectious diseases. Later, it returned to its role as a children’s home before being converted into apartments.
Also, the city built a water reservoir on Helenberg in 1897. Locals affectionately called it “Wasserschlösschen”. It translates to little water castle. The reservoir was demolished in 1960.
The Helenenturm is more than just a tower. It is a symbol of love, justice, and remembrance. Its stones whisper stories of a bygone era. As you descend, carry with you the tale of Helene and the legacy of her tower.