Curious about a tower that straddles city limits? That’s the Lugturm. It is located on the border between Dresden and Heidenau. Despite being in Heidenau, it is often associated with Dresden.
The Lugturm stands about 210 meters high on the Lugberg. From here, you have a great view. You can see the Dresdner Elbtal slopes and even the Saxon Switzerland.
In 1880, the Gebirgsverein für die Sächsische Schweiz initiated the tower’s construction. The Niedersedlitz section of the group spearheaded the project. Karl Alexander Kirsten from Lockwitz led the building efforts. Construction began in May 1880. Amazingly, it was completed in just nine and a half weeks. The Lugturm was inaugurated on August 18, 1880.
The Lugturm is about 13 meters high. It is a stone structure. Today, it is a protected monument.
Back then, 14 workers helped build the Lugturm. There were six masons, four stonecutters, and four other craftsmen. They used 17,800 bricks and 27 square meters of sandstone. The sandstone came from Rottwerndorf, Neundorf, and Cotta.
A wooden hall was built next to the Lugturm in 1880. In 1881, they got a license to serve drinks there. In 1898, the Gebirgsverein bought the land. They laid the foundation for a large mountain inn in October. The inn opened in 1899. It was named Gasthaus Lugturm.
Before World War II, the Lugturm was a popular destination. However, it had to close in 1938 because it was dilapidated.
Near the Lugturm, there were once two restaurants. One was the Gasthaus Lugturm. The other was the Lugschänke, dating back to the 14th century. The Gasthaus Lugturm continued operating as a restaurant and dance venue after the war.
Later, a textile company used the property as a children’s holiday camp. After two fires, it closed. The building was torn down in the early 1990s.
After 1945, the Elbtalwerke from Heidenau took over the buildings. They used it as an apprentice dormitory. The dormitory and restaurant closed in 1990. Shortly after, they burned down and were demolished.
Since February 2017, the Genschmar family has been leasing the property. They are working to restore it. Their goal is to bring the Lugturm back to its former glory. They also want to make it accessible to visitors again.
In 2020, the tower’s renovation began. A small sales hut now operates near the tower. The Lugturm’s story is one of dedication. It highlights community and the revival of a cherished landmark. The Lugturm is a testament to resilience.