Lost views hide a story. Let me tell you about the Elfbuchenturm. It stands tall but currently closed. This tower has a rich history. It is located on the Elfbuchen. This mountain spur marks the border between Bad Wilhelmshöhe and Harleshausen.
The Elfbuchen itself is a fascinating place. It is a northern offshoot of the Bachberg. The Bachberg is part of the Hoher Habichtswald. The Elfbuchen rises to about 535 meters. It is known for the Elfbuchenturm and the Waldhotel Elfbuchen. The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is nearby. It features the Kassel Hercules statue. Also nearby is the Schloss Wilhelmshöhe. Do not forget the famous Kassel water features.
The Elfbuchenturm has an interesting past. It was built in 1879. The Verschönerungsverein zu Cassel, a local beautification association, constructed it. They used basalt tuff stones from the Habichtswald. The tower was inaugurated on September 18, 1879. Back then, the views were much clearer. You could see the Hercules monument from the Elfbuchen. This was possible without even climbing the tower. Old photos confirm this. This lasted until the early 20th century.
The Elfbuchenturm’s height is often stated as 15 meters. But if you measure from the base at 535 meters to the observation platform at 551.3 meters, it is actually 16.3 meters tall. Sadly, trees have grown so tall, they now block the view from the platform. Nowadays, only glimpses through the branches are possible.
An amateur radio relay station DB0XE operates from the tower. It has an FM antenna on top.
Close to the Elfbuchenturm is the Waldhotel Elfbuchen. Here you can find a café restaurant and a guesthouse. There is also a beer garden. Originally, refreshments were served in a simple wooden hut. Eleven young beech trees surrounded it. Only one of those original trees remains today. When a flag flew on the tower, the people of Kassel knew the hut was open. Later, a more robust structure replaced the hut. Guests could brew their own coffee there. Over time, a restaurant and then the modern Waldhotel Elfbuchen developed.
In winter, the Elfbuchen offers some fun. A former ski slope runs steeply downhill. It leads to the Wurmbergsattel. Today, it is used by sledders.
To reach the Elfbuchenturm, you can start from the Hercules monument. Several forest paths lead to the mountain spur. A pleasant circular walk is about 3 kilometers long. You can walk along the eastern path towards Kassel. For the return, take the western path. Enjoy views of meadows and pastures towards the Essigberg. On certain days, you can even take a horse-drawn carriage from the Hercules monument to the Elfbuchen and back.
Though currently closed, the Elfbuchenturm remains a landmark. It reminds us of a time when its views were unobstructed. It stands as a testament to Kassel’s history and natural beauty. A beacon waiting to be rediscovered.