Gasbehälter

Hidden within Augsburg, the Gasbehäter stands as a monument to a bygone era. What secrets does this industrial giant hold? The Gasbehälter, or gas holder, began its life in 1954. It was a vital part of Augsburg’s energy infrastructure. This impressive structure, towering 84 meters high, is a MAN Scheiben-Gasbehäter, a disc-type gas holder. The Gasbehälter stored the city’s gas supply until 2001. It played a crucial role in keeping Augsburg warm and powered. Today, the Gasbehälter offers a unique perspective on the city. A viewing platform at its top provides a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Augsburg metropolitan area. The Gaswerk Augsburg itself is a remarkable site. Almost all of the original buildings from its construction in 1915 are still standing. They survived WWII unscathed and now enjoy protected status as historical landmarks. These include the entrance, residential buildings, the official’s villa, the administrative building, a garage, the furnace house, the holder tower, the electrical center, the cooling house, the apparatus house, the purifier, and the workshop. The former electrical center now houses the Gaswerksmuseum. Here, you can delve deeper into the history of Augsburg’s gas supply. You’ll find fascinating exhibits like a six-cylinder MAN oil engine originally built for a U-boat in 1918 and a 16-cylinder MAN ship engine from 1958. Both served as emergency power generators. The Gasbehälter and the Gaswerk Augsburg offer a glimpse into the city’s industrial past and a unique vantage point to appreciate its present. The Gaswerk, with its preserved buildings and captivating museum, is a testament to Augsburg’s commitment to preserving its heritage. This industrial site, once a hub of energy production, now stands as a unique landmark and a must-see for any visitor to Augsburg.