Perched atop this natural high point in Essen’s north, what stories could this Aussichtspunkt am Hallo tell if it could talk? This viewpoint offers more than just a pretty panorama. It connects us to a rich local history.
The Aussichtspunkt am Hallo marks the spot where the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Turm once stood. This neogothic tower was inaugurated on June 10, 1899. Kaiser Wilhelm I was honored with this tower. It quickly became a popular destination.
Imagine a 43-meter-high tower. It had four stories and housed a small museum. The museum displayed a collection of weapons. It also showcased keepsakes from Prussian-German history. In 1920, this collection was moved. Its whereabouts remain unknown, a true historical mystery.
A restaurant with an Art Nouveau hall was located nearby the Aussichtspunkt am Hallo. A special Halloturm March was composed especially for the tower.
The tower suffered severe damage during World War II. Sadly, it was never rebuilt. In 1971, the remains of the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Turm were blown up.
Today, the Hallopark offers old trees. It boasts Essen’s largest continuous lawn area. This covers about 33,000 square meters. There are playgrounds and a pond. The Schwarzbach stream rises from this pond.
Not far from the Aussichtspunkt am Hallo is a monument called Stein der Republik at the park’s south entrance. It features portraits of Matthias Erzberger, Friedrich Ebert, and Walther Rathenau.
From this Aussichtspunkt am Hallo you overlook a place of gatherings. Annually around 25,000 people visited the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Turm.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the tower was renovated and redecorated. The collection of weapons, uniforms and war memories were reordered. Even shoulder boards of the German army were shown. On the viewing platform, a sign was attached. It showed the areas and sights from there.
Though the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Turm is gone, the Aussichtspunkt am Hallo remains. It allows us to reflect on Essen’s past. The Aussichtspunkt am Hallo invites us to imagine the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Turm.