“Tankturm,” it’s called now. The Bahnwasserturm stands before you. It’s more than just a tower. It’s a piece of Heidelberg’s history. It supplied water to steam locomotives. Now, it’s a cultural venue.
This Bahnwasserturm played a vital role. It supported Heidelberg’s bustling railway operations. Think back to the age of steam. Over 40 locomotives needed water. The Bahnwasserturm delivered it efficiently.
In December 1927, Heidelberg celebrated a new railway depot. This depot hosted more than 40 steam locomotives. The entire project cost around 3.9 million Reichsmark. About 120 companies contributed to its construction. Even though incomplete, the Bahnwasserturm was a landmark. People saw it as a special feature of the railway complex.
Before this tower, a smaller reservoir existed. Built in 1907, it held 500 cubic meters of water. It fed locomotives and workshops. Once the Bahnwasserturm was ready, the depot became self-sufficient.
After the war, its annexes transformed. They became training workshops. Apprentices learned to be mechanics and electricians here. The Bahnwasserturm’s water tank remained active until the 1970s. Steam power faded. The tower lost its original purpose. The workshops relocated in the 1980s. The Bahnwasserturm stood empty, a silent giant. In 1989, it gained protection as a historical monument.
Fast forward to 2014. The Heidelberg architecture firm AAg bought the Bahnwasserturm. They paid 400,000 euros. They transformed it into a space for culture, art, and conferences. The KlangForum Heidelberg uses it for rehearsals and concerts. In 2016, the Bahnwasserturm won an award. It received the Baden-Württemberg monument protection prize.
Look closely at the architecture. The central tower rises 30 meters high. It has a square shape and a tent roof. Two-story extensions flank the tower. The exterior features exposed brickwork. A concrete base supports the structure. Originally, clocks adorned all four sides of the tower. The water tank held 333 cubic meters. Its water level reached 27 meters. The side wings once housed workshops and offices. There was equipment for charging batteries. There were compressors for gas and air. A transformer resided in the basement.
The renovation finished in December 2015. It took one and a half years. Architects preserved the building’s character. They kept the brickwork untouched. The stone base and window sills remain. The roof structure stays exposed. New insulation and roofing protect it. A central staircase connects all floors. An elevator provides accessibility. Steel stairs link spaces within the tower. New balconies offer views.
Today, the Bahnwasserturm is reborn. It’s a blend of old and new. This former water tower now echoes with music and ideas. It stands as a testament to Heidelberg’s industrial past and cultural present. The Bahnwasserturm is a reminder that even the most utilitarian structures can find new life as spaces for art and community.