Overlooking Würzburg’s old town sits the Bismarckwäldchen a natural monument on the Steinberg hill. It’s also known as Steinbergsanlagen am Bismarckturm. This green space offers respite and stunning views.
The Bismarckwäldchen improves the city’s climate. It provides locals with recreational opportunities. Walking paths invite relaxed strolls. A playing field offers space for games. A scenic viewpoint rewards with panoramic vistas. Joggers love the trails winding through the woods.
Until the 1870s this hilltop was barren. Then the Würzburg Beautification Association began planting walnut trees. They created an avenue stretching 2.5 kilometers from Lindleinsberg to Steinberg. From 1876 to about 1904 the high plateau became a woodland. Alleys connect the small forest with other green spaces.
In 1905 the Bismarck Tower was inaugurated within the park. From its height one enjoys sweeping views. See the city and the surrounding hills spread out before you. Nearby stands the Morelli Bank a semicircular stone bench dating back to 1907. Originally 14 sightlines to the city were planned. Few of these remain today. Since August 11 1943 the Bismarckwäldchen has been a designated natural monument. This protected area covers approximately 6.7 hectares.
The mixed woodland is rich in plant life. Hardy native trees were specifically chosen for planting. You’ll find maple beech spruce black pine oak ash elm chestnut elder snowball trees ivy birch and robinia. Evergreen conifers once made up about 30% of the forest. Numerous songbirds populate the area including the whitethroat red-backed shrike nightingale pheasant green woodpecker middle spotted woodpecker and wryneck. Bats also call the Bismarckwäldchen home.
Interestingly the Bismarckwäldchen boasts Germany’s largest tree hazel stand. Though edible their hazelnuts are often consumed by weevils before they fall. In the decades after World War II a small kidney-shaped concrete pool was built for amphibians. It still exists today hidden away.
Until the 1950s park rangers patrolled the Bismarckwäldchen. They wore blue uniforms and caps adorned with the city’s coat of arms. Only the rangers’ weather shelter remains today. Built in 1929/1930 northwest of the Bismarck Tower the brick building is dilapidated. Except for the roof restored by the garden department. Due to repeated vandalism it is now closed. The entrance is at the building’s rear.
Originally an alpine hut with a rock garden and stream was planned instead of the weather shelter. The Beautification Association still possesses these detailed plans. However the project was never realized.
Today the Bismarck Tower within the Bismarckwäldchen is a reminder of history. Though the tower has been closed to visitors since the 1970s the surrounding area invites exploration. Take a walk enjoy the nature and discover the unique beauty of this natural monument high above Würzburg.