Felixturm

Gazing up at the Felixturm, one might hear whispers of its intriguing past. The Felixturm stands proudly on Schafberg hill, a silent observer of the Hüttertal valley’s history. Built in 1824, the Felixturm wasn’t intended as a simple monument. It was a gift, a personal observatory commissioned by Baron Johann Wilhelm von Gutschmid for his son, Felix. The tower, constructed from weathered Granodiorite, became a focal point in the landscape. The Hüttertal valley, largely used for grazing, offered unobstructed views, making the Felixturm visible for miles. It wasn’t long before its unique charm attracted attention. In 1839, a mountain inn opened near the tower, offering respite and refreshment to visitors. This inn thrived, serving guests until 1965. The Felixturm’s strategic location also caught the eye of surveyors. During the Kingdom of Saxony’s land survey (1862-1890), a 1.20-meter observation pillar was added to the tower in 1865. This served as a key trigonometric point in the Royal Saxon triangulation network. Over the years, the Felixturm changed hands, each owner adding a chapter to its story. Wilhelm Würdig, a Radeberg master builder, oversaw its restoration. Later, Hermann Alexander Zeis, husband of Agathe Zeis (the founder of Heinrichsthaler Milchwerke and producer of Germany’s first Camembert), acquired the tower. A restaurant was established at the Felixturm by 1885, further solidifying its role as a local gathering place. Tragedy struck in 1918 when a lightning strike caused the tower to burn. Despite rebuilding efforts, the upper section had to be removed in 1930 due to instability. The Felixturm’s connection to the stars was renewed in the mid-20th century. Erich Bär, an amateur astronomer, used the tower to establish Radeberg’s first public observatory. It served the community and local schools until 1964. After further damage and disuse, the Felixturm found new life in 1978 when it returned to private ownership. The new owner lovingly restored the tower, even reconstructing the top. Today, the Felixturm stands as a testament to its enduring legacy, a blend of scientific pursuit, community spirit, and historical resilience.