How about a climb to see Stuttgart from above? Right here on the Kernen stands the Kernenturm. It is a testament to Stuttgart’s history and the beautiful Schurwald.
The Kernenturm is one of the oldest observation towers in Baden-Württemberg. The Stuttgart branch of the Swabian Alb Association built it in 1896. Imagine constructing this tower for just 18,000 marks. That equates to about 9,200 Euro today. It only took four months to complete.
The tower’s location is on the Kernen mountain. The Kernen lies within the Rems-Murr district. It sits right in the middle of Kernen im Remstal, Esslingen, and Fellbach. Waldwege, or forest paths, lead to the Kernenturm. Also, the Württemberg Wine-Hiking Trail passes by it.
The Kernenturm itself is a sight. The tower rises 27 meters high. The architects Heim and Sipple from Stuttgart designed it. The company Gebrüder Mönch handled the construction. This is a tower built to last.
Notice the sandstone masonry. Admire the open platform with its historicizing battlements. A small round tower sits atop it. You can reach it via a staircase. Are you ready for the 158 steps?
In 1930, they added a shelter to the east side. It is named the Anton-Entress-Hütte. Anton Entress was an official of the Alb Association. Today, you will also find a kiosk, a rest area, and a barbecue area.
The view from the Kernenturm is stunning. Information boards help you identify landmarks. Look out over the towns in the Remstal valley. On a clear day, you can spot the Katzenbuckel in the Odenwald. That’s 79 kilometers to the northwest.
To the north, you’ll see the Löwenstein Mountains. To the northeast, the Welzheim Forest lies behind the Remstal valley. If the trees are bare, you might glimpse the “Three Kaiser Mountains” to the east. They are the Stuifen, Rechberg, and Hohenstaufen.
To the south and southwest, the Swabian Alb stretches out. Plettenberg is visible. It stands 73 kilometers away. To the west, the view extends over the Stuttgart basin. The Neckar valley and the Black Forest can also be seen.
Before you leave, consider a refreshment. A kiosk south of the Kernenturm is open Thursday through Sunday. They offer drinks and small snacks. It is the perfect way to end your visit to the Kernenturm. It’s a place where history, nature, and panoramic views meet.