Luitpold Tower

The Luitpold Tower stands on the 610 meter high Weißenberg, which belongs to the district of Merzalben. From the 30 meter high tower, whose viewing terrace can be reached via 184 steps, you can enjoy a magnificent 360° panoramic view of the Palatinate Forest Nature Park. With good visibility you can look out into the Rhine valley, across to neighboring France, into Alsace and the Vosges. The sweeping ridge of the Donnersberg can be seen in the north. Since July 2002, 12 orientation plaques on the platform have been showing the location of prominent targets. Inside the tower (fireplace room) and in front of it there are several cozy seating areas that invite you to rest and linger.

In 1907 the Palatinate Forest poet Fritz Claus had the idea to build a square tower in honor of the then Prince Regent Luitpold of Bavaria (1821-1912). The still young Palatinate Forest Association, of which Fritz Claus was one of the founders, was heavily involved in the planning of the tower and after significant financial support from the Prince Regent, who also took over the sponsorship, construction began in the same year using local red sandstone. After a construction period of 15 months, the tower was inaugurated on September 26th, 1909. For a long time, the tower's vestibule served as a shelter for hikers and forest workers.

Many hiking trails pass the Luitpold Tower, such as the long-distance Pfälzerwald path and the most famous PWV marking in the Graefensteiner Land, the blue and white line. The Luitpold Tower can be easily reached by car from the L496 between Johanniskreuz and Leimen/Pfalz via a narrow forest road (signposted Hermersbergerhof). Free parking is available a little below the tower.

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