Back in 1905, five commoners founded the Bismarck Tower Association in order to erect a tower in honour of Otto von Bismarck.
Probably the longest ever construction phase of a Bismarck Tower
In 1914, construction work started pursuant to the plans of the architect Wilhelm Kreis, who had already designed several Bismarck towers. Proceeds from a summer festival organised in the Luitpold Park for this very purpose were used for funding. On 30 July 1915, Bismarck’s death anniversary, the foundation stone for the tower was laid. Due to the beginning of World War I, construction work was discontinued and finally resumed only after the end of the war in 1926. The tower was completed in 1928.
In World War II, the tower was used for air surveillance. After the end of the war, the tower was closed and the entry walled up. The tower was not reopened until 1986, after interior construction. Climbing up the stairs is worthwhile, the platform on top gives a wonderful view of the entire town.
Editorial tips on the Bismarck Tower
The Bismarck Tower is one of the many landmarks erected in honour of the Iron Chancellor. He turned the resort town into a political pilgrimage destination and brought thousands of guests. He even acknowledged Bad Kissingen publicly and thus promoted the resort town far beyond city limits:
In addition to God, I owe my good health to my personal doctor Schweninger and Bad Kissingen. I feel at home here, I love Bad Kissingen and I consider it my home.