Refurbished Soestwarte open again

Mayor Michael Gerdhenrich and representatives of the city council celebrated the successful restoration of the historic tower together with the Beckum Bauknechte and other supporters. The fox group from the nearby forest daycare centre also paid a curious visit to the Soestwarte.

A landmark in new splendour

Following a thorough renovation, the Soestwarte is once again an attractive excursion destination on the Höxberg. The exterior façade was completely renewed after defective joints and frost damage had led to cracks in the masonry. The supporting structure of the old wooden staircase was also badly damaged, meaning that it could no longer be used. As a repair was not possible and a new wooden structure would not have been economical, a durable steel spiral staircase was installed, which now enables safe access.

"I would like to thank the Beckumer Bauknechte and other sponsors for their outstanding commitment. You can see the great identification with the building," explained Mayor Michael Gerdhenrich at the photo session. Franz-Josef Möllers in turn thanked the Bauknechte, who have collected donations for the tower over the years with the barrel organ.

Several specialised companies were involved in the renovation. In addition to the façade and staircase renovation, painting, bricklaying and natural stone work was also carried out by local companies. Unfortunately, the schedule could not be adhered to due to the insolvency of one of the companies involved. All the greater is the joy of all those involved now that the tower can be climbed again - with an impressive view into the distance.

Tourist significance for Beckum

The Soestwarte is not only an important monument to regional history, but also a popular destination for hikers, families and day trippers. As a striking vantage point on the Höxberg, it combines the experience of nature, urban history and far-reaching views. With the renovation, Beckum has regained an important tourist highlight that attracts both locals and visitors and further strengthens the attractiveness of the local recreation area.

In order to improve visitor information, the Beckumer Bauknechte are planning to sell the dismantled wooden steps. The proceeds will go towards new signage for the platform. In future, visitors will be able to see at a glance how far it is to Berlin (400 kilometres) or the twin town of Heringsdorf (430 kilometres) - even if the view is not quite that far, of course.

Costs, funding and donations:

• Façade renovation: 118,000 euros, of which around 40,000 euros in funding from a special LWL monument protection programme
• Staircase: 168,000 euros
• Interior refurbishment: 21,000 euros
• Total costs: 307,000 euros
• The Bruderschaft der Beckumer Bauknechte are supporting the renovation with 30,000 euros. A further 10,000 euros were pledged at the site visit.
  
  

Soestwarte on the Höxberg

• First mentioned in a document in 1464 as part of the Beckumer Landwehr defence system established in the 14th century
• served to secure the town and the surrounding fields and pastures
• Original height: 11.20 metres; today 23.30 metres after the extension in 1889
• Diameter: 5.80 metres; wall thickness: 1 metre (0.5 metres at the top)
• Platform diameter: 5 metres; battlements in the style of German castle romanticism
• 1955: Removal of the tower room and the gallery, demolition of the old cottage, construction of a hotel

• Today: observation tower and main triangle point for surveying technology

Öffnungszeiten:
Der Turm ist von Anfang April bis Ende September täglich von 9 bis 20 Uhr geöffnet. In der anderen Jahreshälfte schließt der Turm bereits um 17 Uhr.