Rottweil is the oldest town in Baden-Württemberg, founded by the Romans, and its old town retains colorful merchant houses and the Schwarzes Tor gate from its medieval walls; the Rottweiler dog breed takes its name from the town's butchers, who once bred cattle-driving dogs here. On its edge stands the TK Elevator Testturm, a slender concrete tower built by the elevator manufacturer to test high-speed lifts, with a public observation deck near its top reached by one of the fastest elevators in the world. The two sights sit within walking distance but represent very different eras of the town's identity.
Rottweil, Germany's oldest town founded by the Romans, pairs a well-preserved medieval old town with a striking piece of modern engineering: the TK Elevator Testturm, a 246-metre tower built to test high-speed elevators, currently the tallest structure of its kind in the world. An external glass-floored observation platform near the top, reached by one of the fastest elevators in Europe, gives panoramic views over the Black Forest, the Swabian Alb and, on very clear days, the Swiss Alps. The tower's slender, twisting concrete form contrasts with Rottweil's colourful Baroque townhouses and medieval gate towers in the old town below, and many visitors combine a walk through the historic centre with the tower visit. The elevator ride and observation deck visit itself takes about an hour, but combining it with the old town extends a visit to half a day. Clear days significantly improve the views, making weather forecasts worth checking before a visit.
| Admission | €8.50 (~$9.20) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, closed Tuesday |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Clear days for views of the Black Forest and Swabian Alb |
| Getting there | Bus 7 from Rottweil Hauptbahnhof to Testturm stop |
| Address | Testturmstraße 1, 78628 Rottweil, Germany |
Location
Testturmstraße 1, 78628 Rottweil, Germany
48.1553, 8.6383 View on map
Highlights
- 246-metre TK Elevator Testturm observation tower
- Glass-floored observation platform
- Panoramic views toward the Black Forest and Swabian Alb
- Rottweil's Baroque old town at the tower's base
Tips for visiting
- Check the weather forecast, as clear days dramatically improve the views
- Combine the tower with a walk through Rottweil's historic old town
- The tower is closed on Tuesdays, so plan visits around that
- Book tickets in advance during peak summer weekends
When to visit
Clear days give the best visibility for views of the Black Forest and Swabian Alb from the tower.
Accessibility
The tower's elevators and observation platform are wheelchair accessible.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Testturm take?
The observation deck visit takes about an hour; combining it with the old town extends the visit to half a day.
Is it worth it for kids?
Older children generally enjoy the fast elevator ride and glass-floored viewing platform, though very young children may find the height intimidating.
Is photography allowed on the observation deck?
Yes, photography is allowed on the outdoor observation platform.