The tower was originally named 'Gottes-Berg-Turm' (God's Mountain Tower) to commemorate Johannes Quistorp.
Architect Franz Schwechten, who designed the tower, was also the architect behind the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin.
The tower was constructed primarily from granite and red brick to reflect the neo-Romanesque architectural style.
During the early 20th century, the site included a restaurant and a large terrace that served as a social hub for city residents.
The structure survived WWII bombings largely intact but was neglected and scavenged for building materials in the post-war decades.
In 2017, the city of Szczecin secured the site and stabilized the ruins to prevent further collapse and improve safety for visitors.
Wieża Quistorpa is a ruined 19th-century observation tower located in the Lask Arkoński forest of Szczecin, Poland. Commissioned by Martin Quistorp, it was originally built in 1900 to honor his father, the industrialist Johannes Quistorp. The structure was designed by Franz Schwechten and once featured a height of 45 meters, serving as a popular viewpoint overlooking the city. During World War II, the tower was damaged and subsequently lost its upper portion and ornate architectural features. Today, visitors can access the remaining brick foundation and base structure, which has become a landmark for local hikers and historical enthusiasts. The site is situated on a hill known as the Wzgórze Arkonskie, part of an expansive urban park network.
The view from the base of the main staircase looking upward through the archway to capture the contrast between the ruins and the forest canopy.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots, as the terrain around the ruins is uneven and can be muddy.
Bring a flashlight if you plan to explore the basement levels of the ruins safely.
Combine your visit with a longer hike through the surrounding Lask Arkoński forest trails.
Do not attempt to climb the remaining vertical walls, as they are structurally unstable and prone to loose debris.
