The original 1855 tower was a favorite vantage point for Napoleon III while he lived in exile at the nearby Arenenberg Castle.
The current tower was financed through private donations and a local association rather than state funding.
Its design uses a 'dia-grid' structure to ensure stability while maintaining a slender profile.
The viewing platform offers a 360-degree panorama that spans three countries: Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.
The height of the tower was specifically calculated to rise above the surrounding tree canopy to restore the original historic sightlines.
The structure consumes no electricity, relying entirely on natural light and ventilation.
The 208 steps are designed as an open-lattice staircase, offering a transparent view downward for those without a fear of heights.
The Napoleonturm Hohenrain is a 36-meter-high steel observation tower located in the municipality of Wäldi, near Kreuzlingen. It serves as a modern architectural tribute to a historic wooden tower built by Napoleon III in 1855, which stood on the same hill to provide views of his estate at Arenenberg. The current structure, opened in 2017, features a helical staircase with 208 steps leading to a viewing platform 30 meters above ground level. Visitors can see the Bodensee, the Hegau volcanic hills, and the Swiss Alps from the summit. The tower is constructed from local FSC-certified wood and steel, emphasizing sustainability and regional materials. It is managed by a local association that maintains the site as a landmark for regional tourism and history. The surrounding area remains a rural landscape characterized by agricultural fields and orchards. It provides a strategic vantage point for observing the geography of the Thurgau canton and cross-border regions of Germany.
The highest platform for a panoramic shot of Lake Constance, or the base of the tower to capture its geometric architecture against the sky.
Check wind conditions before visiting, as the exposed platform can become very breezy.
Bring binoculars to identify specific peaks in the distant Swiss Alps.
Visit during clear, crisp days following a rainstorm for the best visibility across the Bodensee.
Attempting to climb if you have a significant fear of heights, as the staircase is open-grid and transparent.
Open year-round, but may close temporarily during severe weather events like ice or high-velocity storms.
Avoid running on the metal stairs; keep noise levels low to respect the quiet agricultural setting.
