Kapellenberg Lookout Tower

The wooden Kapellenberg Lookout Tower stands on the highest point of the German part of the Elster Mountains. From its glazed platform at 759 metres, clear days bring a broad panorama across the Eger Basin towards Vogtland, the Ore Mountains, Slavkov Forest, the Fichtel Mountains and the Upper Palatine Forest. It is an easy half-day destination from the Czech-German borderlands, with only about 500 metres of signposted woodland walking from the nearest car park.

There is more to the summit than the view. Around the tower are traces of an early historic fortification and the ruins of St Ursula’s Chapel, which gave the mountain its name. The first wooden tower opened in 1931, was closed in 1968 and demolished in 1982. Today’s tower, designed in the spirit of the original plans, opened to visitors on 19 June 1993.

Visiting the tower

For the 2026 season, the tower is open from 3 April to 31 October, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 17:00. It remains closed in winter. Check the Kapellenberg website before setting out, especially in poor weather.

Admission

Practical information

The approach from the car park is short but follows a woodland path. Reaching the glazed viewing platform involves many stairs, so the tower is not step-free. The exposed summit can be colder and windier than the valley; sturdy footwear and an extra layer are useful even on this straightforward outing. A small exhibition inside the tower introduces the mountain and the surrounding region. Kapellenberg also lies on the long-distance Vogtland Panorama Trail.

Directions and contacts

The walkers’ car park is beside the K7845 road between Bärendorf and the B92. From there, follow the well-marked path for roughly 500 metres to the tower. Directions · 360° panorama

Address: Alte Straße, 08648 Bad Brambach / Schönberg, Germany
Phone: +49 37438 22422
Email: info@badbrambach.de
Website: kapellenberg.de