The Pyramidenkogel observation tower is situated at the top of the 850-meters-high Pyramidenkogel mountain, near Klagenfurt, the capital of Austria’s southernmost state Carinthia. It was completed in 2013 and it’s simply fantastic. With a total height of 100 metres, it’s the highest wooden viewing tower in the world. Height accomplishments aside, the design of the structure is itself a marvel – the helix-shaped tower is both a gorgeous work of architecture and brilliant example of structural engineering.
There’s a trio of indoor/outdoor observation decks and the view is second to none – from the Hohe Tauern in the north, to the picturesque lake valleys, to the neighbouring countries of Italy and Slovenia in the south. There are two ways to ascend the tower: lift and stairs. There is though a third way down via Europe’s longest covered slide — yes, slide — which, with a total length of 120 meters, wraps around the tower’s central core. Sliders can reach a top speed of 25 kilometres per hour.
The Pyramidenkogel observation tower is located only 55 minutes drive from the Bled area (if you go through the Karawanken Tunnel). Those who like a more winding road with nice views and want to avoid the Karawanken Tunnel toll (€7) can use the Loibl Pass instead (74 km, 1 hour 10 minutes). The tower is open in the summer months June, July and August from 09.00 to 21.00, in September from 09.00 to 20.00 and in October from 10.00 to 19.00. From November to February the Pyramidenkogel tower opens its doors to visitors from 10.00 to 17.00. The entrance is €10, slide costs €4. Go on a good day and your photos will be fabulous.
The tower is located at the top of the 850-meters-high Pyramidenkogel mountain, near Klagenfurt, the provincial capital of Carinthia in Austria.
The tower is located at the top of the 850-meters-high Pyramidenkogel mountain, near Klagenfurt, the provincial capital of Carinthia in Austria. (Photo: zeman-stahl.com)
The tower is built of wood and steel and is ranked as the tallest wooden tower in the world at 100 meters. (Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
You can see for a very wide distance on a clear day. (Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
Once on top the view is second to none. (Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
Pyramidenkogel Observation Tower is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Austria. (Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
The tower is definitely incredible! The views were amazing. (Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
Slide, elevator and staircases. (Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
Parking lot on top of the Pyramidenkogel. (Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
You can see the entire Lake Wörthersee and beyond and admire the beautiful landscape. (Image by Florian Fuchs / CC BY 3.0)
View of the Pyramidenkogel observation tower from the Johannes-Brahms-Promenade at Lake Worthersee. (Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
Construction was officially completed in 2013. The structure itself is quite amazing. (Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
Location:
Pyramidenkogel Observation Tower Address: Aussichtsturm Pyramidenkogel, Linden 62, 9074 Linden, Austria
Pyramidenkogel Observation Tower Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: 46.608056, 14.145278
Villach’s Old Town Center GPS coordinates: 46° 36′ 34.0704” N 14° 8′ 40.6464” E
Directions from Apartments Fine Stay to Pyramidenkogel Observation Tower (drive 56 km, 52 minutes)
Directions from Apartments Fine Stay Bled to Pyramidenkogel Observation Tower (drive 61 km, 55 minutes)
