The Wilhelminatoren is an observation tower located on the Vaalserberg in the Dutch municipality of Vaals. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the famous Drielandenpunt, the point where the borders of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet.
Galerie photos
Roger Martens, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
History
The first Wilhelminatoren was built in 1905 by the association “Neerlands Hoogste Berg.” It was made of wood, had six floors, and featured a flower garden and a restaurant. Named in honor of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, it suffered several damages over the years:
- In 1914, a storm destroyed its top two floors.
- In 1944, German artillery fire and a lightning strike caused further damage.
- In 1945, the tower and its restaurant were completely demolished.
A second, 20-meter-high wooden version was inaugurated in 1951 with a panoramic restaurant and various tourist facilities. Moved in 1957, it stood for several decades before being demolished in 2010-2011 due to its advanced state of disrepair.
The new Wilhelminatoren
In June 2011, a new modern 35-meter tower was inaugurated. Designed by Ruimtemakers Architectengroep, it incorporates several innovations:
- A glass skywalk offering a breathtaking view of the ground below.
- An elevator, making the climb accessible to all.
- Architecture that is more resistant to weather and wear and tear. The official inauguration took place on October 7, 2011, with a fireworks display.
Monuments and attractions nearby
- The Vliegermonument: a memorial honoring the victims of a military plane crash in 1932.
- An old border marker decorated with an imperial eagle, marking the separation between the Netherlands and Germany.
- The Koning Boudewijntoren: located on the Belgian side, this 50-meter tower has a glass elevator and offers a complementary panorama.