Giant witch's broom opens: 70 meters high and spectacular views!

Giant witch's broom opens: 70 meters high and spectacular views!

A new attraction is attracting visitors to the Harz Mountains. The world's largest witch's broom was recently opened at the Rothesütte location, not far from the Lower Saxony border. Rising to an impressive 70 meters high, this extraordinary observation tower captures the imagination and celebrates the region's history. On the viewing platform at a height of 44 meters, guests can enjoy a wonderful view of the picturesque Harz forests, lush meadows and magnificent mountains, including the Wurmberg and the Brocken. According to [ndr.de].

The 24 meter long broom handle not only has a decorative function - it is also technologically interesting because it can send and receive signals. In addition, the construction with two slides, one almost 100 meters long and another with interactive effects, ensures exciting fun. The base of the tower focuses on the myth of witches and tells the history of the region, which is rich in legends and traditions.

An impressive building

Building the witch's broom was a real challenge. The construction took over three years and was repeatedly delayed due to various external factors, such as supply bottlenecks caused by the war in Ukraine. Originally planned for spring 2024, the cost of the project ultimately amounted to around 17 million euros - an increase from the initially estimated 10 million euros. Weighing more than 450 tons and comprising around 2,600 steel parts held together by around 22,000 screws, the witch's broom is a true technical masterpiece. According to [mdr.de](https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/thueringen/nord-thueringen/nordhausen/hexenbesen- outlooksturm-harz-ellrich-100.html), the metal-braced staircases represent the broom bristles, and this construction ensures that the structure not only looks impressive from the outside, but also amazes visitors.

The challenges during construction were not insignificant. The first attempt to put the broomstick on had to be aborted due to strong winds. In addition, the onset of winter last year brought additional weather problems that delayed the work. Press spokeswoman Jessica Piper said additional steel elements, known as “broomsticks,” each weighing seven tons and measuring about six meters high, were placed on top of the structure.

The Harz in changing tourism

The opening of the Witch's Broom comes at a time when the Harz Tourism Association is calling for more support from the state in order to make the region more attractive. Around eight million overnight stays were counted in 2024, which represents a slight decrease compared to 2023. It remains to be seen how the new attraction will affect visitor numbers and whether more holidaymakers will find their way to the beautiful low mountain landscape.

Amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Harz Mountains, the Witch's Broom is a successful addition to the numerous observation towers in the region. The Austbergturm, which was built in 1984, also offers a breathtaking panoramic view and has already thrilled many hiking enthusiasts. Combined with other attractions, the new witch's broom is sure to be popular and become a magnet for day trippers and tourists wanting to explore the Harz's unique landscape. Further information about observation towers in the Harz can be found at harz-travel.de.