Longinusturm
A historic 1901 observation tower offering 360° views of the Münsterland, with a popular café at its base.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Enjoy views & café buzz
Longinusturm
Best Time
Enjoy views & café buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1901 observation tower offering 360° views of the Münsterland, with a popular café at its base.
"A must visit place if you are in this area, offering wonderful views and a great café."
☕ Café is your guide
The café staff direct you to the tower entrance and can answer questions about access. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Hikers & bikers welcome
A popular stopover for outdoor enthusiasts. Expect a friendly atmosphere. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Observation Deck
Top of the tower
Ascend 32 meters for breathtaking 360° views of the flat Münsterland landscape.
Historic Observation Tower
Base of the tower
A 1901 brick tower, once a telecommunications hub, now a historical landmark.
Café am Longinusturm
Base of the tower
Enjoy coffee, homemade cakes, and tarte flambée with garden seating.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Café & Tower Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Café is your guide
The café staff direct you to the tower entrance and can answer questions about access. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Hikers & bikers welcome
A popular stopover for outdoor enthusiasts. Expect a friendly atmosphere. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Dramatic skies!
Great spot for storm watching and dramatic cloud formations. :camerawithflash:
💰 Reasonable entry fee
The cost to climb the tower is very affordable. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Café is your guide
The café staff direct you to the tower entrance and can answer questions about access. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Hikers & bikers welcome
A popular stopover for outdoor enthusiasts. Expect a friendly atmosphere. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Dramatic skies!
Great spot for storm watching and dramatic cloud formations. :camerawithflash:
💰 Reasonable entry fee
The cost to climb the tower is very affordable. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Longinusturm for its breathtaking panoramic views and its charming café. The historical significance of the tower and its reasonable entry fee are also highlighted as major positives. While generally well-received, some visitors note that the experience is highly weather-dependent, and the tower's appeal is diminished on foggy or overcast days.
"I visited this place during a sightseeing tour in this area. This is an interesting historical tower (32 meters high). My understanding is that this is the highest point in the otherwise rather flat Münsterland. The café (Café am Longinusturm 18|97) at the Longinus Tower (café is in the tower itself) is a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and bikers, especially when the weather is nice, and offers excellent views from the top of the tower. The entry to the tower cost a very reasonable and the café staff will guide you to the entrance of the tower stairs.
There are seating facilities inside and outside of the café, but the best is the outside (garden area) seating (if the weather is good). The staff is very friendly and efficient. Although there were lots of customers, our order was served without a long waiting time. The coffee was great, and they also had homemade cakes and tarte flambée (Flammkuchen).
A must visit place if you are in this area."
Neil R
"Nice spot for moto 🏍️ riders catching up each other and drive joy 🤩"
ROMA SRI LANKA
"The Longinusturm is a 32-meter high observation tower on the Westerberg (188.7 m above sea level. NHN), the highest elevation of the North Westphalia-Westmünsterland situated tree mountains. It is not far from Baumberg, a peasantry of the Coesfeld commune district in Nottuln.
The tower was built by the Baumberge Association between 1897 and 1900. Baumberger's silico-lime brick, which is still quarried nearby, was used as a construction material. From the tower there is a view, for example, of Baumberge and Westphalia Bay.
The Longinusturm is named after "Doctor Longinus". This was a pseudonym for Friedrich Westhoff, a natural scientist at Baumberge, founder of Baumberge-Verein, and initiator of the tower's construction. The Longinusturm is owned by the Baumberge Association. Its inauguration ceremony took place on September 19, 1897 and its inauguration on August 5, 1900.
The Longinusturm served military purposes from 1944 to 1945, the last two years of World War II. It was confiscated on the basis of the Reich Services Act. Positioning devices (radar) for early detection of approaching enemy air force units and formations were installed on the observation deck at a height of 24 m. The command was the Luftwaffe-Nachrichten-Regiment 2 in Münster-Gremmendorf. During the advance of the Americans and the occupation of Baumberge, the tower in the northwest corner was hit by artillery."
Kerel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Longinusturm is located on the Westerberg, the highest point in the North Westphalia-Westmünsterland region. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors arrive by bicycle or on foot, as it's a popular spot for hikers and cyclists exploring the Baumberge area.
Yes, the tower is a prominent landmark in the otherwise flat Münsterland. Follow signs for the Longinusturm or the associated café, 'Café am Longinusturm 18|97'.
Public transport options might be limited directly to the tower. It's best to check local bus routes or train connections to nearby towns like Coesfeld or Nottuln and then consider a taxi or a longer walk/bike ride.
Consider approaching from different directions to capture the tower against the landscape. Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the brickwork.
The Longinusturm is a known destination for motorcycle riders and cyclists. Look for regional cycling path networks that might lead you to the Westerberg area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee to climb the Longinusturm is very reasonable, making it an affordable attraction. The café staff at the base can guide you to the entrance and provide current pricing.
The tower's opening hours are often tied to the operating hours of the café at its base. It's advisable to check the café's schedule, especially outside of peak tourist season, to ensure access to the tower.
No, advance booking is generally not required for the Longinusturm. Tickets can typically be purchased on-site at the café.
There are no specific age restrictions mentioned for climbing the tower, but visitors should be able to manage the stairs. Parents should supervise young children.
Access to the tower may be restricted during severe weather conditions for safety reasons. It's always a good idea to check conditions or call ahead if you're traveling specifically to climb the tower.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is climbing the 32-meter observation tower for panoramic views of the Münsterland. You can also relax at the café, enjoy homemade cakes, and take in the surrounding landscape.
From the top, you get a 360-degree view of the Münsterland region. On clear days, you can see for miles across the relatively flat terrain, offering a unique perspective of Westphalia.
Absolutely! The tower itself is photogenic, and the panoramic views from the top are excellent for landscape photography. It's also a great spot for capturing dramatic skies, especially during storms.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the café located at the base of the tower.
Built between 1897 and 1900, the Longinusturm is a historic observation tower named after Friedrich Westhoff. It also served military purposes during WWII as a radar station.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The café offers coffee, homemade cakes, and tarte flambée (Flammkuchen). It's a popular spot for hikers and cyclists to refuel.
The café's operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their specific opening times, especially if visiting during the off-season or on weekdays.
While there are seating facilities at the café, it's generally expected that visitors will patronize the café if they are dining. However, for a quick snack during a hike, it might be acceptable in designated areas.
Reviews suggest that the café offers good value for money, with reasonable prices for coffee and food.
Yes, the café features outdoor seating, particularly a garden area, which is highly recommended when the weather is good.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers beautiful light for photographing the tower and the surrounding landscape. Dramatic skies, especially during storms, also make for striking shots.
You can capture wide-angle landscape shots from the observation deck, architectural photos of the historic brick tower, and candid shots of visitors enjoying the café and views.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's essential to check current airspace rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the vicinity of the tower.
A wide-angle lens is great for the panoramic views. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots. Consider a tripod if you plan to shoot during low light or capture long exposures of the landscape.
Photography is generally permitted inside the tower, but be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage. The stairwell itself can also make for interesting photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families: Ensure children are supervised closely on the tower stairs. Pack some extra snacks or drinks, though the café is well-equipped. The open space around the tower can be good for a short run-around, but always be mindful of cyclists and other visitors. The reasonable entry fee makes it an accessible family activity.
🚴 Cyclists & Bikers
Tips for cyclists: Plan your route to include the Longinusturm as a scenic break. The café offers refreshments and a place to relax. The tower climb itself is a good way to stretch your legs after a ride. Many riders appreciate the camaraderie found at this popular biker hangout.
🚶 Hikers & Nature Lovers
Hiking advice: Wear comfortable shoes for the climb up the tower and for any trails you plan to explore. The café is a convenient place to start or end a hike, offering sustenance and a place to rest. Consider visiting on a clear day to maximize the visual experience from the top.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
During the final years of World War II, from 1944 to 1945, the Longinusturm was repurposed for military use. Radar positioning devices were installed on the observation deck, serving as an early warning system for approaching enemy aircraft. This strategic role highlights a different facet of the tower's past. Despite being hit by artillery during the American advance, the tower has endured, a silent witness to historical events.
Today, the Longinusturm is owned by the Baumberge Association and continues to serve as a popular destination. Its blend of historical significance and scenic beauty makes it a compelling site for visitors interested in local heritage and panoramic vistas. The tower's resilience and its transformation from a wartime post to a tourist attraction add layers to its story.
The Café Experience
Visitors rave about the quality of the offerings, particularly the coffee and homemade cakes. The tarte flambée (Flammkuchen) is also a popular choice. While there's seating inside, the garden area is the preferred spot for many, especially on pleasant weather days, allowing guests to soak in the surroundings.
Even when busy, the service is prompt, ensuring that visitors can quickly get back to their activities or enjoy a leisurely break. The café's presence significantly enhances the appeal of the Longinusturm, making it a complete destination for a day out in the Münsterland.
Capturing the Views: Photography Tips
Golden hour is particularly magical here. The soft light of early morning or late afternoon can illuminate the landscape beautifully, creating depth and warmth in your photos. The relatively flat terrain means you can capture vast horizons, and on clear days, the visibility extends for miles. Don't miss the chance to photograph dramatic cloud formations; the tower has been noted as an excellent spot for storm watching, offering a dramatic backdrop.
When shooting from the top, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the full 360-degree panorama. For architectural shots of the tower, a standard zoom lens will be versatile. Remember to check for any specific photography guidelines or restrictions, especially if considering drone usage, which requires adherence to local airspace regulations.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit