The watchtower above the town of Nierstein, located north of the Red Slope, is the highest vantage point in the vineyards, offering an outstanding panoramic view over Nierstein to Donnersberg, the Hessian Mountain Road, the Taunus, Wiesbaden, Mainz, and the Rhine-Main area. The stones used to build it came from the demolished Königsstuhl between Nierstein and Lörzweiler, where in 1024 the assembly of princes elected Conrad II as the first Salian king on the German throne.
Origin of the watchtower: Medieval signal tower from the 12th century. The watchtower has a height of 10.2 m including the parapet.
The watchtower is the landmark of Nierstein. Originating from a medieval signal tower, it served winegrowers for a long time as an observation and command center for the annual starling defense. This function was slowly lost during the period of European wine laws and measures to regulate quantities.
In recent times, the structure has been rediscovered as a tourist attraction and has been replastered and spruced up by enterprising Nierstein residents in a laborious process. The fact that the beauty of the tower can also be appreciated at night is largely thanks to the Nierstein Watchtower Friends, whose commitment made it possible to install lighting on the tower. It is accessible to the public, and the key is available from the Nierstein municipal administration.
During the annual May 1 hike, as well as other wine festivals and vineyard tours, the watchtower is a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and wine lovers.
