Observation tower for cranes in Borcheltsbusch, Brandenburg, Germany.
The Kranich-Beobachtungsturm Wolfgang Jähme is a 20-meter-high observation tower near Freesdorf, Germany. It offers views of the Borcheltsbusch nature reserve, a key crane gathering site. Visitors can witness cranes, geese, and eagles, especially during September and October when guided tours are available.
The Kranich-Beobachtungsturm Wolfgang Jähme is a 20-meter-high observation tower located near Freesdorf, in the Brandenburg district of Germany. It offers a panoramic view of the NSG Borcheltsbusch, a 300-hectare moorland. The tower provides vistas over fields and the sand heaps of the post-mining landscape on one side, and the Niederlausitzer Landrücken ridge on the other. This location is particularly significant during the autumn months when up to 2,000 cranes gather at the Borcheltsee and surrounding water bodies within the reed beds. The Borcheltsbusch is at the heart of the crane gathering and resting area known as the Luckauer Becken. Visitors can witness the spectacular evening arrival or morning departure of these majestic birds from the tower. Additionally, the area is home to other bird species such as bean and white-fronted geese, waders, ducks, and sea eagles. In summer, some cranes remain, and with luck, one might spot ospreys and marsh harriers. The best time to observe cranes is in September and October, with guided tours available on weekends. The tower is accessible via the road between Goßmar and Freesdorf, with parking available nearby. Note that the tower is unlit, so a flashlight is recommended for evening visits.
