Heideturm

Observation tower in the Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide, Brandenburg, Germany.

Heideturm is an observation tower located in the Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide, a significant natural area in Brandenburg, Germany. The region, once a Soviet army bombing range, is now managed by the Federal Real Estate Agency. It features diverse flora and fauna, including protected plant species and numerous bird species.

Heideturm is an observation tower situated in the Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide, a nationally significant natural area in the northwest of Brandenburg, Germany. This region was historically used by the Soviet army as a bombing range until 1993. Today, it is managed by the Bundesanstalt für Immobilienaufgaben (Federal Real Estate Agency) and is designated as an FFH (Flora-Fauna-Habitat) area. The heathland is characterized by extensive Calluna heather fields, pine forests, and sand birch stands, supporting a variety of protected plant species such as Scharlach-Becherflechte and Moosbartflechte. It is also home to 79 bird species, including woodpeckers, bramblings, and sea eagles, and even a wolf has been recorded in the area. To maintain biodiversity, controlled burns are conducted annually on 50 to 150 hectares. Due to the presence of up to 1.5 million unexploded ordnances, access to parts of the heath is restricted. However, visitors can explore the southern part under specific guidelines and through guided tours, offering a unique opportunity to experience this diverse and historically rich landscape.