Pyramidenkogel

Pyramidenkogel is the name of a mountain and a viewing tower in Carinthia, Austria. The mountain is 851 metres high and is located near the Wörthersee lake. The tower is 100 metres tall and is made of wood and steel. It is the highest wooden observation tower in the world. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding lakes and mountains.

Facts about Pyramidenkogel:

• The mountain is 851 metres high and is located near the Wörthersee, a lake popular for recreation and water sports.
• The mountain is a linguistic boundary between German and Slovenian speakers. In Slovenian, the mountain is called Jedvovca.
• The first observation platform was built in 1950, along with a cross to commemorate the victims of the two world wars and the mountains.
• The first tower was built between 1966 and 1968 and was 54 metres tall. It was a futuristic and avant-garde design that attracted millions of visitors. It was demolished in 2012 to make way for a new tower.
• The current tower was completed in 2013 and is 100 metres tall. It is the tallest wooden observation tower in the world and has a unique shape of stacked ellipses. It also features a 360-degree panoramic slide and a 360-degree panoramic fly from the top of the tower.
• The tower has various attractions, such as a sky box, a turmlauf, and a restaurant. It also hosts events and festivals throughout the year.
• The tower is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm in winter and from 9 am to 9 pm in summer. The admission prices vary depending on the age and group size of the visitors. The slide and the fly have additional fees and height requirements.

The mountain is called Pyramidenkogel in German, but in the neighboring country of Slovenia, which is just ten miles to the south, it is known as Jedvova. At the summit of the mountain stands a magnificent wooden spire, reaching a height of 328 feet, equivalent to approximately 32 stories. This impressive structure features a viewing platform at its peak, allowing visitors to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. Additionally, there is a delightful tower restaurant where one can indulge in a delicious meal while taking in the surrounding scenery. As an added bonus, an exciting spiral slide is available for those seeking a thrilling descent from the top.

The current tower is not the original one. The first one was built in 1950, and it was a rickety version that included a commemorative cross. This cross was meant to honor the soldiers who lost their lives in both World Wars, as well as the anonymous and mysterious “Opfer des Berges” or Victims of the Mountain.

In 1968, a more robust replacement was erected, standing at approximately half the height of the current structure. The design had a mid-century modern aesthetic reminiscent of the futuristic style seen in the Jetsons. It remained functional and served its purpose effectively for the following four decades. In 2008, a contest was launched for a new design, but unfortunately, it ended in a dramatic implosion. After several years of sorting out the funding, the construction of the new one was finally completed in 2013.

Pyramidenkogel is located in close proximity to the charming resort village of Maria Wörth, situated along the picturesque southern banks of the renowned Wörthersee, also known as Lake Wörth. The act of reaching into the sky has gained immense popularity across all three towers. However, if you visit the summit at present, you can make use of the new slide, which happens to be Europe’s longest at over 200 feet, to descend back to Earth.

Located just a 30-minute drive from Klagenfurt, this awe-inspiring structure is definitely worth the journey. Pyramidenkogel offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Austrian Alps and Lake Worthersee. As an added bonus, once you have finished marveling at the stunning scenery, you can enjoy a thrilling descent down the tower using the 120m long slide, reaching speeds of up to 25km/hour.

The admission fees are as follows: €11 for adults, €8 for students, €5.50 for children aged 6-15, and free for children under 6 years old. There is an additional charge of €4 to use the slide.