Pyramidenkogel Tower — Attraction in Keutschach am See

Pyramidkogel (Pyramidenkogel) in Austria

Pyramidkogel, also known as Pyramidenkogel, is a prominent landmark in Carinthia, Austria. Located near the town of Keutschach am See, this mountain is famous for its observation tower, which is one of the tallest wooden structures of its kind in the world.

The Tower: The Pyramidkogel Tower stands at an impressive height of 100 meters (328 feet) and was officially opened in 2013. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Lake Wörthersee, the Julian Alps, and the surrounding Carinthian countryside. The tower is made primarily of wood, using larch and spruce, combined with steel to enhance its structural integrity. The unique spiral design adds to its aesthetic appeal, making it a popular attraction for both tourists and locals.

Attractions and Activities: Visitors to Pyramidkogel can ascend the tower either by elevator or by climbing the 441 steps to the top. At the top, an observation deck provides breathtaking views. For those seeking a bit of adventure, there is a slide that spirals down the inside of the tower, offering a thrilling descent.

In addition to the tower, the area around Pyramidkogel is ideal for hiking, offering various trails that provide scenic views of the natural beauty of the region. The proximity to Lake Wörthersee makes it a popular destination for summer activities, including swimming, boating, and picnicking.

Cultural Significance: Pyramidkogel is not just a modern tourist attraction; it has cultural significance as well. The original observation tower was built in the 1950s, and over the decades, the site has become a symbol of the region, representing both its natural beauty and its commitment to sustainable tourism.

Accessibility: The site is easily accessible by car, and there is ample parking available. For those using public transportation, buses run from nearby towns, including Velden and Klagenfurt. The area around Pyramidkogel is well-equipped for visitors, with facilities including a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and information centers providing details about the tower and surrounding attractions.

In summary, Pyramidkogel is a must-visit destination in Carinthia, offering stunning views, exciting activities, and a glimpse into the natural and cultural heritage...

In 2013, the reconstructed viewing tower was opened on the summit of Pyramidenkogel, at 851 metres above sea level. At 100 metres tall, it is the highest wooden viewing tower in the world. The construction comprises 16 immense, elliptically arranged, larch glulam supports and 80 diagonal steel braces. The actual structure is 67 metres high. Resting on this is the tower head with the two highest viewing platforms and the ‘Sky Box’. The ‘Sky Box’ (on the 9th floor) is entirely glazed, giving it protection from the elements. At a height of nearly 71 metres, you will find the highest viewing platform, while the largest of the three viewing platforms can be found at a height of 64.16 metres. With its 18-metre tall aerial, the building is exactly 100 metres high. The viewing tower was designed by Klagenfurt architects Markus Klaura and Dietmar Kaden. Whilst climbing up the 441 steps or during a ride in the panoramic lift, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Carinthia’s wonderful lakes and mountains. The lift transports up to 20 people at a time to a height of 70 metres. From a height of 52 metres within the viewing tower, Europe’s tallest indoor tunnel slide shoots down 120 metres to the ground floor. Speeds of up to 25 km/h can be reached on the 20-second ride. On the ground floor on the main tower building, there is a restaurant which serves national and international dishes, the ticket sales office and a souvenir shop. In the outdoor area there is a spacious playground to entertain the little ones. It has a large climbing frame with slide, as well as some swings and a hill in which a tunnel system is hidden. At the end of the terrace there is a playhouse for very...

beautiful architectural design in itself! sitting on top of a steep hill climb. i have been to many "observation" tower/platform from the Eiffel tower, to the top of st. peter's basilica, to Jinmao tower in Pudong, what i appreciated most about the Pyramid is that there are multiple decks and none of them is completely enclosed in with glass panels or fences (would be kind of unimaginable in the US due to the risk of massive lawsuit in case of someone jumping off! 🙄😁) therefore, not only do you have an unobstructed panorama view of the lakes, the alps, the meadows and villages, you also can feel the breeze and fresh air. to my surprise, there is an slide with which you can opt to slide back down. but in order to get more of this breathtaking view and get more fresh air, we opted to walk down the stairs ... unlike many staircases i had climbed before, this one is wide and with very easy steps to negotiate. there are even benches in the middle floors where you can stop and look out again. i was very impressed with architecture itself and many details incorporated to offer convenience and comfort to the visitors. a must stop if you happen to be...