Bird Observation Tower on Graswarder
Located on the far-projecting peninsula Graswarder, which belongs to the Baltic seaside resort of Heiligenhafen, is an extensive natural bird reserve that is a favored site not only for ornithologists but for vacationers and other travelers as well. In order to observe birds in this unspoiled environment without disturbing them, the directors of the bird reserve wished to erect a suitable observation tower, which, thanks to its elevated location, would also provide an exceptionally good view of the entire area and would allow visitors to study details with the aid of a telescope.
The resulting wooden construction made of Siberian larch blends in well with the surrounding natural environment. As a sculpture made of beams and ledgers with diagonal bracing, it depicts a stylized figure of a sitting bird. A two-flight staircase provides access to the 15-meter high tower, which, with its glassed-in observation station, is easily able to accommodate large groups of visitors.