Mäuseturm (Donnersberger Warte)

The Mäuseturm, also known as the Donnersberger Warte, is located outside the city at an elevation of approximately 384 m between the Marsberg districts of Obermarsberg and Giershagen. The 13-meter-high round tower, with a diameter of 4.60 meters and walls 1 meter thick, is visible from afar. There are remnants of a ring wall in front of the tower.

This tower was used to monitor traffic on the long-distance trade route known as the “Frankfurter Weg.” It is very likely that a toll had to be paid here. This was quite common in the High Middle Ages. In particular, this must be viewed in connection with the trading post at Steppel. All transported goods had to be offered for sale here. This was the only way for Obermarsberg to control long-distance trade and profit from it, since the trade route itself turned toward Glindegrund and did not pass through Obermarsberg.

The name “Mäuseturm” derives from the Middle High German word “mûsen,” which means to peer or lie in wait. It may also come from the Old High German word “muta,” which means road toll.

Parking at the tower and climbing it are possible at any time.