Berger monument on the Hohenstein

The 20 meter high observation tower is located on the eastern slope of the Hohenstein, 130 meters above the Ruhr, on a particularly beautiful section of the river between Wetter and Witten. The monument made of Ruhr sandstone commemorates one of the most important Witten entrepreneurs and politicians of the early industrialization: Louis Berger.

Louis Berger (1829-1891) was not only son-in-law and biographer of entrepreneur Friedrich Harkort, but also made a name for himself as an industrialist and politician. His father, Karl Berger, was already considered a pioneer of mining and ironworks. In 1854 he founded a cast steel factory in Witten, which, under the direction of his son, developed into one of the first large industrial companies in the Ruhr. Even more: The quality of Berger's cast steel was the "basis" of the Prussian needle gun and Krupp's gun barrels. From 1865 Berger was also a member of the Prussian House of Representatives and from 1874 to 1881 a member of the Reichstag. There, too, he devoted himself to the areas of mining and industry, but also specifically to general social issues. Among other things, Berger was a co-founder and sponsor of the Witten gymnastics community, at whose suggestion the memorial was erected on the Hohenstein in 1902 - very much in the spirit of the turn of the century.

A spiral staircase inside the tower leads to the viewing platform. From here, visitors can enjoy a wonderful view over the Ruhr Valley, the Hohenstein hydroelectric power station and the long railway viaduct to the Nachtigall colliery in Muttental. The adjoining parks on the Hohenstein have always been a popular destination. Hiking and walking are just as possible here as cycling or jogging. The petting zoo and the Hohenstein game reserve with wild boar and fallow deer are particularly popular with families.