The 36 metre high observation tower on the Kohlern, which was faithfully reconstructed in larch wood between 1989 and 1990, is the only one of its kind in Italy and offers an almost 360° panoramic view of the South Tyrolean mountains and the city of Bolzano.
About the history: Communiqués from the Kohlernbahn company, which provide information about the chronology of the construction of the observation towers on Stadlegg and next to the mountain station of the world's first mountain aerial cableway, Bolzano-Kohlern:
"The Kohlernbahn-Gesellschaft is having a wooden observation tower built on Stadlegg, the highest point of the Titschen. The tower is to be 16 to 17 metres high and should be completed this year."
Pustertaler Bote 4 November 1927
"The Kohlererbahn announces that it has resumed passenger and freight services as of 7 January. Now that the paths are free of snow, guests have a good opportunity to walk along the new path to the newly built observation tower on Monte Pozzo, from which the panorama is more beautiful than from the Penegal Tower."
Alpine newspaper 8.1.1928
"An observation tower in Colle": The Colle cable car management has had a 20 metre high observation tower built next to the mountain station, from which you can enjoy a delightful panoramic view. It was built by the master carpenter Franzelin in Colle from larch wood in a solid and structurally sound manner. Several staircases with a total of 116 easy-to-climb steps lead to the top. Like an open book, God's nature lies before the viewer at the top. Bolzano and its marvellous surroundings, the realm of the Adige and Isarco rivers, the eternal mountains, everywhere the eye wanders it gazes with delight at the magic of the landscape. The railway management has used this to promote Colle. Locals and visitors alike will welcome the construction of the viewing tower. In the evening hours, the light on the tower greets Bolzano like a star. The friendly Colle now has a second observation tower in addition to the existing 17 metre high one on the mountain above Colle, which has the advantage that it is only 2 minutes away from the mountain station, an advantage that will certainly be welcomed by all visitors."
Dolomites 28/06/1937
For a long time, the famous marvellous view offered by the Kohlern had more than just aesthetic value. Some people claim to have been able to see as far as Venice on a fine day from the second viewing tower on the Titschen, which was not rebuilt after the Second World War. This is probably more of a modern legend. But even if the view doesn't quite reach as far as Venice, it's always stunning. Extensive orchards and vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, framed by the gold and green of the fertile fields and pastures.