Berger monument on the Hohenstein

The 20-metre-high observation tower on the Hohenstein, 130 meters above the Ruhr, offers an impressive view of a picturesque stretch of river between Wetter and Witten. The Ruhr sandstone monument honors Louis Berger, an important entrepreneur and politician of the industrial age. Louis Berger (1829-1891) was not only the son-in-law of the well-known entrepreneur Friedrich Harkort, but also made a name for himself as an independent industrialist and politician. His father, Karl Berger, a pioneer in mining and the iron and steel industry, founded a cast steel factory in Witten in 1854, which grew to become one of the leading companies in the Ruhr under Louis' management. The high quality of Berger's cast steel played a central role in the Prussian percussion rifle and the Krupp guns. From 1865 to 1881, Berger was a member of the Prussian House of Representatives and the Reichstag, where he campaigned for mining, industry and social issues. The ascent to the viewing platform is via a spiral staircase in the tower, from where there are breathtaking views of the Ruhrtal valley, the Hohenstein hydroelectric power station and the Nachtigall colliery. The surrounding parks are a popular destination for those seeking relaxation, with opportunities for hiking, cycling and jogging. Families particularly appreciate the nearby petting zoo and the game reserve with black and fallow deer.