Fernmeldeturm Nürnberg

The Nuremberg Telecommunications Tower, known to locals as the "Nürnberger Ei" (Nuremberg Egg), is the tallest structure in Bavaria and one of the city's most striking landmarks. Built between 1977 and 1980 to plans by architect Erwin Heinle and structural engineer Fritz Leonhardt, it rises to a total height of just under 293 meters (961 feet). It owes its distinctive look to its egg-shaped tower cabin, whose gaps were originally meant to be lined with plastic to emphasize the perfect egg shape, though this proved impossible for technical reasons. The tower stands in the Schweinau district and has served since its opening as the central site for broadcasting radio and television programs.

Originally designed purely as a telecommunications tower to replace an existing facility in the city center, the cabin now houses a wide range of technical equipment. This includes transmitters for FM and DAB radio, BOS (public safety) radio, amateur radio, mobile phone networks, and microwave links. Digital terrestrial television is also broadcast from here. The gaps in the cabin serve as antenna platforms, while three rotating beacons on the roof ensure aviation safety. The tower belongs to Deutsche Funkturm GmbH, a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom.

Although the tower was planned from the start with a visitor area featuring a revolving restaurant and an observation deck, it had to be closed to the public in 1991 due to financial difficulties. Since then there have been occasional initiatives and an open house day, but high operating and renovation costs have prevented a permanent reopening. Instead, the tower was added to the Bavarian list of protected monuments in 2021. Today, a 360-degree panoramic camera at great height offers a virtual view over the city, while the architecture of the nearby Hohe Marter subway station echoes the tower in its mosaics.