Regatta tower at the Baldeneysee

The regatta tower on Baldeneysee in Essen is a historical icon and a popular focal point for visitors to Lake Baldeney in Essen's Ruhr Valley. Together with the regatta grandstand, the regatta tower forms an ensemble that characterizes the appearance of the northern shore of Lake Baldeney. The tower from 1962 and the grandstand from the 1930s therefore have a long and interesting history.

In addition to its unmistakable appearance, the regatta tower plays an important role in the numerous sports competitions on Baldeneysee . The "Flotte Büdchen" on the first floor of the regatta tower - like the passenger ships on the Baldeneysee operated by Weiße Flotte Baldeney GmbH. Among other things, it uses the Flotte Büdchen to sell tickets for its own passenger ships. In addition, the timetables and promotions of Weiße Flotte Baldeney GmbH are displayed on the regatta tower.

While the Baldeneysee was originally dug between 1931 and 1933 to naturally clean the Ruhr river by means of sedimentation and to generate energy through hydropower at the Werden weir, it quickly became a magnet for day-trippers and sports enthusiasts - both on land and on the water. In the 1960s, the regatta tower was erected as a striking structure at the end of the regatta course just before the weir. The architect Horst Lippert designed the building from three staggered structural elements, which were stabilized by a steel structure and clad all around with glass panes. This special construction is reminiscent of the stylized bridge of a ship and provides a fabulous view of the Baldeneysee.

To this day, the regatta tower serves as a control and observation point as well as a moderation base for canoe and rowing regattas. Due to its orientation and height, the tower offers an excellent view of the regatta course, which is up to 2,000 meters long, and is therefore fundamental for the staging of regional, national and international water sports events. Especially during German championships and international competitions, an oversized screen for public viewing is set up here between the regatta tower and the regatta grandstand.

There are numerous leisure activities around the regatta tower. There are parking spaces right next to the tower, but these can fill up quickly. Alternatively, the tower can also be easily reached by public transport. Below the Parkhaus Hügel on Freiherr-vom-Stein-Straße there is a bus stop, which is also served by the double-decker sightseeing buses. The S-Bahn line S6, which runs between Essen main station and Cologne Deutz station, is also within walking distance; the nearest station is Essen-Hügel. Directly in front of the tower is the Hügel landing stage for the Weiße Flotte passenger ships, which offer round trips on Baldeneysee , among other things.

Several sports clubs are located in the vicinity of the regatta tower, including the Essener Turn- und Fechtklub e.V. (ETUF) and the Kanusport-Gemeinschaft Essen e.V. (KGE). Directly opposite the tower is the boathouse of the Essen-Werdener Ruder-Club von 1896 e. V. (EWRC). These and other clubs use the excellent conditions on the lake for training and competitions.

The regatta tower also marks a historical place of remembrance. This is because the village of Bredeney was once located in the immediate vicinity of the tower. The origins of Bredeney, now a district of Essen, go back to the year 796 and lie - if you like - at the bottom of Lake Baldeney. When the Ruhr valley was to be flooded to create Lake Baldeney, the inhabitants of the houses here had to relocate. Only Baldeney Castle with its coach house and chapel and a neighboring house remained. The regatta tower on Baldeneysee: not only a popular destination for day-trippers and a prominent point for water sports, but also a starting point for history buffs.