Photo: Cesar von Meissen
Command center for regattas
The regatta tower at the Baldeneysee in Essen is a historical icon and a popular meeting point for visitors to the Baldeneysee in Essen's Ruhr Valley. Together with the Regatta grandstand The regatta tower forms an ensemble that shapes the appearance of the north bank of the Baldeneysee. The tower, built in 1962, and the grandstand from the 1930s thus have a long and interesting history.
Tickets for passenger ships
Besides its distinctive appearance, the regatta tower plays an important role in the numerous sporting competitions at the Baldeneysee. The "Flotte Büdchen" (a small kiosk) on the ground floor of the Regatta Tower will – like the passenger ships on the Baldeneysee The kiosk is also operated by Weiße Flotte Baldeney GmbH. This company uses the kiosk, among other things, to sell tickets for its own passenger ships. Furthermore, the timetables and special offers of Weiße Flotte Baldeney GmbH are posted at the regatta tower.
Architecture and history
While the Baldeneysee was originally excavated between 1931 and 1933 to naturally clean the Ruhr River through sedimentation and to generate hydroelectric power at the Werdener 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. Architect Horst Lippert designed the structure from three staggered building elements, stabilized by a steel frame and clad entirely in glass panels. This unique design is reminiscent of a ship's stylized bridge and offers a fabulous view of the Baldeneysee.
Meaning and Use
To this day, the regatta tower serves as a control and observation point, as well as a commentary base, for canoe and rowing regattas. Its orientation and height offer an excellent view of the up to 2,000-meter-long regatta course, making it essential for the organization of regional, national, and international water sports events. Especially during German championships and international competitions, an oversized screen is set up here – between the regatta tower and the grandstand – for public viewing.
Leisure and recreation
There are numerous leisure activities around the regatta tower. Parking is available directly at the tower, but it can fill up quickly. Alternatively, the tower can also be easily reached by public transport. local public transport reach. Below Parkhaus Hügel There is a bus stop on Freiherr-vom-Stein-Straße, which is also served by the double-decker sightseeing buses. The S6 suburban train line, which runs between Essen Central 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 passenger ships of the White Fleet, which offers, among other things, round trips on the Baldeneysee.
Sports clubs and events
Several sports clubs are located in the vicinity of the regatta tower, including the Essen Gymnastics and Fencing Club (ETUF) and the Kanusport-Gemeinschaft Essen e.V. (KGE). Directly opposite the tower is the boathouse of the Essen-Werdener Rowing Club of 1896 (EWRC). These and other clubs utilize the excellent conditions on the lake for training and competitions.
Cultural significance
The regatta tower also marks a historical memorial site. The village of Bredeney once lay in the immediate vicinity of the tower. The origin of Bredeney, a present-day district of Essen, dates back to the year 796 and lies – if you will – on the foundations of the Baldeneysee. Because when the Ruhr Valley was to be flooded for the construction of the Baldeneysee, the inhabitants of the houses located there had to relocate. The Baldeney Castle The carriage house, chapel, and a neighboring house remain. The regatta tower at Baldeneysee is not only a popular destination for day-trippers and a prominent landmark for water sports, but also a starting point for history buffs.
