Albert Tower on the Collm

As early as 360 years ago, the elector, Georg I., who was partial to hunting, had the idea of building an observation tower on the 'Collmberg'. However, only in 1851 did the building of the Albert tower become possible thanks to donations from friends of nature and of the local area, which, effectively laid the foundations for the construction on the hilltop of the Collm. In April 1854, climbing of the 18-metre-high tower was approved.

It was named after the prince and duke of that time and later, after King Albert of Saxony. On days marked by particularly good visibility, not only can you see the silhouette of Leipzig from the platform, which is approx. 60 km away, with its Monument to the Battle of the Nations and university buildings, but also the edges of the "Erzgebirge" (Ore Mountain Range), the peak of the "Lausitz Bergland" (mountainous area in Lausitz), "Petersberg" in Halle and Augustus Castle. No matter what the season, many people hike to Collm to enjoy the incredible view, which encompasses the nearby area too. Visitors must conquer 99 steps to access the observation platform.

Since 1993, it has also been possible to access the panoramic view by means of a stationery telescope. On the platform of the observation tower stands a granite boulder from the 'Nagelsche Triangulierung' (Royal Saxon Triangulation) from 1865, the region's most meticulous, traditional grade measurement system. Until very recently, well-known ordnance maps have been based on this. The inscription is as follows: "Royal Saxon Station of East German Grade Measurement, Collm".

Today, the Albert tower is owned by the Wermsdorf municipa ty, and is accessible to hikers and day trippers.