Castle Observatory

The small but historically important observatory at Hohentübingen Castle was built in 1814 specifically to use the so-called “Reichenbach’ Repetitive Circle”. Only a few of these precision devices repetitive circles can be found worldwide, for example in Florence, Milan and Paris. However, the unique ensemble of this historical device and specially built observatory exists only in Tübingen. The Tübingen professor of mathematics Johann G. F. Bohnenberger (1765–1831) is closely associated with this building. As an astronomer, physicist, and surveyor, he was also responsible for pioneering developments and the invention of the gyroscope.

To mark the 200^th anniversary of the Württemberg land survey, which originated at this site, at the northeast tower of the castle, the observatory was renovated in 2018 and made accessible to visitors.

Additional information about the observatory