Gradierwerk im Kurpark Hamm

The Graduation Tower in Hamm's Kurpark is a unique open-air wellness facility located in the city of Hamm. The structure is an impressive wooden construction filled with bundles of blackthorn. This place is rightfully considered the "city's sea," as the air here is saturated with beneficial trace elements and moisture, creating a seaside effect in the heart of Germany.

Graduation Tower in Kurpark Hamm. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The principle behind this giant inhalation unit is simple yet effective: natural brine slowly trickles down the blackthorn branches. As it evaporates, the air around the tower cools and becomes saturated with tiny salt particles — aerosols. Breathing this air is extremely beneficial for people with respiratory conditions and allergies, as well as for general immune system support.

The tower itself is impressive in size: it is about 42 meters long and reaches nearly 10 meters in height. For the convenience of visitors, a covered walkway has been built on the eastern side, allowing for "salt baths" even in rainy weather while enjoying the peace and tranquility of the Kurpark.

To confirm details before your visit or to find more information about events in the park, you can use the official communication channels.

The main reason people visit the graduation tower is for natural inhalation sessions. You can simply take a slow stroll through the covered gallery, breathing in the cool, salty air. This creates a wonderful sense of freshness, reminiscent of a walk along the seashore on a windy day. Many visitors come here just to sit on the nearby benches, relax, and enjoy a short therapeutic break in the middle of a busy day.

Aesthetics enthusiasts should visit in the evening. The tower is equipped with a modern lighting system that transforms the technical structure into a striking art object. The play of light on the blackthorn branches and salt droplets provides excellent conditions for evening photography.

Since the tower is located in the center of the Kurpark, your visit can be complemented by a walk along shady alleys, viewing local sculptures, or having a small picnic on one of the many lawns. It is an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet getaway who want to combine leisure with health benefits.

The graduation tower is located in the eastern part of the city at Ostenallee, 59071 Hamm. If you are in the city center, a pleasant walk to the Kurpark will take about 25 minutes (a distance of approximately 2 km). The route passes through well-maintained neighborhoods, making for a relaxing stroll.

For those who prefer public transport, buses run regularly toward the park. You will need to get off at one of the stops located right by the boundaries of the Kurpark. From the Hamm railway station, you can also reach the site by taxi in just a few minutes.

Drivers can take advantage of convenient parking areas designed specifically for park visitors. Thanks to its prime location, a visit to the tower can easily be combined with other city attractions, such as the local zoo.

While the architecture resembles vintage industrial buildings, the Graduation Tower in Hamm's Kurpark is a modern structure. It was built in 2008 on the initiative of the city's public utilities (Stadtwerke Hamm). The construction served as a gift to the citizens in honor of the 150th anniversary of gas supply in Hamm, with project investments totaling approximately 250,000 euros.

Historically, similar structures (graduation houses) were used in Germany not for health purposes, but for industrial salt production. Brine was repeatedly passed through blackthorn branches so that water would evaporate under the influence of wind and sun, increasing the salt concentration. In Hamm, it was decided to revive this tradition, but purely for wellness purposes.

The modern tower uses natural saltwater brought in from the Leinetal valley. Although Hamm has its own salt deposits, their industrial extraction is currently considered economically unfeasible, so proven imported raw materials are used to create the healing microclimate.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere of this place and reap the health benefits, 30 to 60 minutes is usually sufficient for the average tourist. This time allows for a leisurely walk along the entire structure and a short inhalation session.

Experts recommend spending about 15–20 minutes in the salt aerosol spray zone per session—this is enough time for the salt microparticles to have a beneficial effect on the respiratory tract. The remaining time can be spent admiring the architectural details and taking beautiful photos against the backdrop of this unusual structure.

The graduation tower in Hamm is designed as a public recreation space. It is open to the public 24/7 (24 hours a day) every day of the week, including weekends and holidays.

This makes the location very convenient to visit: you can come early in the morning for an invigorating breathing exercise session or late in the evening to admire the beautiful illumination in the quiet of the park.

A visit to the graduation tower can be turned into a full day of relaxation, as the Kurpark and its surroundings offer many interesting locations. Exploring the adjacent area will allow you to get to know the culture and architecture of this German region better.

Within walking distance, you will find both modern thermal complexes and historical sites that highlight the city's multifaceted character.