JenTower

JenTower is an impressive futuristic skyscraper that has become the primary symbol of the modern skyline of Jena. This cylindrical building stands 128 meters tall (reaching 159 meters with its antenna) and proudly holds the title of the tallest office building in East Germany. Its unique shape and mirrored facades create a striking contrast with the surrounding historic architecture of Germany.

JenTower. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Designed by the renowned architect Hermann Henselmann, the tower was built in the early 1970s and has since served as a vital landmark for residents and visitors alike. Locals often affectionately refer to it as the "Cookie Roll" (Keksrolle) due to its unique design, while students know it as the Uniturm, as it long housed facilities for the local university.

Today, JenTower is not only a business hub but also a popular tourist destination. Its 29 floors house the offices of major companies, including the famous Jenoptik, while the upper levels are dedicated to public spaces. Thanks to its high rating and unique location, the tower is considered a must-visit for any traveler finding themselves in Thuringia.

To clarify details about visiting the observation deck or booking a table at the panoramic restaurant, you can use the official contact information for JenTower. It is recommended to check for table availability in advance, especially on weekends.

Ascending to the observation deck on the 28th floor is the reason hundreds of tourists flock to the foot of the tower every day. The journey begins with a ride in a high-speed elevator to the 27th level, after which a glass elevator takes you to the open-air terrace. From here, at a height of over one hundred meters, breathtaking views open up over the red-tiled roofs of the old town, the Saale river valley, and the forested hills surrounding Jena.

After taking in the panorama, you can visit the panoramic restaurant located on the top floors (28th and 29th). This is the perfect spot for those wanting to enjoy fine dining without losing sight of the magnificent landscapes. Large floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to examine city details right from your dinner table, making a meal here truly special.

The lower floors of the complex are also full of life. Here you will find a shopping center with a variety of stores, and the spacious lobby often hosts works by contemporary artists. A visit to JenTower is a great opportunity to see how modern technology and business coexist with art and hospitality in the heart of Germany.

Finding JenTower is easy, as it is located at Leutragraben 1, in the very heart of the city. If you are in the historic center, the tower serves as your primary visual landmark. A walk from popular attractions like St. Michael's Church takes only a few minutes.

For those arriving by train, the most convenient starting points are the Jena West or Jena Paradies stations. From there, you can reach the skyscraper on foot in about 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, you can use public transport; trams and buses (routes 10, 11, 13, 14) stop right near the tower.

For travelers arriving by car, an underground parking garage with 200 spaces is available within the complex. If you are coming from other major cities like Berlin or Frankfurt, the most convenient option is to take high-speed trains to Jena, with the journey taking between 1 and 3 hours.

Construction of this ambitious project began in the spring of 1970. JenTower was built using the slip-form method, which allowed the main structural work to be completed by October 1972. The architect was the famous Hermann Henselmann, who aimed to create a "city crown" that would contrast with the traditional architecture of Jena.

Interestingly, the building was originally designed as the main research center for the Carl Zeiss company. However, after construction was completed, it became clear that maintaining such a giant tower was too expensive for the enterprise. As a result, the building was handed over to Friedrich Schiller University, which is why locals called it the Uniturm (University Tower) for a long time.

Over the years, the skyscraper has changed several official and colloquial names. One of the most amusing is the "Cookie Roll" (Keksrolle), given because of its distinctive cylindrical shape. In 2001, the building underwent a major modernization: two floors and a tall antenna were added, bringing the total height of the structure to 159 meters.

At the time of its opening in 1972, the tower was the tallest building in Germany. Today, it ranks 21st among Germany's skyscrapers but remains the undisputed record holder in East Germany as the tallest office building.

For a standard visit to JenTower, it is recommended to set aside 1 to 2 hours. This is sufficient time to take the elevator up to the clouds, admire the panoramic views from the observation deck, and take a series of impressive photos of Jena from a bird's-eye view.

If you plan to combine your sightseeing with lunch or a romantic dinner at the panoramic restaurant on the upper floors, you should add an extra 1.5–2 hours to your schedule. Additionally, a small amount of time may be spent viewing the temporary art exhibitions that are often held in the spacious lobby on the lower level.

The observation deck and main public areas of JenTower are open to visitors daily. The convenient operating hours allow you to see the city both in the bright rays of the daytime sun and in the glow of evening lights.

Opening Hours:
Monday — Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Its central location makes JenTower an ideal starting point for further exploration of Jena. Within a short walk, you will find ancient defensive towers, cozy squares, and historic town halls.