Gunpowder Tower

The introductory words about the Gunpowder Tower should be left to someone who lived there for over 20 years, loved it and breathed life into it – Dr Heinrich Schützinger, mayor of Lindau from 1894 to 1919: ‘I have never encountered a building anywhere else that could even come close to the Lindau Powder Tower in terms of its originality and outstandingly beautiful location.’

From defensive tower to powder magazine

This sturdy structure was built at the westernmost point of the island in 1508 as part of the town walls. In 1629, the tent roof of the already low round tower was lowered by another two metres to reduce the surface area exposed to enemy attackers. This proved successful: the tower survived the Thirty Years’ War unscathed. Towards the end of the 18th century, the fortified tower was finally converted into a powder tower, where the Lindau civil guard stored their supplies.

A get-together in the Gunpowder Tower

In 1898, the ‘watchtower against enemy attacks’ finally turned into ‘a place of cheerful conviviality’ – as Mayor Dr. Heinrich Schützinger, who moved into the tower as its lord at the time, noted in his records. The Grand Duke of Baden, the famous airship builder Count Zeppelin, the poet Paul Heyse and many other notable guests gathered in the ground floor, which had been converted into a lounge; a newly built staircase led to the upper floor, which provided a dignified setting for countless receptions. Schützinger resided in the Gunpowder Tower until 1919 – he recorded his memories of the more than 2,000 guests he received there in the ‘Golden Book’, which is now in the possession of his descendants.

Conference and event location

After Schützinger moved out, the tower’s fortunes took a turn for the less glamorous: the French seized it in 1945 and did not release it until the spring of 1952. Since 1969, the powder tower has been owned by Lindau’s public utility company, which had it renovated in 1988. Today, the three floors can be rented for conferences and celebrations – but the illustrious guests of yesteryear, their tea parties and Bacchus nights probably remain unmatched…

The Gunpowder Tower can be booked by appointment for private parties, birthdays and weddings for up to 40 people. You can reach us by email at info@inselhalle-lindau.de or by phone at +49 8382 8899 600. Further information can also be found here.