Burgfried in Bad Godesberg Dangerous selfie shoots at the top

Bad Godesberg · What first looks like a scene from „Titanic“ - a man spreading his arms like Kate Winslet or Leonardo di Caprio at the top of the Godesburg castle - could turn into catastrophe in seconds. Currently the Burgfried tower is closed to the public due to safety concerns.

What first looks like a scene from „Titanic“ - a man spreading his arms like Kate Winslet or Leonardo di Caprio at the top of the Godesburg castle - could turn into catastrophe in seconds. The tower is 32 meters high. As reported, the Burgfried tower is currently officially closed to the public due to safety concerns.

„There are always people up there taking pictures of themselves“, says a long term resident, who wishes not to be named, during a GA interview. On his balcony, he makes note of every latest „selfie mania“ session up there, shaking his head. „Imagine what would happen if a stone comes loose and somebody falls down“, he said. The city council might have had something even worse in mind when tower was closed to the public a month ago.

A proposal by the FDP Godesberg during a meeting of the municipal council had brought the issue to the city’s representatives’ attention. Also, the city council has asked for a feasibility study/check for a railing to prevent falls. „There is no need to wait until something happens“, says the local FDP chairman, Wolfgang Heedt. During a first on-site inspection, Thomas Böckeler from the building management department of the city (SGB), offered initial thoughts on the matter.

But he also said: „Visitors of the tower take the risk knowingly.“ Which means, that even a protective rail cannot avoid willful behavior.“ The SGB plans to install a ring shaped metal construction in the middle of the Burgfried edge. It will not be very high but bend towards the visitors’ platform, similar to animal enclosures in zoos. „It is supposed to have indicative/signal effect on people not to climb onto the balustrade.“, said Böckeler.

Although there are clearly visible warning signs already. Because the tower is a protected building, other departments have to be part of the decision making process. The building management department is expecting to have the work carried out within four weeks. Then, the Burgfried can be opened again for locals and visitors alike.

There are no plans to install a voluntary or paid tower supervisor, according to the city council: „The tower is rented out to the gastronomy licensee, therefore it would be her responsibility to organize supervisory personal.“ The SGB takes care of the maintenance.

There is a person responsible for the key, who wants to remain anonymous. So far, he has to go up and down 162 steps twice a day to lock and unlock the door at the top of the tower. Soon, he will be doing this again. Original text: Silke Elbern Translation: Mareike Graepel

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